November 14, 2007

Congress approves Point study money
By Marc Monaghan

A bill enacted into law last Thursday opens the door to what may be the final scene of the ongoing struggle between Hyde Parkers and the city over preservation of the limestone revetment ringing Promontory Point. The bill authorizes funds for a third-party study that must adhere to national preservation standards in its review of plans for the beloved lakefront park.

"This is a milestone in a long process," said Don Lamb of the Community Task Force for Promontory Point.

Horace Foxall of the Seattle District of the Army Corps of Engineers will conduct the study. Foxall was picked, in part, owing to his expertise in the field of preservation.

Lamb credited Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. and U.S. Sen. Barack Obama for their sponsorship of negotiations between the community and the city that led to the agreement over a third-party review. Lamb praised the congressmen and their staffs for "sustained commitment to bringing about a solution that the community wants and that's consistent with preservation."

The review must adhere to standards set forth by the U.S. Department of the Interior. Lamb said the funds would likely be appropriated next year.