0:28The meeting’s most debated topic revolved around the proposed renovations to a historic property located on Massachusetts Avenue. The property owner sought a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) to transition the building from a single-family residence to office space. Proposed changes included adding a gate to an existing vinyl fence, creating a rear parking area, adding an ADA-compliant ramp, modifying door dimensions to meet ADA standards, and installing new signage. The board was tasked with evaluating these modifications while preserving the building’s historical integrity.

A point of contention was the material for the replacement of the existing steel rear door, which was considered historically inappropriate. The board initially recommended a solid hardwood door to align with the building’s original architectural style. However, the applicant, represented by Britain Long, proposed a fiberglass door as an alternative. The argument for fiberglass centered on its ability to mimic wood aesthetically while offering better resilience to the Florida climate, which can cause wood to swell.

Board members deliberated on whether a fiberglass door would meet the historical standards outlined in the Land Development Code. Some members highlighted the importance of maintaining the building’s architectural aesthetics, noting that fiberglass could achieve this while providing greater durability against moisture and temperature fluctuations.

As the board weighed the implications of the proposed changes, they reviewed staff-recommended conditions, which included retaining original porch elements and minimizing disturbances to the building’s historical features. The members engaged in a examination of these conditions, considering the balance between preserving historical character and allowing for necessary modern upgrades. The decision on the door material was emblematic of a broader debate over historical preservation versus contemporary practicality.

19:43Signage and parking were also topics of discussion. The board reviewed a presentation on a monument sign permissible in a Highway business zone, noting the absence of specific guidelines for signage on historic buildings as the guidelines are still under development. Many historic homes in the area do not have signs due to small lot sizes, though cast concrete was identified as a preferable material over vinyl for such signs. An application for a plaque indicating the year of construction had been submitted and was approved during the meeting.

The meeting also addressed parking accessibility, particularly regarding ADA compliance at the building’s rear. Questions were raised about whether there was sufficient room for vehicles to maneuver, especially around the garage. It was clarified that these issues would be reviewed at the permit level, separate from the current focus on materials and design.

The board expressed a desire for expert input on the door material decision. One member mentioned the expertise of Christine Lattis Drake. A request for a workshop with Christine was discussed, with plans for a work session underway. The possibility of utilizing Zoom for her participation was also considered to ensure her expertise could be accessed even if she could not attend in person.

The role of Christine as a consultant to the staff, rather than directly to the board, was clarified during the meeting. This distinction led to some misunderstanding among members about her role, prompting calls for improved communication and education regarding guidelines and standards. A member expressed frustration at inconsistencies in discussions without her input, emphasizing the need for better coordination.