Darby’s history could become a tourist attraction

To the Times:

I am writing to thank the Delaware County Daily Times for Pete Bannon’s article on efforts to save 1000 Main St. in Darby Borough. While I do not agree with Mayor Helen Thomas that 1000 Main should be demolished, I do agree

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that the Borough is in need of revenue. I just do not believe demolishing 1000 Main will help in that regard.

Taking down houses on Chestnut Street after Hurricane Floyd meant taking those houses off the tax rolls which contributed to the revenue problem. Recent flooding may mean the demolition of three more houses on Springfield Road, adding to the problem. What is to be done?

Darby Borough has many challenges, but at the same time many assets it can use. These assets include its strategic location, its remarkable

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transportation network connecting it to three major universities and Center City, and its unique, if endangered, history. Heritage Tourism is one of the world’s major growth industries and Darby can use its history for its benefit. In addition, Donovan

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Rypkema and others teach the “greenest” building is the one already built because of the embodied energy of materials and past investment. Darby has a wealth of older, solid buildings.

The mortise and tenon timber frame 1000 Main Street, part of the Darby streetscape for 168 years and witness to its history, has stories to tell of our past, and can be an asset for our future.

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