Lament for a Landmark

Developer Joe Ayvazi reveals his true interest--money--when he threatens to demolish the historic Goode House in Glendale. His refusal to scale down or eliminate an apartment complex adjoining the Victorian landmark so that the house will be eligible for the National register of Historic places isn’t surprising. The Goode House is, after all, just another parcel of land to men like Ayvazi.

What is surprising, given the historical importance of the 101-year-old house, is that the city of Glendale never took any steps of its own to preserve the house. Couldn’t the city have purchased the property and restored it just for the inherent cultural and aesthetic value?

Actually, Glendale’s reluctance to stick its neck out fiscally for any non-revenue-producing venture reveals the city’s true interest--money--and reveals something far more ugly, a lack of pride in itself.

Rich Crowther

Glendale