Historians cringe when a historic structure is razed, especially when the building had a public use, such as Wilson Hall in Bucksport, which town councilors may order to be demolished. But if the building is in imminent danger of collapsing or is accessible to
trespassers who might get hurt inside, do public safety concerns trump history?
How should town officials deal with such situations? Should the town undertake the repairs, and then bill the owner? Should maintenance standards be higher for historic structures? Or should historic buildings be treated the same as all others?