35:33The restoration of the Bronson Maholland House on Madison Street was a focal point of the meeting. The city of Palatka, which owns the house built around 1845 by Mr. Bronson, a former U.S. judge, is spearheading a significant restoration project. The initiative is financially backed by a $500,000 grant from the Florida Department of State and an additional $100,000 from city funds. The project aims to address critical structural issues, including the replacement of the porch, wood repairs, and exterior painting.

39:48Architect Christopher Nardon presented the restoration plans, emphasizing the importance of returning the porch to its historical grandeur based on historical photographs. While the design seeks to replicate the original proportions, modern building codes require some adjustments, such as changes in railing height. The project includes restoring the upper and lower porches, columns, and stairs with a focus on structural integrity.

42:54Materials were a key point of contention. The proposed use of pressure-treated lumber for decking drew concerns from board members and the public. A board member expressed apprehension about the durability of treated southern pine, worrying it could lead to issues like splitting and shrinking over time. They suggested cedar as a preferable alternative due to its durability and historical accuracy. The architect acknowledged the financial constraints that influenced the choice of materials, citing cost-effectiveness as a primary factor.

56:12Public commentary provided additional perspectives. Ms. Allelu Kitchens, a participant in the meeting, contested the house’s construction date, asserting through her research that it was built in 1854, not 1845. She expressed dissatisfaction with the city’s previous handling of repairs, advocating for historically accurate materials like pine to maintain the house’s integrity. Another member of the public, Mr. Sheffield, emphasized the importance of consistent standards for city-owned properties, highlighting the public’s expectation for the city to maintain its properties at the same standards required of private owners. He urged the board to engage contractors experienced in historic restoration to avoid repeating past mistakes.

01:00:35A motion to approve the restoration, specifically addressing the porch and column materials, was initially stalled due to a lack of seconding. An alternative motion was proposed, focusing on including options for kiln-dried pressure-treated wood and cedar in the bid process. This motion received more traction.

01:13:23The meeting also addressed broader issues of compliance within historic districts. Brochures distributed to realtors and homeowners were discussed, revealing concerns about unapproved changes by homeowners in these districts. A board member questioned how to effectively address unauthorized alterations. The board reiterated that code enforcement remains the primary mechanism for ensuring compliance with historical preservation standards.