The primary discussion revolved around the after-the-fact COA application submitted by Judy Taber, who prefers to be called Grace, for her property located on EMTT Street in the South Historic District. The Victorian Gothic residence was painted in a “pink flamingo” color without prior approval, prompting city staff to issue a notice of violation. Taber acknowledged the oversight, attributing it to her hired professional’s failure to handle the necessary paperwork.

Board members engaged in a discussion about the lack of resources available to homeowners for choosing appropriate colors, as the city of Palatka does not have a designated historic color palette. A member shared their personal experience of struggling to find suitable colors for their own home, describing the process as subjective and akin to a “giant game of go fish.” The absence of clear guidelines was identified as an issue, prompting a call for the establishment of a standardized paint palette reflective of Palatka’s architectural heritage.

During the discussion, a proposal was made to create a committee tasked with researching historical colors used on homes in Palatka and developing recommendations for a standardized palette. The board considered using existing guidelines from St. Augustine as a potential starting point. Another member highlighted the need to address the gap in city ordinances that do not adequately cover historic districts.

The proposal for a workshop to establish a paint palette received consensus, with members agreeing to hold it alongside the next board meeting on October 2nd. A discussion ensued about the timing of the workshop, with some suggesting it occur earlier in the day for a more thorough discussion. However, it was decided that the workshop would follow the meeting to accommodate applicants first.

The meeting also touched on the necessity of involving the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to effectively utilize available funding and assist lower-income property owners in complying with historic district guidelines. The planning department acknowledged its limitations in expertise regarding historic preservation, noting that the city’s comprehensive plan is being updated to include a historic preservation element, which presents an opportunity to implement necessary changes to the code.

Taber’s situation highlighted broader concerns about homeowner awareness and understanding of the responsibilities that come with living in a historic district. A board member emphasized the importance of educating homeowners about the implications of owning a historic property, stating, “people need to take more concern about the fact that they live in a historic district and what it means to have a historic home.”

Public comments during the meeting included support from a neighbor, Marton Ree, who praised the new color, describing it as an improvement from the house’s previous green state. Allegra Kitchens, another local resident, advocated for real estate agents to disclose to buyers that they are purchasing homes in a historic district, emphasizing the need for legal recourse in cases of nondisclosure. Kitchens also expressed support for Taber’s color choice, sharing historical anecdotes about the property and its past owners.

Despite the lack of a formal color palette, the board demonstrated a willingness to support homeowners in their efforts to maintain and improve properties within the historic district. A motion was made to approve Taber’s COA application as it stood.