To the editor:

Your Monday editorial seems to say that designating historic sites in the old East Lawrence neighborhood will result in lost economic development.  That concept is wrong.  

Never, as I can recall, has a historic listing in Lawrence ever stopped a development. Concessions made? Of course. Plans changed. Yes. But a drive through our community will show historic buildings that are listed stand alongside all kinds of new development. Your office, by the way, is an example. You are sitting in a building that is 250 feet from several listed sites. Your argument against historical recognition and protection just does not stand up. The truth is (you can Google the studies) that historical preservation does indeed encourage economic development and promotes added income for communities that embrace the past. If you want to argue against historical preservation you’re going to have to find a new tactic.