By ROD PENNICA

Who buys an historic house on a premier village street, pulls it from the tax rolls for over 50 years, neglects it until it is critically unsafe, pays an expert to confirm that it’s unsafe, then decides to spend even more to tear it down? The answer is obvious and shameful.

An exterior peek at the Fenner House gives no obvious indication of being unsafe. Is it possible that an interior inspection would reveal that it is? Yes. Is it likely? Well, if truly a danger to “individuals in or adjacent to the building,” Dr. Dennis Hefner unwisely risked life and limb by “touring” it.

A $1.2 million price tag to merely make the structure safe seems almost impossible. This just doesn’t pass the smell test. If public funds have been used, accountability is needed before this beautiful home is destroyed.

Can the interested public see the condition report? Can a second opinion be had if funded by donors? Legislator Christine Starks, the Fenner house is in your district and a stone’s throw from your home. A word, please? Village Board, anybody? (Thank you Linda Malcom for your comments and valid concerns.)

As a certified residential appraiser I have inspected thousands of homes, some in far worse apparent condition than the Fenner House and many have been brought back. This is not just another old house in Fredonia. It is beautiful, it has a name and it has an important history.

Dr. Hefner, at the very least, please allow a second opinion and explore alternatives to the wrecking ball!

Rod Pennica is a Fredonia resident.