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Historic Preservation Board meeting minutes of September 17, 2015.
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PRESENTATION TO DOLLY MacINTYRE:
Ms. Spain presented to Ms. MacIntyre a plaque stating the City’s appreciation of her service to the Historic Preservation Board from 2007 to 2015, after which Ms. MacIntyre expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to participate. She noted that the Board never missed a meeting in those eight years, and commented that she didn’t think any other board in Miami-Dade County had that record. She charged the Board to continue the same fine legacy.
LOCAL HISTORIC DESIGNATIONS:
CASE FILE LHD 2015-04 (Continued):
Consideration of the local historic designation of the property at 927 Valencia Avenue, legally described as Lots 17 to 20 Inclusive, 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.
A motion was made and seconded to approve local historic designation of the property at 927 Valencia Avenue. (Ayes: 7, Nays: 0)
CASE FILE LHD 2015-07:
Consideration of the local historic designation of the property at 906 Lisbon Street, legally described as Lot 10, Block 61, Coral Gables Granada Section, according to the Plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book 8, at Page 113 of the Public Records of Miami-Dade County, Florida.
A motion was made and seconded to approve local historic designation of the property at 906 Lisbon Street. (Ayes: 7, Nays: 0)
SPECIAL CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS:
CASE FILE COA (SP) 2015-012:
An application for the issuance of a Special Certificate of Appropriateness for the property at 1511 Ferdinand Street, a local historic landmark, legally described as Lot 20, Block 68, Coral Gables Granada Section, according to the Plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book 8, at Page 113 of the Public Records of Miami-Dade County, Florida. The application requests design approval for an addition and alterations to the residence.
A motion was made and seconded to approve the design proposal for the alterations and one-story addition to the building at 1511 Ferdinand Street, conditioned on including: staff comments as stated in the staff report; a review of the design of the columns as discussed; the design size of the cornice on the new addition; and at the flareup on the new addition; all to be reviewed by staff; and also to approve issuance of a Special Certificate of Appropriateness. (Ayes: 7, Nays: 0)
BOARD ITEMS / CITY COMMISSION / CITY PROJECTS UPDATE:
Ad Valorem Tax Relief - 1203 Asturia: Ms. Spain reported that the City Commission unanimously approved the application as recommended by the Board.
Historic Preservation Board Appointment: Ms. Spain explained that Carmen Guerrero’s Board term of service, filled after her resignation by John Fullerton, expired. In order for Mr. Fullerton to continue Board service, it is necessary for the Board to confirm the appointment, after which it will be presented to the City Commission for confirmation.
A motion was made and seconded to appoint John Fullerton for an additional term of Board service. (Unanimously approved)
ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY:
Board Workshop Plans: Ms. Spain advised that after the department’s new historic preservationist is hired, Board members will be contacted to schedule a date for a Board orientation workshop.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Proposed Plantation District: Mr. Adams asked for information regarding a proposed plantation district in the north half of the City that was noted in the 927 Valencia Avenue designation report. Ms. Kautz relayed that at some point, all 1920s-era houses from Bird Road north to the City boundary were researched, planning for a district was done and subsequently the project halted.
Maintenance for City Entrances and City-owned Public Properties: Mr. Adams expressed concern about a general, long-term maintenance plan for the City’s historic entrances and older original features that identify and promote the City. Ms. Spain advised that the City budget included funds for the maintenance, repair and/or restoration of entrances, iconic City features, City Hall and Merrick House, among others, all of which will be performed by the Public Works Department.
Street Lighting / Designated City Districts: Mr. Fullerton stated that within the approximately one-mile length of the Castile Avenue designated district, there existed three streetlights. He recommended that all historic City districts be examined for appropriate street lighting, and suggested mounting an effort to examine the districts to determine the feasibility of increasing such lighting in a way more sympathetic to the historic nature of the districts. Ms. Spain advised that Florida Power & Light Company had a light pole similar to the historic white way light pole that may be appropriate. She will discuss the issue with the Public Works Department.