Rebuilding Place in the Urban Space

"A community’s physical form, rather than its land uses, is its most intrinsic and enduring characteristic." [Katz, EPA] This blog focuses on place and placemaking and all that makes it work--historic preservation, urban design, transportation, asset-based community development, arts & cultural development, commercial district revitalization, tourism & destination development, and quality of life advocacy--along with doses of civic engagement and good governance watchdogging.

Friday, March 14, 2008

What do you say when "go to hell" doesn't convey the anti-religious sentiment you feel?

Another reason to hate organized religion and pandering politicians. From "D.C. bill would give churches right to convert property" in the Washington Business Journal:

Churches around D.C. may find it easier to trade in their chapels for development projects if a proposed bill passes. Councilman Jack Evans, D-Ward 2, told the Dupont Circle Advisory Neighborhood Commission he would introduce legislation to overturn a recent Historic Preservation Review Board decision to landmark a local church.
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My response:

I can't think of a worse idea. Or one that panders so badly and baldly.

In the United States, we have a principle called disestablishmentarianism.

It means the separation of church and state.

That doesn't mean that religious institutions are free to do whatever they want without recognizing the legitimate concern of the community with regard to building regulation.

It means that the state doesn't interfere with the practice of religion.

Remember when churches got free or reduced price water from the City? Why not have churches be exempt from all city regulation while you're at it, including parking and building maintenance. Let churches not pay property taxes even on buildings they own that aren't used for the mission of the church.

It is truly scary how much religious pandering there is in a country that has the First Amendment, and the great principles espoused within that key amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

I wish our elected officials had more respect for the Constitution of the United States.

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