Residents and preservation advocates urge commission to block demolition of 25‑75 Chestnut Street buildings

Multiple public commenters urged the Historic Review Commission to oppose demolition of two commercial buildings at 25‑75 Chestnut Street, saying the structures contribute to the historic district’s character and should be incorporated into any redevelopment.

Valerie (full name not provided in record) spoke on behalf of a local review committee and said the two buildings are within the historic district boundary and that structures older than 25 years have historic significance. She cited local commercial examples that she said had been preserved rather than demolished and urged the commission to require designs that “honor” the commercial character rather than remove it.

Other callers, including Leonel and Kathy Sosa, said they supported a separate applicant (agenda item 5) and expressed general support for appropriate development across the street from their residence at 126 La Vaca. Speakers also raised concerns about proposed building height, material selection and potential traffic impacts at East Cherry in connection with a separate design proposal discussed later in the meeting.

Why it matters: Public comment reflected neighborhood resistance to demolition in core historic areas and asked the commission to apply district guidelines in a way that preserves historic fabric. Commissioners noted the comments during subsequent agenda items and asked staff to ensure material choices and height are evaluated in review.

The commission did not take an immediate vote on demolition during public comment; the remarks were entered into the record and commissioners referenced them during later deliberations on related agenda items.