Four medieval buildings were badly harmed in the town, the jewel of the short-lived Serbian empire of the 14th century.
"This is a skyscraper initiative masquerading as a garden and open space initiative," he said in an interview, warning that the project would harm the small-town feel and architectural character of the city.
Alcohol was considered a problem in the rural community, albeit minor in comparison to other areas, but there was strong political will to take action that reduced harm and kept the town safe.
"Our journey is not complete until all our children, from the streets of Detroit to the hills of Appalachia to the quiet lanes of Newtown, know that they are cared for, and cherished, and always safe from harm," he said, naming the town in Connecticut where 20 children were massacred in a shooting at a primary school last month.
An earlier official map, drawn in 1981, classified the town as out of harm's way.
"This will lead to the flooding of the town and villages and will harm you also," the employee said he told the officers.
But his party colleague, Paul Frew MLA, objected to the proposal on the basis that it would harm Ballymena town centre.
The bushwhackers looted the town, but Quantrill had agreed not to harm the people if they surrendered.
Jazzin' around, And maybe paintin' the town, How you gonna keep 'em away from harm?
