Speak Up: How important should history be to planning and zoning decisions?

The Dover Planning Commission decided recently to allow demolition of two historical properties on South Bradford Street, to make room for a parking structure. The approval overturns an earlier Historic District Commission ruling to block the removal of the buildings. What do you think should be done? How much should a site’s history play into development? Is there a happy medium?

• I have lived here for five years and have seen a steady decline in this town. I think it’s a disgrace that the capital of the state has not been improved in any way. If you were concerned about saving these properties, there should have been a plan for their use years ago. If the demolition will better serve access to businesses, then so be it. The theater needs to be utilized, then other businesses will follow. — Sharon Klock