It would be prudent if the drivers behind the proposed downtown Delphi historic district – Delphi Preservation Society and Delphi Main Street – would request a delay in the process until the next DNR approval meeting, if possible.

The delay would be based on this week’s revelation that many Delphi building owners did not understand their property was included in such a proposed district and on the lack of knowledge about the proposal on the part of at least some of the city council members.

This pause would not only give the community a chance to participate in the process but it would also be a good faith gesture on the part of those who consider this initiative to be vital for Delphi.

If and when the proposal is approved by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), buildings in the downtown area will be on both the state and national registers for historic sites. Although there will be no restrictions placed on the building owners by virtue of inclusion on the registers it is suspected that some restrictions will be imposed later by the city.

There is no turning back once the historic district is established. Once on the list, always on the list.

Most building owners contacted for the story this week did not say that they were against the proposal. They expressed concern that they were not contacted by those who are driving the process to keep them informed – those local people doing the planning. They expressed concern that the drivers of the proposal did not provide updates on the process.

There is no rush to get this done this month. Why not wait three months if it means a buy-in by the local community. That community investment is what organizers should want to have happen.