The demolition plans for 116 and 130 Bank Street are off the table for good. Seeing these buildings saved feels like protecting a piece of my own family history. I am deeply grateful to everyone who helped prove that our maritime heritage is worth fighting for.
June 14, 2017
Final supporters
We, the undersigned, urge the Connecticut Historic Preservation Council to oppose the demolition of 116 and 130 Bank Street, New London, Connecticut.
Downtown New London is fortunate to have a largely intact historic waterfront. Together, the buildings along Bank Street embody New London's history as an early maritime town. The loss of these two adjacent buildings would permanently damage downtown's unique character and charm.
116 Bank Street "is very old, and was probably erected soon after the town was destroyed by the British," according to "Bank Street 50 Years Ago," published in 1902. 116 Bank Street is currently occupied by a successful small business, New London Ink.
130 Bank Street dates back to 1828. It was owned by Captain John Deshon, who became a sea captain in 1798 when he was twenty-one years old and whose family was prominent in New London's whaling industry. Although 130 Bank Street suffers from deferred maintenance, a structural engineer who toured the building in March, 2017 says the building is "generally sound" and "fixable."
Updates
April 25, 2017
Seeing this groundswell of support for our waterfront is deeply moving because my grandfather spent his life telling stories about these specific storefronts. This momentum proves that our community refuses to let our maritime history be erased for the sake of empty space.
Reached 100 supporters
April 25, 2017
82 Comments
New London suffered many architectural losses during the " enthusiastic" urban renewal programs. At this time we should be preserving our remaining heritage.
In addition to the loss of history, I do not trust this developer to complete the work in a reasonable amount of time based on his performance in the past. Downtown cannot afford to have two adjacent lots vacant or under construction for years on end.
If these buildings are structurally sound, their historic preservation can add to our efforts of both economic and community revitalization in New London, along with potentially increasing tourism and employment, while preserving regional history, and culture.
Keeping New London's historical buildings alive is so important to the health of the entire community. Towns like Portsmouth N.H. and their Strawberry Banke are models of successful transition of old towns into thriving tourist and local meccas.
First came the British. Then came that school explosion. Now comes Bill Cornish. That's a rough list to be on, but the other two times there wasn't much average people could do. This time is different.
To NLL: Please continue your efforts for now to keep these historic buildings intact and then restored as soon as possible.
51 norman drive Gales Ferry, CT 06335
Share this petition
Share this petition to help it reach more people.
Your share link
The demolition plans for 116 and 130 Bank Street are off the table for good. Seeing these buildings saved feels like protecting a piece of my own family history. I am deeply grateful to everyone who helped prove that our maritime heritage is worth fighting for.
June 14, 2017
Final supporters
We, the undersigned, urge the Connecticut Historic Preservation Council to oppose the demolition of 116 and 130 Bank Street, New London, Connecticut.
Downtown New London is fortunate to have a largely intact historic waterfront. Together, the buildings along Bank Street embody New London's history as an early maritime town. The loss of these two adjacent buildings would permanently damage downtown's unique character and charm.
116 Bank Street "is very old, and was probably erected soon after the town was destroyed by the British," according to "Bank Street 50 Years Ago," published in 1902. 116 Bank Street is currently occupied by a successful small business, New London Ink.
130 Bank Street dates back to 1828. It was owned by Captain John Deshon, who became a sea captain in 1798 when he was twenty-one years old and whose family was prominent in New London's whaling industry. Although 130 Bank Street suffers from deferred maintenance, a structural engineer who toured the building in March, 2017 says the building is "generally sound" and "fixable."
Updates
April 25, 2017
Seeing this groundswell of support for our waterfront is deeply moving because my grandfather spent his life telling stories about these specific storefronts. This momentum proves that our community refuses to let our maritime history be erased for the sake of empty space.
Reached 100 supporters
April 25, 2017
82 Comments
It would be a teagedy to tear down buildings that are a part of the town's history. We have several local talented restoration firms that could help refurbish these properties, which would increase thier value at this time of renaissance in New London.
New London suffered many architectural losses during the " enthusiastic" urban renewal programs. At this time we should be preserving our remaining heritage.
In addition to the loss of history, I do not trust this developer to complete the work in a reasonable amount of time based on his performance in the past. Downtown cannot afford to have two adjacent lots vacant or under construction for years on end.
If these buildings are structurally sound, their historic preservation can add to our efforts of both economic and community revitalization in New London, along with potentially increasing tourism and employment, while preserving regional history, and culture.
Keeping New London's historical buildings alive is so important to the health of the entire community. Towns like Portsmouth N.H. and their Strawberry Banke are models of successful transition of old towns into thriving tourist and local meccas.
First came the British. Then came that school explosion. Now comes Bill Cornish. That's a rough list to be on, but the other two times there wasn't much average people could do. This time is different.
To NLL: Please continue your efforts for now to keep these historic buildings intact and then restored as soon as possible.
51 norman drive Gales Ferry, CT 06335
Share this petition
Share this petition to help it reach more people.
Your share link
Petitions like this
Other petitions you might want to support
Scan to share
Anyone who scans this can sign the petition.
It would be a teagedy to tear down buildings that are a part of the town's history. We have several local talented restoration firms that could help refurbish these properties, which would increase thier value at this time of renaissance in New London.