Posted on 11/26/2001 2:06:01 AM PST by kattracks
(CNSNews.com) - A historically important freight depot built by former slaves and located on the grounds where Bill Clinton plans to build his presidential library was demolished last Wednesday. Local preservationist Gregory Ferguson told CNSNews.com that the building's demolition was done in an "underhanded" and "reprehensible" manner.
Ferguson was at the federal courthouse in Little Rock, filing a legal challenge to the demolition of the freight depot last Wednesday, when a city representative informed the court that the building had just been destroyed.
"We had a hearing set for 1:45 PM, but by that time a witness for the city who was onsite testified that the Choctaw Freight Depot was essentially destroyed," he said.
"While I was in the process of filling out my [legal challenge], the demolition contractor's huge front-end loader machines were tearing out the heart of the Choctaw Freight Depot," he added.
The freight depot was built at the end of the 19th century by former African-American slaves. The structure is a showpiece for at least two African-American stone and brick craft skills, according to Ferguson.
Clinton told CNSNews.com in September that the depot was "of no use to anybody."
African-American preservationist Susan Branch told CNSNews.comearlier this month that Clinton must have been "misinformed," and she called the planned demolition a "disgrace."
"The city has very few identified black historic properties," she said.
Skip Rutherford, the president of the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Foundation, apologized earlier this month for the planned demolition. "I am just sorry," he told CNSNews.com .
He acknowledged that the depot's demolition could cause controversy in the African-American community, but he defended Clinton's record with regard to African Americans.
"I don't think there is any question of Clinton's commitment to civil rights. His administration was the most inclusive in history. He has probably done more to save structures than anyone. I think he is doing his part and then some," Rutherford said.
Ferguson says the demolition occurred without notice and "despite the fact that the city comptroller told us that very morning that he had not approved the contract for demolition." He said the Little Rock City comptroller has assured him the building could not be demolished yet because "there had been no performance bond posted as required by the city and other preliminaries required under the contract had not been fulfilled."
He explained that the demolition crew "went directly for the historic part of the structure and didn't bother with the surrounding part first."
"As soon as they had done their dirty deed, the workman left, and have not returned Thursday, Friday or Saturday, and won't be back until Monday."
Ferguson said the process by which the Clinton library foundation and the city handled this issue have left him with "bitter taste in my mouth."
"Through this process, I was witness to some of the most underhanded, reprehensible, dirty, and immoral conduct I have ever had the misfortune to observe."
He hopes to continue the legal challenge surrounding the "section 106 review," which is part of the National Historic Preservation Act. The library foundation has not yet conducted the required review, which calls for an examination of the property for any items of archeological, tribal, or historical significance.
He hopes to be able to subpoena the foundation president Skip Rutherford and city officials "to get them under oath to tell not only what happened regarding this, but also to ask questions as to the funding sources."
If the library foundation is found to have intentionally circumvented the required section 106 review, that could lead to the "federal death knell" for the construction project, according to Ferguson.
We understand how you feel. We've been through 8 years of the Clinton administration
His administration was the most inclusive in history (Rutherford said).
And seemingly a large majority of blacks believe this bovine fecal material. Oh, yeah, forget about Condi Rice and Colin Powell, and many others. Forget that Clinton had no blacks in high positions in his Cabinet.
Sheesh.
Arkansans should loathe both Clintons.
Oh, sure! Notice that he blames the demolition crew. These lowly construction workers are obviously racists and Republicans and are trying to create controversey toward poor innocent bubba, our first black president.
Guess he was in an Afghani cave during the past 8 years. That's the Clinton way...deal with it!
Will there be an outcry in the African-American community? It would be nice, but let's not hold our breath. The silence from the likes of Je$$e and $harpton will be deafening.
Some think so. At least he was the first blackguard president.
About this library thing: do you think it will have the kind of animated figures you see in some other places? Clinton, with cigar, for example? And perhaps someone can donate a handsomely framed Disbarment Certificate?
Not the first time Clintoon has done that to someone...
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