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Coral Gables Historic Preservation Board Meeting of May 21, 2015.
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DEFERRALS: No deferrals.
DISCUSSION ABOUT HISTORICALLY DESIGNATED “WHITE WAY LIGHTS” AND PRESENTATION BY THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION ASSOCIATION OF CORAL GABLES:
Ms. Spain’s advisory presentation included the display of a location map and description of the historically-designated white way lights, as well as photographs of the lights, their cast iron detailing and various stages of disrepair. She stated the City’s desire
to restore the lights; however, since Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) owns the lights, the City is unable to undertake the restoration project. Lights that have already been removed by Florida Power & Light Company are retained by the City. In 2012,
FPL said the cost to the City of transferring ownership of the lights was a total of $2,281.40. Ms. Spain recommended official action by the Board for the City to take steps to acquire ownership of the white way light locations.
A motion was made and seconded for the City to take steps to purchase all existing historically-designated white way lights. (Ayes: 6, Nays: 0)
SPECIAL CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS:
CASE FILE COA (SP) 2015-001: An application for the issuance of a Special Certificate of Appropriateness for the property at 765 North Greenway Drive, a contributing resource within the “Country Club of Coral Gables Historic District,” legally described as Lots 35 and 36, Block 23, Coral Gables Section “B,” according to the Plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 5, at Page 111, of the Public Records of Miami-Dade County, Florida. The application requested design approval for the demolition of a portion of the structure, a two-story addition, and alterations to the property.
A motion was made and seconded to approve the design proposal for the alterations and two-story addition to the residence at 765 North Greenway Drive, and approve issuance of a Special Certificate of Appropriateness. (Ayes: 6, Nays: 0)
ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY:
Coral Gables Elementary School: Ms. Spain reported that staff was notified by Kathleen Kaufman, Historic Preservation Chief of Miami-Dade County, that the school was replacing its 1920s original wood windows with new windows. The school’s location and historic photographs were displayed, featuring the original windows. Twenty-five windows have already been replaced with hurricane-strength windows and they do not replicate original windows. When staff learned about the project, the City Manager and City Attorney were notified and the project was immediately halted.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
217 Florida Avenue, MacFarlane District House: Ms. MacIntyre advised that this deteriorating house was the subject of investigation by television reporter Michelle Gillen.
OLD BUSINESS: None.
NEW BUSINESS:
How to Prepare Your Historic Home and Garden for Hurricane Season Workshop: Ms. MacIntyre announced that the Historic Association of Coral Gables was sponsoring a June 16th, two-hour evening workshop on this topic. Mr. Parsley will participate as a speaker to address landscaping issues. Ms. MacIntyre requested a representative of the City to also participate and speak about the City’s hurricane emergency plan.
City Commission Board Appointments: Ms. Thomson inquired about new Board member appointments. Staff will advise the Board when such appointments are made.
Dade Heritage Trust Award: Ms. Spain reported that Dade Heritage Trust conferred an award to the Save Alhambra Water Tower restoration project. The award was presented at the last City Commission meeting.