By Ben Sutherly
Guest columnist
Editor’s Note: This column is in response to a column submitted by Troy Mayor Robin Oda.
Robin Oda, on this one point we agree: We both want West Main Street reopened as soon as possible.
To claim you are “powerless” to bring this legal saga to an end, however, is the greatest misrepresentation in a column full of them – most intended to discredit the Troy Historic Preservation Alliance (THPA). Many of our past mayors did not throw up their hands and claim to be “powerless” when faced with challenges like this one; they looked around, reassessed, and tried something different.
Ms. Oda, your administration is bent on being right instead of doing the right thing – and our downtown is suffering as a result. For years, you have ignored repeated requests to sit down with other stakeholders and find a solution to the mess on West Main. I have personally urged you at many city council meetings to consider collaboration – the fastest way to reopen West Main Street.
THPA, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that advocates for the preservation, restoration, and repurposing of our city’s historic places, is not a party to the current legal battle over the fate of the old Miami County courthouse/IOOF building. However, we recognize that it will have major implications for our culture of stewardship in downtown Troy.
You accuse our organization of engaging in false narratives. Ms. Oda, if something THPA says does not match what you hear in your echo...
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