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Coral Gables Historic Preservation Board Meeting of July 16, 2015.
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DEFERRALS: Ms. Spain announced that a representative of 927 Valencia Avenue would request a continuance, which would be addressed in order on the agenda.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION TO DOROTHY THOMSON:
On behalf of the Historic Preservation Board and the Historical Resources and Cultural Arts Department, Ms. Spain presented and read a plaque of appreciation to Mayor Dorothy Thomson for her years of service on the Board. Mayor Thomson expressed gratitude for the gift and also for the privilege of serving the City on the Historic Preservation Board.
LOCAL HISTORIC DESIGNATIONS:
CASE FILE LHD 2015-04: Consideration of the local historic designation of the property at 927 Valencia Avenue, legally described as Lots 17 to 20 Inclusive, Block 9, Coral Gables Section “A,”, according to the Plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book 5, at Page 102 of the Public Records of Miami-Dade County, Florida.
Mr. Gonas requested continuance of the case, explained the reason for the request, stating that additional time was needed to prepare. Ms. Spain added that the designation was the result of a historic significance determination and a request for a possible demolition, further explaining why it appeared on this agenda. She said the continuance was not a problem if the Board approved.
A motion was made and seconded to approve continuance of the case regarding the property at 927 Valencia Avenue. (Unanimously passed)
SPECIAL CERTIFICATES OF APPROPRIATENESS:
CASE FILE COA (SP) 2015-010: An application for the issuance of a Special Certificate of Appropriateness for the property at 800 Coral Way, a contributing resource within the “Coral Way Historic District,” legally described as Lots 9 and 10, Block 1, Coral Gables Section “A,” according to the Plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 5, at Page 102, of the Public Records of Miami-Dade County, Florida. The application requested design approval for an addition and alterations to the residence.
A motion was made and seconded to approve the application for issuance of a Special Certificate of Appropriateness for the property at 800 Coral Way, and for design approval for an addition and alterations to the residence with staff conditions.
(Ayes: 8, Nays: 1)
A motion was made and seconded to approve painting the brick, leaving the color decision up to staff to work out with the homeowners. (Ayes: 4, Nays: 5)
AD VALOREM TAX ABATEMENT:
CASE FILE AV 2011-002: An application requesting ad valorem tax relief for the property at 814 Coral Way, a contributing resource within the “Coral Rock Residences Thematic Group Historic District” and the “Coral Way Historic District,” legally described as Lots 7 and 8, Block 1, Coral Gables Section “A,” according to the Plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book 5 at Page 102 of the Public Records of Miami-Dade County, Florida. The related Certificates of Appropriateness, COA (SP) 2010-22, COA (SP) 2010-22 Continued, and COA (SP) 2012-001 were granted design approval by the Historic Preservation Board.
A motion was made and seconded to recommend approval of ad valorem tax relief for the property at 814 Coral Way as requested. (Ayes: 9, Nays: 0)
ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY:
Temple Judea application update: Ms. Spain reported that the waiver of the Art in Public Places for Temple Judea went forward and was approved by the City Commission.
White Way lights update: The issue of the City obtaining the locations from Florida Power and Light for the white way lights was approved by the City Commission. The lights, designed by Denman Fink, will be restored.
Miami-Dade Historic Preservation Resolution regarding Coral Gables Elementary School windows: Ms. Spain read verbatim the last portion of the June 17, 2015 resolution regarding restoration of the wood windows.
DISCUSSION ITEMS;
Support for Resolution / Coral Gables Elementary Windows: For the record, Ms. MacIntyre voiced her support of the resolution regarding the wood windows at Coral Gables Elementary School and requested an opportunity to be part of that resolution. The motion was remade to include all Board members.
A motion was made and seconded to adopt a resolution stating the Board strongly supports that the School Board should comply with the zoning procedures of the City of Coral Gables as related to historic preservation. (Unanimously approved)
Email Address Correction: Mr. Fullerton corrected his email address on the Board list.
National Historic Preservation Act 50th Anniversary: To observe the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act, a major catalyst to preservation in the United States, Ms. MacIntyre suggested the Board plan an event to commemorate the anniversary and highlight preservation in Coral Gables. She suggested forming a planning committee. Ms. Spain advised that the committee meetings would need to be publically noticed and held in a public place. Minutes of the meeting must be kept. Ms. Pruitt, Mr. Silva, Mr. Adams and Ms. MacIntyre volunteered to serve on the committee.
Sarah Anderson Event: Ms. Spain reported that the July 13th event to honor Sarah Anderson was successful. At Ponce de Leon Plaza, there is a coral rock boulder and a large bronze plaque in honor of Mrs. Anderson, a member of the first Historic Preservation Board. Many of Mrs. Anderson’s family members attended.
Developer Workshop: Ms. MacIntyre discussed workshops sponsored by the Board in the past, stating there is interest by Dade Heritage Trust and The Villagers to collaborate with the Board in planning and conducting a workshop aimed at developers. Ms. MacIntyre asked the Board to consider using remaining funds from the last workshop to partner with other organizations to plan and implement the developer workshop. Approximately $400 remains in the workshop fund.
A motion was made and seconded to use the balance of workshop funds to be dedicated to hosting a developer workshop in partnership with other organizations.(Unanimously approved)