More poll respondents favor landmark status

The Record’s online poll from Nov. 30 - Dec. 7 asked readers whether they think Cape’s Dam deserves special landmark status.

Though the final decision is the city council’s, the Planning and Zoning Commission recently voted to deny local historic landmark status to Cape’s Dam and the ditch structure associated with it.

The commission’s decision to deny historic landmark designation is a separate issue from the merits of demolishing or rebuilding the dam. But the status of Cape’s Dam has been a contentious issue for years. Some believe the dam should be preserved for its historical value. Others believe the dam harms the river, hindering its natural flow and depriving endangered species of habitat.

The city council had opted more than two years ago to have the dam removed through a program available through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), but any work toward the dam’s removal has been halted.

The poll asking, “Do you think Cape’s Dam deserves special landmark status?” received a total of 538 votes, with the majority of votes – 90 percent or 486 votes – going to option “Yes, it has historic value.” Ten percent, or 53 votes, chose, “No, the dam harms the river and deprives endangered species of habitat.”

A majority of poll voters thisnk that cape’s Dam deserves special landmark status because of its historical signifigance. Every week, the Record gives its readers the opportunity to voice their opinions on different topics. This poll does not, and does not purport to, accurately depict public opinion. It is only intended to inspire thought-provoking discussion within the community.

SMDR’s new poll is available online now, and asks for readers’ opinions on whether they think San Marcos should consider a “can ban” like the one recently passed in Martindale. It can be voted on now.