Is there ever an appropriate time to demolish a building that is an historic site?

The village of New Richmond is grappling with an answer to this question after a motion was made (and seconded) in council chambers Jan. 9 to tear down the Water Works and Electric Station on Washington Street.

“We have been discussing this for 20 years,” said councilman Nicholas Wolf before making a motion to bring down the structure. “The building has not been preserved and it is unsafe. It no longer serves any function and the time has come to address what to do with it.”

Mindful of the historic significance of the building, vice-mayor Ramona Carr seconded the motion to tear down the building but immediately stated that input/opinion from the community should be solicited before any further action is taken.

“Tonight was only a first reading,” the vice-mayor said. “We want to hear from the community about this in the weeks to come.”