Statement by Stephanie Meeks on the Devastation of Hurricane Irene to Historic Properties and Communities

Posted August 30, 2011 | Contact pr@savingplaces.org or 202-588-6141

Washington, D.C., (August 30, 2011) − This past week the East Coast has seen an unprecedented amount of natural devastation that has caused severe damage to historic properties and communities. The following is a statement by Stephanie Meeks, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

“The loss and damage to historic properties and communities due to Hurricane Irene has been one of the many regrettable outcomes of this storm. The East Coast has some of the oldest historic Main Streets and buildings which are already a scarce resource.

“And though none of the National Trust’s historic sites sustained any damage, we are unfortunately hearing of numerous other cases of loss.  In Vermont, a century old covered bridge was swept away and with it, its rich history. In New Jersey, much of historic downtown Mount Holly is under water.

“Where possible, every effort should be made to restore and save historic places devastated by Irene. It is critical the recovery efforts of communities along the East Coast take into account the significance of displaced people returning home to places that are not only healthy and vibrant, but familiar. Historic places contribute to the distinctive character that identifies and defines our communities.

“The National Trust for Historic Preservation has provided state and local partners with disaster response information and in Vermont, where the communities there have been hit the hardest, we’re providing some funds to conduct building assessments of affected properties. We stand ready to offer whatever resources we have available to help communities and homeowners make thoughtful choices to preserve the historic places that remain.”