In Georgetown, for instance, Eastbanc has proposed to replace the Canal Rd. Exxon with a five story condo building. From a true historic preservation perspective, there’s not much of a case against the project. It wouldn’t break up the rhythm of the block and the proposed style, while not particularly elegant, was at least not discordant.

But neighbors along Prospect Street would lose a part of their fabulous view across the Potomac. So they argued vociferously during the design review process that the project should be reduced to preserve their views. This had little to nothing to do with genuine historic preservation. … This pattern is repeated frequently in Georgetown and in other historic districts.

The local opponents have thus far blocked the project, which means the historic district is still adorned with the Key Bridge Exxon. One might ask the neighbors whether they feel a gas station enhances the neighborhood’s quaint Nineteenth Century ambiance, except that, taking a leaf from lower Manhattanites, they might say it does.

More: David Schleicher, Prawfs, on the municipal political economy of zoning.

Historic preservation as tactical bludgeon is a post from Overlawyered - Chronicling the high cost of our legal system

Near the landmark vacant lots, a landmark gas station is a post from Overlawyered - Chronicling the high cost of our legal system

Chain of foolishness is a post from Overlawyered - Chronicling the high cost of our legal system

February 28 roundup is a post from Overlawyered - Chronicling the high cost of our legal system

U.K.: “Health and safety spells the end for cobblestones” is a post from Overlawyered - Chronicling the high cost of our legal system

June 16 roundup is a post from Overlawyered - Chronicling the high cost of our legal system

May 18 roundup is a post from Overlawyered - Chronicling the high cost of our legal system

In a letter sent to [store owner Rick] Arora, Steve Barber, senior heritage planner with the City of Victoria, called the store’s signs “an integral part of the history of this building and part of it’s heritage character,” meaning Arora cannot remove or cover the signs.

“They’ve made it clear I can’t touch them,” Arora said. “I could be fined $1 million and go to jail for two years.”

Neither government agency “is budging” on its demands. (Tom Mcmillan, “Tobacco store owner caught between policies”, Canwest/Vancouver Sun, May 27). Update: compromise struck (thanks to reader ras in comments).

Canadian tobacconist: sued if you do… is a post from Overlawyered - Chronicling the high cost of our legal system