The Andrew’s House, noted for its historical significance as Boynton Beach’s oldest house, is currently facing the threat of demolition due to an applied permit. This development has raised concerns among community members, including a speaker who criticized the lack of notification about the permit’s status and questioned the transparency of the city’s intentions.

During the meeting, three potential sites for relocating the Andrew’s House were evaluated. The first site, Furry Friends Park, was considered due to its open space and central location. However, questions arose regarding its suitability, given its zoning as a city-owned lot within a central business district. The appropriateness of this site as a potential welcome center was also debated, with some members expressing skepticism about its feasibility.

The second site, located on the ocean side of the property, presented its own set of challenges, primarily concerning fire codes and building separation requirements. The necessity for variances to accommodate the 20-foot distance between structures was discussed, highlighting the complexities of this option. Despite these hurdles, some community members favored this location, advocating for its potential to house a welcome center or museum that could enhance public interaction with Boynton Beach’s history.

Cost considerations were an aspect of the discussions, with an estimated relocation expense of $75,000, potentially reaching $290,000 with additional foundation and utility setup costs. The board recognized that these financial implications would need careful evaluation in future meetings, particularly in collaboration with the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).

Public input played a role in shaping the conversation around Andrew’s House. A resident named Susan voiced her opposition to locating a call center in a neighborhood park, emphasizing the need to prioritize historical integrity over commercial interests. She argued for minimal intervention in the house’s structure. Her comments sparked a broader discussion about the appropriate use of historic buildings and the community’s desire to maintain their significance.

The notion of relocating the house to a site adjacent to the Magnuson House gained traction, with some advocating for the creation of a Heritage cluster downtown. This proposal aimed to encourage community engagement and tourism by establishing a walkable area of historical interest. A board member expressed support for this idea, emphasizing the importance of keeping the location close to City Hall to maximize public access and utilization.

Some speakers criticized the city staff for not effectively communicating developments related to the Andrew’s House, urging the board to push for more transparency and timely updates.

Towards the meeting’s conclusion, motions were proposed to recommend the city commission select location number two for the Andrew’s House relocation and consider transferring ownership to the city or CRA. These motions received unanimous support from the board members.