ABOUT US:
We are a Non-Profit Org dedicated to preserving, protecting, and celebrating the rich historical heritage of Cynthiana and Harrison County Kentucky. We were originally created to spear head efforts to save a very historically significant house called Ridgeway. We now endeavor to do much more than advocate.
OUR STORY:
For twelve years a small group of people have been trying to save a building to turn into a community center, something considered a common good for a county hard hit by drugs and low incomes. Yet, at every turn the local government (aka the "good ole boys club") denies these requests, offers of money, conservation easements and a plan from a real estate developer, because of wanting to place a swimming pool in the exact spot. While on the surface this idea seems great, pools are literal money pits that benefit only a few. Matter of fact, our community had a public swimming pool which was recently filled in with cement because it could not be sustained.
OUR PROJECT:
In an effort to ignore the people and demoralize proponents of the possible community center, the local government has performed multiple potential illegal actions for years. Now there is a lawsuit to set right what should have happened 12 years ago. We are hoping with this lawsuit that we set a precedent for disregarding the public voice and carelessly destroying the local heritage without truly considering all options as they have done in the past.
Ridgeway, the reason HCHC was created!
WHY WE NEED YOU:
Being that we are a small group in a small town with a lower than average median income we need help with attorney fees. You'll also be helping to save a 200 year old building that has a lot of historic significance.
BUDGET:
- $5500 - Attorney fees
- The remaining balance will be used for programs, seminars, and incentives for the preservation, restoration, education, and adaption of historic properties in our county.
WHY THIS MATTERS:
Help us fight learned helplessness while saving our heritage in our small town! While we have found that many citizens appreciate the historic places, they assume that it is a foregone conclusion that they must be eventually demolished. However, considering that old buildings help in revitalization and economic development (Six Practical Reasons to Save Old Buildings), there are many benefits that make that sentiment untrue. Please help us prove to our citizens that the power truly belongs with the people and not with the "good ole boys club."
TIMELINE:
We have a hearing on March 21st, so it is imperative that we have the funds to pay our attorney as soon as possible. That is why we need you!
WHERE TO FIND US:
We are on Facebook (Harrison County Heritage Council and Friends of Ridgeway), twitter (@HC_Heritage), and online (HCHC website).
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATIONS AND DONATIONS!!
