HomeMy WebLinkAbout01.04.2022
HISTORICAL COMMISSION
ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA
Regular Meeting
January 4, 2022 Convened: 4:00 pm
Adjourned: 5:00 pm
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 4:00 PM by Chair McAfoos.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Pledge of Allegiance led by Chair McAfoos.
3. ROLL CALL
Present
Chair Richard McAfoos, Vice-Chair Melanie Trewyn, Commission Member Mike Middlebrook (virtual),
Commission Member Betty Starke, Commission Member Krissta King, Commission Member Mike
Menard, Commission Member Judy Biglin
Excused
None.
Others Present
Staff: Kori Benton, SLC Assistant Planning Manager and Historic Preservation Officer;
Caroline Valentin, Assistant County Attorney; Roxann Johnson , Commission Secretary
4. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Chair McAfoos requested all electronic devices be silenced.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
6. MINUTES
A. Approval of the October 12, 2021 Historical Commission Meeting Minutes
Historical Commission Tuesday, January 4, 2022 4:00 PM
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RESULT: APPROVE
MOVER: Commission Member Betty Starke
SECONDER: Commission Member Mike Menard
AYES: Richard McAfoos, Betty Starke, Mike Middlebrook, Melanie Trewyn,
Mike Menard, Krissta King, Judy Biglin
NAYS: None
EXCUSED: None
7. ITEMS FOR ACTION / CONSIDERATION
A. OLD BUSINESS
None.
B. NEW BUSINESS
1. Proposed Historic Designation of 9809 South Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL
STAFF PRESENTATION:
Mr. Benton, Historic Preservation Office and Assistant Manager for the SLC Planning
department made a presentation. The subject structures generally meet the local criteria for
designation as significant historic, for Architectural Significance, context of development
during WWII and the subsequent development period. The structures display a simple Wood
Frame Vernacular styling ex-pressed by rectangular lines, drop siding, and gable roofs,
featuring composition shingles, and simple ornamental features. The structural condition has
not been well documented. However, the structures are presumed to be in good condition.
The structures display an architectural style that is commonly found throughout South Florida
and exhibit some modifications. The structure reflects the development pattern along Indian
River Drive in the 1940s, as architectural styles shifted. The architecture and design is limited,
however the development pattern and context are valuable. The guest house condition, and
detached nature of the garage contribute to the historic development pattern along the
Drive. Incorporating these structures into the redevelopment plan is encouraged, considering
greater viability to relocate. The applicant has presented preliminary plans for
redevelopment, as previously displayed. However, the viability has not been verified. A “Lot
Split” application, to divide the parcel into two lots is active with St. Lucie County.
The applicants are requesting to demolish the primary residence, guest house and garage to
pursue a redevelopment project including subdivision. The applicant met with St. Lucie
County Development Review Committee (DRC) to explore subdivision of the 3.93-acre into
two (2) or four (4) lots. Definitive reuse plans have not been filed. However, a "Lot Split” to
divide the parcel into two (2) is active with the Planning Division.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Historical Commission Tuesday, January 4, 2022 4:00 PM
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Staff recommends the Historical Commission evaluate the historic significance and condition
of the subject structures, and consider whether to recommend historic designation or release
the request for demolition to the Board of County Commissioners. Based upon the simple
Wood Frame vernacular styling, architectural significance, and displayed condition, staff is
recommending against a designation request for the site while encouraging the owners to
incorporate the guest house and detached garage into a redevelopment plan that consists of
no more than two (2) lots, retaining the predominant development pattern along Indian River
Drive.
APPLICANT PRESENTATION
Brian Anderson, Becht Anderson Law Firm, made a presentation that the structures have all
been modified and the main structure presented today has been majorly modified, which is
the structure we are requesting for demolition today.
Paul Jackson, 4261 Dunn Blvd, Reno, Nevada, co-owner of the subject property/structures,
stated the guest house will be moved and turned. Electricity is a danger, but may be
salvageable. The garage has termite damage and the inspector said it is not salvageable.
Mr. Jackson stated their intent was to build a dream home. He wanted to split the lot and
move the house, but it was too costly. Ms. Trewyn wanted to know the square footage of
guest home. He responded with approximately 600 square feet. Mr. Menard asked staff
regarding the lot split overlay distance to the lot line. Mr. Benton stated that the surveyor
showed about 120ft. The applicant stated that the home would be in the southern parcel and
the northern would be for their son. Ms. Starke asked what kind of wood is it. The main house
is on piers. The structure of the floors is Dade pine and will be repurposed. The garage is on a
slab. I was not sure about the termite. Mr. Middlebrook inquired about the notices. Mr.
Benton highlighted the intention, post demolition, for a single (1) lot split instead of a four (4)
lot subdivision. He affirmed that a Lot Split application does not require public notice, as an
administrative review process.
BOARD MOTION
Ms. Trewyn made a motion as follows: I hereby move that the Historical Commission approve
of the demolition request for the primary residence to the Board of County Commissioners
(not recommending an emergency designation action), encouraging the preservation of the
guest house within future development plans because of the condition and the threat it is to
neighboring structures due to active termites.
Ms. Biglin Seconded
DISCUSSION
Ms. Biglin does not want to see the demolition of historical homes. Mr. Menard made a
comment about termites not eating Dade pine, but Formosan eat them. Ms. Starke asked are
the original home and guest house part of the new home build. Applicant stated at looking
into home but is not insurable redo the roof and electric not practical. Release demolition of
that structure of the main house. Chair McAfoos stated that the main home is very close to
the drive, is not unique but rather part of the eclectic architecture on the drive, and it would
be of greater benefit to demolish.
Historical Commission Tuesday, January 4, 2022 4:00 PM
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Vice Chair Trewyn withdrew the motion and created a new motion.
COMMISSION MOTION
Approval of the demolition request for the primary residence and garage to the Board of
County Commissioners (not recommending an emergency designation action), encouraging the
preservation of the guest house within future development plans. Ms. Starke Seconded
RESULT: APPROVE
MOVER: Vice Chair Melanie Trewyn
SECONDER: Commission Member Betty Starke
AYES: None
NAYS: None
EXCUSED: None
POST MOTION COMMENT:
Salvage any usable materials such as the Dade county pine and original brick to be used in
future re-development plans.
8. MEMBER MATTERS
Mr. Benton stated that the tentative date for the next Historical Commission meeting is for Giordano's
on April 5th, 2022. Ms. Trewyn inquired when they would be allowed to visit the site. Mr. Benton stated
that since it's a commercial business for the public, it should be fine. However, he will inform the owner.
9. DISCUSSION
10. ADJOURNMENT
RESULT: APPROVE
MOVER: Commission Member Betty Starke
SECONDER: Commission Member Krissta King
AYES: Richard McAfoos, Betty Starke, Mike Middlebrook, Melanie Trewyn, Mike
Menard, Krissta King, Judy Biglin
NAYS: None
EXCUSED: None