[Source: Karen Weil, Sierra Vista Herald/Review] -- Roger Schluntz, dean of University of New Mexico’s School of Architecture, visited this town 23 years ago. On Thursday, he observed it hasn’t changed much. That brought applause from more than a few attendees during the first day of the Public Planning Charrette. A four-day event, the charrette is being held to address emerging challenges of regulating the city’s coming growth, while protecting its historic buildings. A full house was in attendance at the Presbyterian Church Annex for the reception, where charrette board members introduced themselves. One of them was the UNM dean. “If we do our jobs right, we’re going to help you better understand what your options are for the future,” Schluntz said.James Garrison, state Historic Preservation officer, told attendees preservation in some ways falls to those closest to the community. And “we can share a long-term commitment to the care of the community,” he added. Tombstone, he said, is a National Historic Landmark, as is the Phelps Dodge office. Bob Frankeberg, an architectural organizer, said Bisbee will change, but locals can manage that through zoning and design guidelines. Eric Vondy, preservation incentive program coordinator for state preservation office, said some have a vested interest in seeing Bisbee “not get screwed up” by unrestricted growth. [Note: To read the full article, click here.]
