PAGE 49 WEDNE6DAYs NOVEMBER 19, 1986, Wi-ITBV FREE PRESS Publlshod every Wadnasday DOJG ANDERSON w hibyBy 677209 Ontarlo Inc. PubIlshar wJfblD -i -i.y Phono: 668-611.1 Eil4V I I ~ Iii .~AI~ ThaMAURICE PIFHER W1' à )d t The Free Preis Bulding KEN HATHAWAY 131 Brock Streei North Adveitlalng Manager VOUCE 0F THE COUNTY TOWN P.O. Box 206, Whltby, Ont. The only Whitby newspaper independentiy owned and op erated by Whiiby residents for Whitby resid entsL Only winners in latest Lynde move The Town of Whitby handed over the keys of the Lynde House to Len Cullen, owner of Cuilen Gardens, last week. *Our town councillors made the decision fiilowing a meeting with members of the Whitby Historicai Society two weeks ago. One of the more important points to come out 0f that .meeting was that the society had to be involved In operating theLynde House ln order for the town to receive provincial and federal grants. One can't but feel that our councillors' egos would not permit the soc iety to operate the house, and, somewhere down the road, run the house. But when egos aiso save Whitby taxpayers $1. million over five years, then we appiaud the decision. Figures suppiied by the society show that It would cost the town $250,000 to renovate the house and$160,000 annuaiiy to operate it. Mayor Bob Attersiey was quite correct when he said that he would have a tough time teiling residents who have sewer back-ups and streets with no sidewaiks that their taxes are going towards the upkeep of a 1 75-year-old house. Perhaps east ward councilior Joe Drumm should have listened to the mayor's words before suggesting that the taxpayers should pay any price to retain the house as property of the town. Councîl knew the house reriovation cost that would have to be borne by taxpayers before they declded to move it to Cullen Gardens. That leaves us to ask why they went ahead with the move. Talk to members of the society and they wIii tell you that council had planned as long as three years ago to give the house to Len Cullen. We suspect that they either did not belleve the figures suppiied by the society or they thought there would be a way to get around the exorbitant prIce. So who wins foilowIng this decision? The big winners are the Whitby taxpayers who have saved themselves $1 million and up. <Pres 'ident of the society, Bill Oyagi, has said that had the society become Involved, grants would have assisted ln bringing the price down. But no mention has ever been made as to the amount of those grants. Further, had council aliowed the society to run the house, arguments would eventually take place about exactly where the grants shouid go,'to the house orto a town museum. As for Len Culien, he has come away from this episode as a winner. He has promised to restore the exterior of the house to its .1850 appearance and then apply for historical designation under the Ontario Heritage Act. The interior Is also to be restored to the 1800's period. Whlle there is no mention of designating the Interlor, we are sure Mr. Cuilen In no way would take away from the hIstorical flavor of the house. Perhaps Mr. Cullen should consider discussion of his plans with historical soclety members, especially when more than 10,000 visitors are expected each year. Whitby's councillors, wlth the exceptions of Drumm'and Gerry Emm who voted against giving the house away may also -have come away winners. Their decIsion has saved the taxpayers a lot of money - a sure reeleotion brag. The WhItby Historical Society also profits. While they were sincere In telling councli that they would operate the Lynde Hiouse, a divided ioyaity Is neyer a wise move: The society can now direct al Its experience and facilities towards creating a community museum for the Town of WhItby. Finalily, lt's a historicai vlctory. Not more than six months ago the Lynde House was scheduled for demnolition. Today It sits at Culien Gardens receiving a $250,000 facelift. We feel safe ln saying that whiie he may not be too happy with the location, Jabez Lynde would be happy ln the knowiedge that his house is stili standing. Let's hope the controversy Is over and the Lynde House will be visited for the reason It created the controversy - as an Important part of the town's heritage. Letter to the Editor Council showed bad manners on revised plan To the Edîtor: It was learned at the Whitby town council meeting on Monday, Nov. 10 that a revised site plan for Bluegrass Meadows was -before council as a "political move." As a resident, directly affected by this site plan, I have some questions for town council: Who decided to put this site plan before council? What criteria did this person use to make the decision? <When was the decision made? Was thère any attempt made by council to inform the public? What was political about this site plan procedure? It can easily be seen from the site plan that there are some drastic changes. A different architect was used. Alternate building material are planned. The structure design changed from two- storey to three-storey townhouses. The physical plan of the townhouses was rearranged on the site. There was no landscape plan, which in itself contravenes the town bylaw. Why does the town council bother to accept deputations if they have no intention of taking that information- into account? Are ail of the proceedings in the Town of Whitby to be kept, a secret? Are the residents to be kept in the dark forever, only to be informed of events after town council has approved them? Perhaps we should get the television cameras out of town council and get the people back to being involved ln their town. The last council meeting was a disgraceful exhibition of bad manners. Yours sincerely, E.G. Feather 15 Langmaid Court Whitby PoLicy The Wbtby Free Press la alwaya iooklng for letters la the editor and welcomes letters on any Issues that concern ts readers. While the paper reserves' the rlght to reject or edit any lettera for publication, a letter that le short and la the point ln moist lIkely la appear on our edîtorial page ln- tct. Mithough flot ail Issues can b. addressed ln a.short letter, the best la one of about 300 words torless. Ail letters to the editor miuet be signed and accompanied by a phone number for the editor's Information. Letters may be sent la: The Editor, Whtby Free Preuss, 131 flrock Street Nor- th, Wbîtby, Ont., LIN 581. ZZZ7~-~ i4~r7 "And it was such a nice neighborhood!"