Gardner: save the Colonial Spanish Quarter

Former Mayor George Gardner has advice for Historic City News readers; don’t tell the city manager and commission that they should save the Colonial Spanish Quarter — instead, tell them how you’re willing to be a part of the effort to save the signature presentation of a national treasure, our nation’s oldest city.

“If we want to make an effort to save the Colonial Spanish Quarter, the opportunities are city budget public hearings this Thursday and again September 22nd,” Gardner says.

Gardner has been involved in promoting civic participation in the city’s heritage activities for years; often found organizing, planning and leading, volunteer groups like the 450 Community Corps.

He recently submitted an opinion letter in which he said, “The commission’s thinking to close the active living history interpretation of the Colonial Spanish Quarter, saving $46,000 a month — while directing $328,000 toward professional services to promote the 450th commemoration — will divest it of its last vestige of responsibility for our heritage as a priority.”

In suggesting that the city contract with a privateer to operate the Colonial Spanish Quarter, Gardner infers that St. Augustine is behaving like a small town saddled with history — not the steward of a national treasure.

“What I believe City Manager John Regan has been saying through the budget process and 450th commemoration activities is that city’s primary responsibility is the core functions of government – public works, police, fire, etc.,” Gardner wrote. “It is for the community, the citizens, to state their wishes and to be willing to put their time and effort into it.”

Gardner wants St. Augustine citizens concerned about closing the Spanish Quarter, or turning it over to a privateer, to address those concerns, with a commitment to carry their share of the load, at 5:05 p.m. in the Alcazar Room at City Hall during both public budget hearings. “This is the opportunity for the commission to hear from the community.”

Without a viable Colonial Spanish Quarter, it will take an extraordinary 450th commemoration professional to sell air.