THE TOWNSCAPE 107 



attempting to purchase or obtain options, he would have submitted 

 for approval a general development schematic study which would 

 establish the proposed land coverage, permitted uses, floor area ratios, 

 and parking requirements of the scheme, the essence of which would 

 contemplate the use of the mansions fronting these properties as 

 executive offices of various concerns who would have the balance of 

 their enterprise housed in an interior lot building attached by porte- 

 cochere or glazed passage to the mansions. Such interior buildings 

 would have to be thoughtfully designed so as to be compatible with 

 the mansion or mansions, particularly if the interior building relates 

 to more than one mansion. Parking requirements would have to be 

 met, and mandatorily behind the front line of the adjacent mansion, 

 thereby preserving the open aspect of the front lawns. 



This proposal therefore couples landmarks preservation to urban 

 redevelopment, aimed primarily at the smaller suburban municipal- 

 ity and county seat, although it could be equally applicable to metro- 

 politan areas and State capitals. 



It is further proposed that a sponsoring organization undertake 

 the drafting of model legislation (unless it already substantially 

 exists ) , and then enter into a sponsorship agreement with a munici- 

 pality to undertake a demonstration project and the enabling zoning 

 ordinance. 



The language of the ordinance would bind any future owner to 

 maintain not only the exterior of the building but the basic interiors 

 of the important rooms as well, in a reasonable intact condition true 

 to the architectural spirit of the building. Changes such as air con- 

 ditioning, sprinkler systems, and so on, would be submitted to the 

 selection board for aesthetic approval. Interior furniture respectful 

 of the building would be encouraged so as to avoid the standard 

 office look. 



HAROLD LEWIS MALT. The roses and trees urged for the urban 

 landscape will not long survive midst the weeds pushing up through 

 the asphalt jungle. These weeds are hardy. They grow wild and 

 unchecked. They never disappear. Blanketing the ground, they 

 push up and pollute space. They come in many varieties: light 

 poles, signs, traffic signals, and fire plugs. And they seem eradicable. 



Members of the Townscape panel and others have suggested these 

 weeds are a local concern. They say this has not been an area for 

 Federal action. And in a sense this is so. The need, the desire, the 

 action must originate at the municipal level. 



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