Hearty congratulations to everyone involved with efforts to preserve the historic Franklin Square Neighborhood in New Philadelphia, one of Ohio’s 2007 Most Endangered Historic Sites.

Thanks to the hard work of many in Tuscarawas County, the referendum on City Council’s rezoning of the neighborhood to allow the demolition of period homes and erection of a chain drug store was successful. The vote was somewhat close, but the result is clear – the area will not become yet another commercial corner.

This decision was important not only because of the potential impact on the neighborhood itself, but also because the location of the area in question is a sensitive one, if the community wants to preserve an attractive entrance from I-77 into its downtown area.

Above are scenes of Franklin Square, taken during Preservation Ohio’s recent trip there. For local press coverage of the vote, click here.