Author: lindenheritage

Linden City Council Approves Resolutions to proceed with application to 2017 Texas Main Street Program

~ lindenheritage
Member of Linden Heritage Foundation, Linden City Council, and Linden Economic Development Corporation following approval of Council Resolution required to proceed with application to 2017 Texas Main Street Program. Top row (left to right): Sam Higdon, Clarence Burns, Richard Bowden, Emily Henderson, and Bob Swisher. Bottom row: Kenny Hamilton, Mike Berry, Chuck Evans, Sue Lazara, and Ruth Halleck.
Member of Linden Heritage Foundation, Linden City Council, and Linden Economic Development Corporation following approval of Council Resolution required to proceed with application to 2017 Texas Main Street Program. Top row (left to right): Sam Higdon, Clarence Burns, Richard Bowden, Emily Henderson, and Bob Swisher. Bottom row: Kenny Hamilton, Mike Berry, Chuck Evans, Sue Lazara, and Ruth Halleck. Photo by John Knapp

Following the call to order for the May 23, 2016 meeting of the Linden City Council, Linden Heritage Foundation President Sam Higdon spoke under the Public Comment section of the Agenda.  He thanked members of the the Council and others who have supported submission of an applicant to the 2017 Texas Main Street Program and brought about the consensus needed to proceed.

Two Resolutions were on the Special Agenda proposed by City Administrator, Bob Swisher.  Mayor Burns read Resolution 3-16 which provides funding for the Texas Main Street Program and proposes that 33% of the City’s subsidy of staff expenses for the Linden Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) be withdrawn at the end of the current fiscal year.  Ms. Lazara moved for adoption and Ms. Halleck seconded the motion.  Mr. Hamilton asked that it be made clear that the funding to be withdrawal from LEDC would not occur until October 1, 2016.  This intent was confirmed and the motion passed unanimously.

The Mayor then read Resolution 4-16 which provides authorization by the Council which is required by the Texas Historical Commission as part of the application.  Mr. Hamilton moved for adoption of the Resolution and Ms. Lazara seconded. It passed unanimously without discussion.

The meeting was adjourned; and members of Linden Heritage Foundation, Linden City Council, and Linden Economic Development Corporation gathered for a photograph to document this important step in the revitalization of Linden.

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Ward Timber Company Donates to Firehouse Rescue Fund

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Check presentation by Brittanie Ward Lowery (center), Administrative Assistant of Ward Timber Company, to Linden Heritage Foundation Officers Joe B. Lovelace (left) and Jana Carpenter Bounds (right).
Brittanie Ward Lowery (center), Administrative Assistant of Ward Timber Company, present check to Linden Heritage Foundation Officers Joe B. Lovelace (left) and Jana C. Bounds (right).
Linden Heritage Foundation recently accepted a generous contribution to help rescue Linden’s 1939 Firehouse.  Ward Timber Company of Linden has donated $1,000 in recognition of the role fire departments play in protection of our structures and woodlands.

The Linden Heritage Foundation was established in 2015 as a public charity to protect historic resources of Linden.  The Foundation quickly realized that endangerment issues impacting the Firehouse had to be addressed immediately if this historically significant structure was to be saved

Recently, the Linden Firehouse was preliminarily selected by the Texas Preservation Trust Fund for a crucial Project Planning Grant.  To raise the necessary match money for that grant, the Linden Heritage Foundation established the Firehouse Rescue Fund.

The overall plan is to restore the Firehouse in a way that retains its eligibility to the National Register of Historic Places, improve the visual appearance of downtown Linden, and give the City a commercial shot in the arm.  Because of the building’s historical significance, it is possible to move in this direction using tax money we have already paid to our state and federal governments.

Conceptual computer-rendered image of 1939 Firehouse after restoration.
Conceptual computer-rendered image of 1939 Firehouse after restoration by Lucas Allen.
The immediate state grant available to the Firehouse is designed to fund planning services by an architect possessing the type of credentials required by the Texas Preservation Trust Fund on projects chosen to receive public funding.  Planning work done under this grant will also serve to keep the Firehouse on track for a possible “Full Restoration Grant” the following year.

Firehouse History 

  • Built: 1939
  • Architect: R. Stanley-Brown
  • Local Builder: A. Morse
  • Designation: Eligible for National Registry of Historic Places
  • Recognition: Preservation Texas 2016 Texas’ Most Endangered Places List – Local Public Buildings category

The following news articles appeared in the local press to usher in the new structure:

  • January 26, 1939: “Linden started work this week on building a stucco fire station for their fire engine, and the building will include office, storage room and sleeping quarters for two volunteers…”
  • February 23, 1939: “DID YOU HEAR . . . the Fire Truck as it moved into its new home Tuesday noon, near the water tower? This is a great improvement to our little city.”

