Drugstores: A Success Story in Kokomo
IndianaThe Threat
In the summer of 1999 CVS/pharmacy negotiated with a local developer to purchase six historic houses in Kokomo, Indiana. The houses range in style from Queen Anne to Bungalow and represent the work of locally well-known architects at the turn of the twentieth century. In buying these properties, CVS intended to rezone the lots for commercial use, demolish the existing structures, and build a new stand-alone drugstore with a parking lot and drive-through.
CVS proposed a rezoning petition to the Kokomo Planning Commission upon completion of the sale. After being defeated by one vote, the pharmacy decided to resubmit the petition the following fall in the hopes they would garner enough support the second time around for the proposal to pass.
The Preservation Effort
Following the initial hearing, local residents contacted the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana for advice on increasing public awareness. Citizens Against Rezoning subsequently formed out of this effort and helped to mobilize widespread opposition to the CVS petition by holding a public forum. In the fall 1999, and with the assistance of Historic Landmarks, committed individuals organized a sizable media campaign. Newspaper coverage, radio interviews, and correspondence with political leaders illustrated the case and showed a unified public voice. Property owners displayed signs on their lawns and picketed before the zoning hearing.
The Result Two hundred citizens attended the second hearing in opposition to the proposed demolition for a new CVS. At the final vote, the planning commission rejected the rezoning request by a larger margin from the initial vote. CVS and its developers decided to withdraw their petition.
The citizens of Kokomo proved that thoughtful consideration for their town`s character was a viable force against rampant development. Residents banded together, presented a unified opposition, and utilized many preservation planning tools. The organizational support from the statewide preservation organization, Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana, proved vital in this case. Partnership between the community and the statewide provided an opportunity to pool resources and shape the future vision of Kokomo via broad-based support.
For more information contact:
Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana
765-478-3172
