To the Editor:

I was dismayed to read about the possible fate of the Veblen house and cottage buildings in Herrontown Woods, as reported in Town Topics [“Resistance Grows as Houses Face Demolition,” page one, May 3]. As a restoration architect with over 30 years experience repairing and preserving old structures, I find the county’s posture to be bewildering, and apparently, close-minded. Freeholder Andrew Koontz claims in the article that demolition of these buildings is the “only option” available. This is rarely the case with buildings, even when in more advanced disrepair than the structures in question. Demolition is an irreversible last resort. I could argue that the buildings are in better condition than implied, or that the budget projections referenced are inflated, but as I understand the circumstances, the group FOHW (Friends of Herrontown Woods) is willing to undertake responsibility for the buildings and adjoining site, so why would the county object? There is no requirement to spend county funds under this scenario. The fact that an interested local group is willing to expend funds, time, and energy to retain and improve an existing resource of historic significance seems to me to be the very definition of a strong, healthy and engaged community. Why would this be discouraged?

Charles DiSanto

Mt. Lucas Road