Architectural historians and preservationists have long recognized that no community, neither its buildings nor its forests nor its people, is safe without a fire station.  In early 2016, in recognition of its historical uniqueness and significance, the Old Linden Firehouse was named by Preservation Texas to its 2016 Texas’ Most Endangered Places list.  When making that announcement to a crowd gathered in Austin, the following remarks were offered by Evan Thompson, Executive Director of Preservation Texas:

  • “While many historical buildings have been lost to fire, so many have been saved through the valiant efforts of firefighters. That we are able to enjoy neighborhoods filled with old wooden structures is a testament to the success of our firefighters, and old fire stations represent the front line in preservation.”

Firehouse Future

We hope you will honor the town of Linden with a gift of your support to rescue, restore, and reimagine our Old Linden Firehouse of 1939.

Interested parties may donate to the Firehouse Rescue Fund by check made out to Linden Heritage Foundation – Rescue, PO Box 507, Linden 75563.  Donations by credit card are also welcomed.

Your gift to this Firehouse Rescue Fund will play a lasting role in helping Linden honor its unique heritage, prosper commercially, create jobs, and become all it can and should be.

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City Council Tables Texas Main Street Program Resolution

~ lindenheritage

LindenCityLimitSignAt their May 9, 2016 meeting, Linden City Council once again postponed action on Resolution 03-16 regarding application the Texas Main Street Program.  A copy of the Resolution discussed initially on April 11, 2016 follows.

“WHEREAS, the City of Linden had decided to invest in revitalization the downtown business district.

WHEREAS the historic nature of the City of Linden would make it a good candidate for entering Texas Main Street Program.

WHEREAS the Texas Main Street program requires an extensive application the City Administrator will assemble a committee capable of completing all the separate portions of the application and submitting it prior to the deadline for 2017 Main Street acceptance.

WHEREAS the program requires a budget commitment of three years the City will commit to a $50,000 annual budget including both salary and initial budget for a new Main Street Manager.  To keep the City budget balanced the City will regretfully no longer be able to pay 1/3rd of the Linden Economic Development Corporation’s salaries.  The City will also attempt to establish an Emergency Services District.  Total savings in these two changes will equal or exceed the $50,000 requirement.  Note that there is a risk in that the ESD could be voted down and the City would still have to count on other cuts and growth in tax revenue to make up the remaining $20,000.

NOW THEREFORE the City of Linden does approve this application and the associated budget actions to continue operations with a balanced budget.”

Jerry Harp has given the Foundation permission to use his Facebook post from May 10, 2016 which provided the following description of the Council proceedings.

“The Linden City Council met in regular session on May 9 at the Senior Center. There were about 25 people in attendance. After the opening prayer and pledge, Jeanie Stevens and Ruth Halleck spoke in favor of the Main Street program. Emily Braswell Henderson gave a report on LEDC finances. Sue M. Lazara questioned a $10,000 deficit noted in the printed report. Mrs. Henderson stated that she would have to get back with Sue on that.

City Administrator Bob Swisher then addressed the Main Street program, stating that to kick it off, $50,000 was needed. He suggested that $28,000 of city funds be taken from salaries paid to LEDC employees, and that the agency make up the difference from their non-city funded revenue sources. Larry Wells, LEDC board member, and Mrs. Henderson noted that removing the salary supplement would very likely hinder LEDC actions in the community. A motion to table this idea was made by Kenny Hamilton and passed 3-2. The Administrator is to meet with the LEDC board and report back in 2 weeks to a special Council session. The deadline for the complicated application for the Main Street program is July 29. Only 89 cities in Texas have been accepted. It is a BIG deal.

Mr. Swisher then presented the extensive list of goals for Linden 2025. This roadmap of improvements for the city was approved.

Joe Lovelace, Linden Heritage Foundation, presented colorful architectural renderings of how the historical fire house and water tower might look one day as funds become available. He noted that this would integrate nicely into the Main Street program.

Mr. Swisher reported that negotiations were underway with Etex to have fiber optic cable laid for city hall and the new police station, giving them much higher and more reliable internet speeds. Windstream was not being particularly co-operative.

Public works director Robert Luzio reported a major water main break had caused low pressure city wide. Due to recent rains, several major culverts had washed away, requiring asap replacement. Mr. Swisher reported that there was a chance of cost recovery from FEMA.

