<

Demolition Looms for Landmark on Grounds of Clinton Library
Friday, November 2, 2001
By Marc Morano
CNSNews.com Senior Staff Writer

Former President Bill Clinton, in an exclusive interview with CNSNews.com, said of the freight depot, "no one can see it now, no one can use it now, it's of no use to anybody."

CNSNews.com
Time is running out for Arkansas preservationists who are battling to prevent the destruction of an African-American landmark located on the grounds of the future Clinton presidential library.

The city of Little Rock has boarded up the 103-year-old freight depot and stopped all historical fact-finding tours of the building. The Arkansas Supreme Court, meanwhile, ruled Thursday that the City of Little Rock had the right to condemn the property and take possession of it from the original owner Gene Pfeifer under eminent domain to make room for the Clinton library.

Pfeifer, whose case was argued before the state's high court on Oct. 25, said he believes the city is "doing anything to please the library foundation." He added, "It looks like an attempt to stifle opposition."

Pfeifer wanted to preserve the depot. He admits the city can legally condemn properties and take them for public purposes, but his legal challenge maintained that the city acted illegally in this instance because the Clinton library is a private entity.

But the Arkansas Supreme Court ruled on a 6-0 vote to affirm the lower court ruling and give the land to the city to build the library. "That means I lost and the city can take my land," lamented Pfeifer.
(More: CNSNews.com News Source)
2001 © CNSNews.com.

"... no one can see it now, no one can use it now, it's of no use to anybody."

I guess a lot of folks are still looking for compassion and understanding from this man,
Dan