Denton tries to stay 'historical'

WIFE2HOT4U · October 5, 2006

Often called one of Texas' economic engines, the Metroplex boasts dynamic growth and amenities other regions rarely enjoy. However, this same growth causes concern among preservationists.

Denton is currently at the forefront of this battle.

Last semester, United Equities Inc., a Houston-area development firm, announced plans to redevelop a block of buildings between Fry and Welch streets and Oak and Hickory streets.

The news sent shock waves through the community and resulted in meetings with the developer, Buster Freedman, and community and university officials. In an effort to open dialogue between the community leaders and the developer, the Save Fry Street organization was created.

At Tuesday night's City Council meeting, the organization presented Denton Mayor Perry McNeill with 9,483 signatures from residents concerned about the development's implications.

"Our angle is to try and encourage them to continue discussions with Buster in a way that will be beneficial to both parties," said Raven Oak, member of the Save Fry Street organization. "There's a difference between renovation and demolishment. ? You're tearing down 80-year-old buildings to put up buildings that look old."

Julie Glover, manager of the Denton Main Street Program and historic preservation officer for Denton, said she is always apprehensive when redevelopment occurs in historic areas.

"We're always concerned about part of our city that makes us, us," Glover said. "I do have concerns about people coming in and knocking things down and putting up glass and steel."

Glover said while the redevelopment of United Equities Inc.'s new property is inevitable, Denton preservationists are concerned about the possibility of redeveloping the property on the opposite side of Hickory Street.

"I know nothing about what is planned for the other side," Glover said. "But it should be a concern. Once one thing happens, it's easier for the next thing to happen."

Glover said Denton is encouraging historical preservation by offering incentives and tax abatements for the renovations of historical buildings.

"This will be an incentive for people who want to do the right thing," Glover said. "It's not going to be incentives for someone who doesn't want to save a building, or who thinks that the best thing to do is knock something down and build something new."

However, Glover hopes her efforts, along with those of numerous preservationists across Denton County, will combat what she calls "generica," following homogenous architectural trends.

"We're becoming more alike. ? And I don't know if that's a good thing," Glover said. "You go from city to city and can't tell where you are, unless you're in the heart of the city, which is usually historic."

WIFE2HOT4U · October 5, 2006

There will be a new face in the NT Office of the President beginning next week.

President Gretchen Bataille has appointed Bonita Hairston to serve as chief of staff in the NT Office of the President starting Monday.

Hairston served as legal counsel at the North Carolina School of the Arts, where Bataille was interim chancellor, before joining the NT staff.

The Winston-Salem, N.C., native said she knows well what her new position will entail, having worked as assistant to the president at Livingstone College in Salisbury, N.C., and Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte.

Bataille said Hairston is a "terrific person - efficient and effective," and that the new chief of staff will do good work at NT.

"I wanted someone who would hit the ground running, and who I know and trust," Bataille said.

The chief of staff acts as liaison among the students, faculty and staff, according to Hairston, who said she will mainly be focusing on policies and procedures and improving their efficiency.

Hairston said another one of her main objectives is to talk more with Bataille and get an idea of Bataille's vision.

Hairston will use her legal background to execute these points of action, she said. She said she has worked as an attorney and received a Juris Doctor from the school of law at Wake Forest University, where she also completed an undergraduate degree in history.

"I have always been big on processes and procedures ? and law has always fascinated me," Hairston said.

Hairston said universities do not always focus on revisiting their policies because of hectic semester agendas, which is why some policies don't always fit together.

As a firm believer in organization, Hairston said she will work hard to look deeply at why some procedures are not being followed at NT and "put out any fires" that arise.

Hairston said she also enjoys working with organizations such as the Student Government Association and maintaining great relationships with the students. She also wants to work on their side, as well when communicating with the university about making changes.

"They have a voice and I always encourage them," Hairston said. "I try to make them understand all angles of the issues."

Hairston will live in Lewisville but plans to "get as close to Denton as possible." Upon visiting Denton, Hairston said she was reminded of Winston-Salem and is excited to start work.

"I love music," Hairston said. "I sing and play the piano, so I am looking forward to seeing the music department."

PlummMeanGreen · October 5, 2006

"They have a voice and I always encourage them," Hairston said. "I try to make them understand all angles of the issues."
Hairston will live in Lewisville but plans to "get as close to Denton as possible." Upon visiting Denton, Hairston said she was reminded of Winston-Salem and is excited to start work.
"I love music," Hairston said. "I sing and play the piano, so I am looking forward to seeing the music department."
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All good and fine but 2 key questions I would have for Ms. Hairston:

(1) Does she like college football?

(2) And does she karaoke?