Memories Shouldn't Erode Private Property Rights

August 23, 2007 | By PACIFIC LEGAL FOUNDATION

The East Valley Tribune in Phoenix, Arizona, has this editorial on Proposition 207 and historic preservation districts. The Pacific Legal Foundation is already representing several property owners whose rights are being violated by a "historic preservation" ordinance in Flagstaff.

Preserving buildings that are landmarks which jog personal or civic memories is one of the most powerful ways to connect people with that past, whether the connection is “Carl Hayden slept here” or "my mom used to work there."

But private property rights is one of the core ideals that American history is built upon. The past informs us that people are passionate about their property, but you can’t force them to hold history over any other value it holds.

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