HomeMy WebLinkAboutMisc. LetterST. Lucy � 7 -
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HISTORICAL. COMMISSION
ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA
Regular Meeting
February 2, 2021
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 4:04 PM by Chair McAfoos
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chair McAfoos led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. ROLL CALL
Convened: 4:04pm
Adjourned: 4:42 pm
Chair Richard McAfoos, Vice Chair Melanie Trewyn (virtual), Board Member Betty Starke, Board
member Mike Middlebrook, Board Member Mike Menard, Board Member Krissta King, Board Member
Judy Biglin
Excused" � `
None.
Heather Young, Asst. County Attorney (virtual), Caroline Valentin, Asst. County Attorney, Kori Benton,
Historic Preservation Officer, Bethany Grubbs, Acting Staff Secretary, Alexander Hensley, Property
Owner and Nelson Garcia, Project -Manager (1901 S. 33rd St. Demo Request)
4. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Chair McAfoos invited all to silence their devices.
S. PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
Historical Commission Tuesday, February 2, 2021 4:00 PM
6. MINUTES
A. Approval of the October 13, 2020 Historical Commission Meeting Minutes.
7. ELECTION OF OFFICIALS 2021
A. Chair
Ms. Starke nominated
Mr. McAfoos as Chair Ms. Biglin seconded.
B. Board Vice -Chairperson
Ms. Starke nominated Vice -Chair Trewyn. Seconded by Ms. Biglin.
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Historical Commissio-n Tuesday, February 2, 2021 4:00 PM
8. ITEMS FOR ACTION / CONSIDERATION
A. OLD BUSINESS
None.
B. NEW BUSINESS
1. Demolition Request Petitioned by Property Owner -1901 South 33rd Street, Fort Pierce,
FL
STAFF PRESENTATION
Kori Benton, Assistant Manager, Planning SLC, gave an overview of Demolition Request
Petitioned by Property Owner -1901 South 33rd Street, Fort Pierce, FL. Constructed in
1928, Alterations in 50's and 70's. Photographs of 2006, 2012-2018 of property were
presented. Applicants would present alternatives for site as submitted post staff report
completion. Structure meets local criteria for designation if rehabilitated. Staff recommends
the Commission evaluate the historic significance and current condition of the subject structure and
consider whether to pursue designation of the structure as historic or release the request for
demolition. If the demolition is released, staff requests the action be conditioned upon thorough
documentation of the structure's location and design —via photographs.
BOARD DISCUSSION
Ms. King stated she drove by the subject property and believed it to be in bad shape. Ms.
Biglin was called by the owner for an opinion of value years back and deemed it
salvageable and an investor was willing to pay a small sum for it and was declined. Vice
Chair Trewyn inquired regarding salvageable parts if any.
APPLICANT PRESENTATION
Alexander Hensley, Property Owner and Nelson Garcia, Project Manager presented. Project
manager explained history of code enforcement involvement. Increase in vandalism and
termite invasion all throughout the home as time went on. Engineer assessed situation and
needing $250,000 needing to remodel. Home settled about six inches and worse in the
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Historical Commission Tuesday, February 2, 2021 4:00 PM
middle of the home. Applicant then considered potentially building a new home to increase
home values in neighborhood.
BOARD DISCUSSION
Mr. Benton inquired if applicant would be willing to work with staff to reflect more historic
design pattern such as a side loaded or rear garage. The applicant is open to doing so. Mr.
Menard requested to see photos of termite damage again. Mr. Benton recommends the
Commission release approval for demolition guiding applicant to document existing
structure for record and working with staff in historical design of new construction.
Alternately if denied the applicant to work with staff on the rehabilitation process. Ms.
Starke so moves to approve. Ms. King seconded. Vice-ChairTrewyn commented on the
salvageable parts like windows. Mr. Benton stated the windows are not original, but the
other parts may recommend to applicant to salvage for future use.
2. Demolition Request Petitioned by Building Official - 2083 W Midway Rd., Fort Pierce, FL
STAFF PRESENTATION
Mr. Benton presented the property. The applicant is the SLC Building Official, Doug Harvey.
Land was impacted by FDOT widening of Midway Road. Owners are based out of Boca
Raton. Built in 1945 alterations in 1950 & 1960. Staff deemed structure to be unsafe and
cannot be repaired of rehabilitated. The Commission shall evaluate the historic significance
and current condition of the subject structure and consider whether to pursue designation
of the structure as historic or release the request for demolition. Staff recommends release
of the demolition, unless definitive steps are taken toward rehabilitation within 60 days, if
eligible under Florida Building/FEMA Codes.
BOARD DISCUSSION
Ms. Biglin inquired whether SLC as the applicant or the owner pay for the demolition. Mr.
Benton stated that the code enforcement has cited the property owners and cost applied to
owners by fine or lien of property to reimburse costs. Ms. Biglin inquired if the county
considered purchasing property. Mr. Benton stated they have not. Ms. Starke inquired
about the draining swale. Mr. Benton stated that staff recommends the release of the
demolition, unless definitive steps are taken toward rehabilitation within 60 days, if eligible
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Historical Commission Tuesday, February 2, 2021 4:00 PM
under Florida Building/FEMA Codes. Vice -Chair Trewyn so moved. Ms. Starke seconded.
9. MEMBER MATTERS
Mr. Benton did mention about the subcommittee. To be deferred to the next meeting.
10. .DISCUSSION
Vice -Chair Trewyn thanked staff for all the safety measures. Chair McAfoos requested Ms. Heather
Young, Assistant County Attorney, to provide a brief overview of her credentials relating to history.
Ms. Young grew up in Indiana and was a history teacher. Has BA in history from Vanderbilt University.
With the county since 1986 with retirement by end of July. She also thanked the service of the
committee.
11. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to be brought before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned.