HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.06.2021HISTORICAL COMMISSION
AGENDA
ST. LUCIE COUNTY
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
4:00 PM
Planning and Development Services Department
St. Lucie County Commission Chambers
2300 Virginia Avenue
3rd Floor of Roger Poitras Administration Annex
Fort Pierce, Florida 34982
BOARD MEMBERS
Land Use Planning or Historic Preservation Planning
KRISSTA KING
Architecture
MIKE MENARD
Anthropology, Archaeology, History
RICHARD MCAFOOS
Layperson
BETTY JO STARK
Layperson
MELANIE TREWYN
Conservation/Curation
MIKE MIDDLEBROOK
Construction
JUDY BIGLIN
Mission Statement
To provide service, infrastructure and leadership necessary to advance a safe and sustainable community,
maintain a high quality of life, and protect the natural environment for all our citizens
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Historical Commission Tuesday, April 6, 2021 4:00 PM
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GENERAL RULES AND PROCEDURES – Attached is the agenda, which will determine the order of business conducted at today’s Board
meeting.
REGULAR AGENDA – Proclamations, Presentations, Public Hearings, and Department requests are items, which the Commission will
discuss individually, usually in the order listed on the agenda.
As a general rule, when issues are scheduled before the Commission under department request or public hearing, the order of
presentation is: (1) County staff presents the details of the Board item (2) Commissioners comment (3) if a public hearing, the Chair
will ask for public comment, (4) further discussion and action by the Board.
ADDRESSING THE COMMISSION – Please state your name and address, speaking clearly into the microphone. If you have backup
material, please have eight copies ready for distribution.
NON‐AGENDA ITEMS – These items are presented by an individual Commissioner or staff as necessary at the conclusion of the
printed agenda.
PUBLIC COMMENT – Time is allotted at the beginning of each meeting for general public comment. Comments may pertain to any
matter related to the Board’s duties as the County’s governing body. General comments in support or opposition to candidates for
public office are not pertinent to the Board’s duties.
DECORUM – Please be respectful of others’ opinions.
MEETINGS – All Board meetings are open to the public and are held quarterly on the third Tuesdays of month at 4 p.m. and on the
Meetings are held in the Planning Conference Room in the Planning and Development Services Department at 2300 Virginia Ave.,
Fort Pierce, Fla. 34982. Anyone with a disability requiring accommodation to attend this meeting should contact the St. Lucie
County Community Services Manager at 772‐462‐1777 or TDD 772‐462‐1428 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.
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1.CALL TO ORDER
2.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3.ROLL CALL
4.ANNOUNCEMENTS
5.PUBLIC COMMENT
6.MINUTES
A.Approval of the February 2, 2021 Historical Committee Meeting.
7.ITEMS FOR ACTION / CONSIDERATION
A.OLD BUSINESS
B.NEW BUSINESS
1.Review application to rename the St. Lucie County Lawnwood Softball Complex @ Quincy Avenue & 13th Street
8.MEMBER MATTERS
9.DISCUSSION
10.ADJOURNMENT
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HISTORICAL COMMISSION
ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA
Regular Meeting
February 2, 2021 Convened: 4:04pm
Adjourned: 4:42 pm
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
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.
Others Present
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.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
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6. MINUTES
A. Approval of the October 13, 2020 Historical Commission Meeting Minutes.
RESULT: APPROVE
MOVER: Board Member Betty Starke
SECONDER: Board Member Judy Biglin
AYES: Chair Richard McAfoos, Betty Starke, Mike Middlebrook, Vice-Chair
Melanie Trewyn, Mike Menard, Krissta King, Judy Biglin
NAYS: None
EXCUSED: None
7. ELECTION OF OFFICIALS 2021
A. Chair
Ms. Starke nominated
Mr. McAfoos as Chair Ms. Biglin seconded.
RESULT: APPROVE
MOVER: Board Member Betty Starke
SECONDER: Board Member Judy Biglin
AYES: Chair Richard McAfoos, Betty Starke, Mike Middlebrook, Vice-Chair
Melanie Trewyn, Mike Menard, Krissta King, Judy Biglin
NAYS: None
EXCUSED: None
B. Board Vice-Chairperson
Ms. Starke nominated Vice-Chair Trewyn. Seconded by Ms. Biglin.
RESULT: APPROVE
MOVER: Board Member Betty Starke
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SECONDER: Board Member Judy Biglin
AYES: Chair Richard McAfoos, Betty Starke, Mike Middlebrook, Vice- Chair
Melanie Trewyn, Mike Menard, Krissta King, Judy Biglin
NAYS: None
EXCUSED: None
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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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-Chair Trewyn 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.
RESULT: APPROVE
MOVER: Board Member Betty Starke
SECONDER: Board Member Krissta King
AYES: Chair Richard McAfoos, Betty Starke, Mike Middlebrook, Vice-Chair
Melanie Trewyn, Mike Menard, Krissta King, Judy Biglin
NAYS: None
EXCUSED: None
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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under Florida Building/FEMA Codes. Vice-Chair Trewyn so moved. Ms. Starke seconded.
RESULT: APPROVE
MOVER: Board Member Melanie Trewyn
SECONDER: Board Member Betty Starke
AYES: Chair Richard McAfoos, Betty Starke, Mike Middlebrook, Vice-Chair
Melanie Trewyn, Mike Menard, Krissta King, Judy Biglin
NAYS: None
EXCUSED: None
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.
RESULT: APPROVE
MOVER: Board Member Betty Starke
SECONDER: Board Member Mike Middlebrook
AYES: Chair Richard McAfoos, Betty Starke, Mike Middlebrook, Vice-Chair Melanie
Trewyn, Mike Menard, Krissta King, Judy Biglin
NAYS: None
EXCUSED: None
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M EETING D ATE
Owner
St. Lucie County
Historic Status
Non-Designated Park, within
the City of Fort Pierce
Applicant Request
Rename the Softball Com-
plex
Request & Staff
Recommendation
Evaluate the request in ac-cordance with the St. Lucie County Public Facilities
Naming Policy, and consider a recommendation.
Staff recommends the Com-
mission find a position of no-objection to the naming re-
quest.
Staff
Kori Benton, AICP
Historic Preservation Officer
S T . LU C I E C O U N T Y H I S T O R I C A L C O M M I S S I O N
H I S T O R Y
c. Late 1980s Softball Field Completion
c. Late 1990s/Early 2000s Field Enhancements & Accessory Structure Additions
Located within the John B. Park Sporting Complex—John B. Park
(St. Lucie County Commissioner 1965 - 1980)
Request: Rename the St. Lucie County Lawnwood Softball Complex, at the northeast corner of
the John B. Park Sporting Complex adjacent to Quincy Ave & 13th St., as the “Layne
Chesney Softball Complex”.
S I T E O V E R V I E W
Historical Significance:
The subject County owned Softball fields have been a public amenity for several decades,
with upgrades in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The Lincoln Park Academy softball team
utilizes this complex as their "home field", in addition to other organized team use.
Agenda Item 7.B.1
Location
Quincy Ave & 13th St.
Planning and Development
Services Department
Historic Preservation
St. Lucie County Lawnwood Softball Complex @ Quincy Ave & 13th St.
Zoning
COFP— OS-1, General Recrea-tion & Open Space
Applicant
Comm. Jeremiah K. Johnson
City of Fort Pierce, District 2
100 N U.S. 1 Fort Pierce, FL 34950
Parcel ID
241650406330006
13
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S
t
r
e
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t
Quincy Ave
Subject Site
Dan McCarty MS
Track
St. Lucie
Elementary Trinity
Lutheran Football & Soccer at John B. Park
(Lawnwood)
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2
City of Fort Pierce Zoning Atlas—Records from 1981-1991
1994 Aerial
Quincy Ave
In 1985, the City Commission Abandoned a portion of Quincy Avenue, adjacent to the Villages of Longwood PUD,
replacing the ROW to the south in coordination with St. Lucie County. The relocated ROW, shifted vehicular travel
away from new residential units and provided space for park improvements / transitional buffering. The fields are
reported to have been completed a couple years later.
ROW Relocated to
the South in 1985
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S T A F F A N A L Y S I S
The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved Resolution 15-098 to establish a Public Facilities Naming Poli-
cy that updated and consolidated prior naming policies for County facilities. The Resolution provides criteria for St.
Lucie County to use when it desires to confer a specific name on a County owned property.
This policy affects County owned property including, but not limited to, buildings, structures and real property,
including open space, parks, and recreational facilities.
This policy does not apply to the naming of streets, historically registered properties with a recognized name on a
nomination form, or public art installations that have been commissioned with a title, and is not applicable to federal,
State or municipal facilities.
In October 2019, the BOCC adopted Resolution 19-201 to include referral of applications to Name Public Facilities to
the Historical Commission for review and recommendation.
Context and geographical location
• Sites and facilities should be given names that directly reflect or are contextually related to the history of
the site.
• Common usage names that have developed over time shall be favored.
Natural or geological features
• Names may be based on distinctive, predominant, and defining natural features of an area.
Historical significance
• The name may be one associated with a historically significant event or for events reflecting broad patterns
of County history.
• The name may be one associated with the lives of persons of countywide significance in St. Lucie County's
past.
• The name may reflect a distinctive architectural, engineering, or technological achievement.
• The name may be related to an existing or proposed registered historic property or district.
Contributions
• Facilities may be named for an individual or organization if that a significant, direct, property or monetary
contribution is made, especially if stipulated by the donation.
• Named for an individual recognized for outstanding public service contribution.
Additional Highlights
• Portions of a Facility may be named
• Preference is suggested for individuals deceased for two (2) years, or more.
N A M I N G P O L I C Y
H I S T O R I C A L C O M M I S S I O N
C R I T E R I A
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The applicant is seeking to rename the St. Lucie County Lawnwood Softball fields at the northeast cor-
ner of the John B. Park Sporting Complex, adjacent to Quincy Ave & 13th St. The proposed namesake,
Layne Chesney, 16, attended Lincoln Park Academy and is recognized as a softball standout.
Layne was severed injured in a horrific accident in 2017, and unfortunately succumbed to her injuries in
May 2019.
Her impacts in the softball community are documented, with her charisma and positivity highlighted.
Layne is displayed as being the epitome of strength and determination, taking pride in being an outstand-
ing athlete, working tirelessly to pursue a dream of becoming a middle infielder for the Florida Gators,
and beyond—including becoming an environmental scientist. She graduated from Fairlawn Elementary
and attended Lincoln Park Academy.
S T A F F R E C O M M E N D A T I O N
Staff recommends the Commission evaluate the request in accordance with the St. Lucie County Public Facilities
Naming Policy, and consider a recommendation.
Based upon the established criteria, and documents provided within the petition, Staff recommends the Commission
find a position of no-objection to the naming request.
Attachments
Application Documents
R E Q U E S T H I G H L I G H T S & P R O P O S E D N A M I N G
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ITEM 7.B.1.. POTENTIAL MOTIONS:
MOTION TO FIND NO OBJECTION
AFTER CONSIDERING THE PRESENTATION DURING THE PUBLIC MEETING,
INCLUDING STAFF COMMENTS, I HEREBY MOVE THAT THE HISTORICAL
COMMISSION FORWARD A FINDING OF NO OBJECTION TO THE REQUESTED
FACILITY NAMING TO THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS BECAUSE….
MOTION TO APPROVE
AFTER CONSIDERING THE PRESENTATION DURING THE PUBLIC MEETING,
INCLUDING STAFF COMMENTS, I HEREBY MOVE THAT THE HISTORICAL
COMMISSION FORWARD AN APPROVAL RECOMMENDATION FOR THE
REQUESTED FACILITY NAMING TO THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS BECAUSE….
MOTION TO DENY
AFTER CONSIDERING THE PRESENTATION DURING THE PUBLIC MEETING,
INCLUDING STAFF COMMENTS, I HEREBY MOVE THAT THE HISTORICAL
COMMISSION FORWARD A DENIAL RECOMMENDATION FOR THE REQUESTED
FACILITY NAMING TO THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS BECAUSE….
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Exhibit 1
Application
Naming Public Buildings, Lands, Roads and Bridges
St. Lucie County
Date: ___________________________
Contact Information
Name: ________________________________________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip: __________________________________________________________________________
Telephone: ____________________________________________________________________________
Email: _________________________________________________________________________________
Describe the building or land you are requesting to be named, giving complete address, location, beginning and
ending points, etc.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Requested Name for the facility: ___________________________________________________________________
If applicable, give the date of death of the person for which the facility is proposed to be name: _________________
Describe the historical association or connection with the requested name to the facility.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
List below any proclamations, awards, commendations, or resolutions, made on behalf of the honoree by any civic,
charitable or volunteer organizations you wish the County Commission to consider.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Attach a location map with this application along with any additional relevant information concerning this proposal
and return to:
St. Lucie County Administration
2300 Virginia Avenue
Fort Pierce, FL 34982
March 1, 2021
Jeremiah K. Johnson, Fort Pierce City Commissioner
100 N. US Highway 1
Fort Pierce, FL 34950
772-528-5022
jjohnson@cityoffortpierce.com
Layne Chesney Softball Complex
May 10, 2019
Existing Lawnwood Softball Complex located at approximately 13th Street & Quincy Avenue, Fort Pierce. There are two fields at the complex. (see attached map)
(see attached)
(see attached)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________The fields have been a public amenity for many, many years and the Lincoln Park Academy softball team uses
this complex as their "home field". Additional info is attached.
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Layne Chesney
Layne was an inspiration to the Treasure Coast. Layne, 16,
attended Lincoln Park Academy and was a softball
standout, leading the Jensen Beach Wildcats (a travel ball
team made up of Treasure Coast student athletes) to the
2017 Babe Ruth World Series. She was already receiving
attention from college coaches for her outstanding abilities
on the field when she attempted to reignite a smoldering
bonfire while roasting marshmallows at a friend’s house in
2017. The gasoline can Layne was holding exploded in her
hands, covering her in flames. Layne lost her battle in May 2019.
Her impacts were far in the softball community but it was her smile and light-hearted spirit that was so
special. Layne was a friend to everyone, she was always smiling or laughing, her smile would light up an
entire room. She was great at making you feel welcomed. She loved dancing and making people laugh.
She didn't care what you thought of her as long as she could make you giggle.
Layne took pride in being an outstanding athlete, she never took a day off. She made her family proud,
especially her poppy with the achievements she made during her softball career. Layne envisioned
herself as a middle infielder for the Florida Gators. Her dream was to play college softball while studying
to be an environmental scientist.
She graduated from Fairlawn Elementary and attended Lincoln Park Academy. She played softball for
TCAA Wildcats and for Lincoln Park Academy. Not only was she a great ball player, she was a dedicated
scholar. Even after late nights at the field, she'd always make time for studying. School was a top priority for her. She enjoyed receiving high marks and loved challenging courses.
Layne was the epitome of strength and determination. Layne was so thankful for her mom and grammy's
willpower to stay by her side through all the trials and tribulations. Their constant support and love were a
daily reminder to never give up. Even in her darkest days, she continued to put herself second. Despite
Layne's circumstances, she wanted to make sure everyone was taken care of and included. Layne taught
us many things, through her struggles she brought people from all over the world together; she was an
inspiration to many. Layne's spirit will forever live on in our hearts. We are all better people for having
known her.
#LAYNESTRONG
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LOCATION MAP
Request to rename the above complex as:
LAYNE CHESNEY SOFTBALL COMPLEX
HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION TO THE FACILITY
As a student at Lincoln Park Academy, Layne spent all her days as a student athlete player at this
complex as this is the home of the Lincoln Park Greyhounds Softball Team. Layne began at LPA in 6th
grade playing against high school girls from around the state and was regarded as one of the premiere
players on the Treasure Coast.
LPA has won or appeared in district and regional games throughout the program’s history.
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CITY OF FORT PIERCE PROCLAMATION – issued on January 24, 2018
WHEREAS, City, County, and Treasure Coast residents have come together at this event, “For the Love of Layne” to recognize the gifts, talents, and unending smile of Layne Chesney who was involved in a New Year’s Eve accident; and
WHEREAS, through the immediate life-saving actions of her lifelong friends, the Holmes Family, Layne is fighting to heal and recover as she undergoes extensive treatment at the Kendall Burn Center; and
WHEREAS, this city and many collaborative partners have united together to pour out unending love, prayer and financial support for Layne, her mother and sister, and Layne’s grandparents; and
WHEREAS, Layne Chesney is known throughout Lincoln Park Academy; is known by her coaches, teammates and opposing players in the softball community; is known throughout the city of Fort Pierce, St Lucie County, the state of Florida, and many parts of the United States through her love of softball and outstanding talents; and
WHEREAS, the phrase #LayneStrong has gone viral on social media through the outpouring of prayer from communities throughout the United States and from countries around the world.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Linda Hudson, Mayor of the City of Fort Pierce, Florida, do hereby issue this proclamation in honor of:
Layne Chesney
and encourage all Fort Pierce citizens and Treasure Coast residents to keep Layne and her family in your hearts, thoughts and prayers as they continue the fight for recovery and healing.
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