Alton McWaters, police chief noted there had been 28 traffic contacts, 159 calls for service, and 3 arrest during April. The department is in the process of moving into their new facilities purchased by the city from ETMC. The building is behind the closed hospital.

The meeting adjourned.”

The text of the recommendation by the Linden 2025 Committee supporting the City’s application to the Main Street Program follows.

“To Whom It May Concern: Linden City Council

Date: May 9, 2016

From: Linden 2025 Committee

Endorsement of Texas Main Street Program

These members of The Linden 2025 Committee strongly endorse and recommend that the City Council proceed immediately with the Application to the Texas Main Street Program.  This program will allow Linden to benefit from funding and programs, as well as services, such as architectural and engineerial.

Signed by: Jeanie O’Rear Stevens, Marlon Sullivan, Kay Stephens, Catherine Knapp, Ruth Halleck, Carla Surratt, Clarence Burns, and Joe Pat Early”

Linden2025 Endorsement TMSP 9May2016

Click image of letter on left to view a photograph of the original document.

 

 

 

 

 

The Council will reconsider the Resolution at their next meeting scheduled for May 23, 2016. It is important to make everyone aware of their actions; and encourage Linden residents to express their opinions to members of the Council and Linden Economic Development Corporation.  Help them understand that participation in the Texas Main Street Program is critical to the revitalization of Linden.

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Foundation Holds Reception Honoring Charter Members

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Group photograph of Reception attendees courtesy of Neil Abeles. Click photo to enlarge image.
Group photograph of Reception attendees courtesy of Neil Abeles. Click photo to enlarge image.

The Linden Heritage Foundation’s reception honoring Charter Members was a delightful evening graciously hosted by Ruth Halleck on April 23, 2016.  Attendees came from Arkansas, the Dallas-Ft. Worth metroplex, South Texas, and Northeast Texas.  Hospitality Committee members Mary Janet Allen Wells, Charlotte Bennett Wells, and Wanda Ayers Burns did a fantastic job with refreshments, name tags, and door prizes, and gave all a friendly Linden welcome.

President Sam Higdon welcomed everyone, presented certificates to Charter Members, introduced Directors, and reiterated the importance of the Foundation.  From Joe B. Lovelace, members and guests learned details of the Firehouse Rescue Fund Campaign.

Conceptual computer-rendered image of 1939 Firehouse after restoration.
Conceptual computer-rendered image of 1939 Firehouse after restoration. Click image for enlargement.

Sue Morris Lazara spoke about the Request for Proposals for commercial development of Linden’s 1934 Water Tower as well as restoration of the 1939 Firehouse.  It was exciting to see LeTourneau University senior engineering student Lucas Allen’s post-restoration rendering of the historic Firehouse.

Ed Sergeant explain his concept for the preservation and repurposing of Linden’s 1935 Water Tower and 1939 Firehouse.
Ed Sergeant explain his concept for the preservation and repurposing of Linden’s 1934 Water Tower and 1939 Firehouse.

Historical-restoration architect Ed Sergeant displayed and discussed his conceptual rendering of the restored Water Tower, Firehouse, and surrounding area.  His wife Laura joins him in enthusiasm about the Foundation because generations of her family have been Cass County residents.

The Foundation thanks Jo Anna Duncan and Neil Abeles for their expert photography during the evening, and to businesses and individuals who furnished door prizes.  Above all, the evening would have been impossible without the Linden Heritage Foundation Charter Members whose valuable support is important now and in the future.  The Foundation is also grateful to our Parliamentarian, Kay Temple Stephens, for preparing this summary of the Reception.

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Texas Main Street Program to be discussed at Linden City Council Meeting on May 9, 2016

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TMSP LogoThe next meeting of the Linden City Council is scheduled for Monday, May 9th, starting at 6:00 pm at the Mary Daughety Senior Citizens Center located at 507 South Kaufman in Linden.   In February, the City filed a “Letter of Intent” for the 2017 Texas Main Street Program.  It is expected that the Council will make a decision at this meeting on whether or not to proceed with Linden’s formal application for designation as a Texas Main Street City.

The Linden Heritage Foundation has been co-sponsoring workshops with the City to help local business/property owners understand the significant advantages of participation in the nationally acclaimed Texas Main Street Program.  The second workshop will be held Thursday, May 5th, from 1:30 to 3 pm in Fellowship Hall of the Linden United Methodist Church.  More information is available at http://lindenheritage.org/texas-main-street-linden-reimagined/.

We hope that you will be able to attend to show support for Linden becoming a Texas Main Street City.  

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