Punta Gorda board approves demolition certificate for 311 Goldstein with 30‑day hold to seek relocation

The City of Punta Gorda Historic Preservation Advisory Board voted July 24 to recommend approval of a certificate of appropriateness (CA 37‑2025) that allows demolition of the single‑family residence at 311 Goldstein Street, but the board attached a condition that demolition may not begin for about 30 days and that the item return to the board at its next meeting.

The move follows a continued hearing from June 26 on a request from property owner John O'Grady. Hank Flores, Urban Design manager, told the board staff recommended approval after reviewing a structural engineer’s report. ‘‘Pursuant to section 16.3 subsection b, a certificate of appropriateness is required,’’ Flores said as he introduced the matter.

Why it matters: the house, built in 1910 in a folk‑Victorian style and listed on the local register of historic places, sits in downtown Punta Gorda where board members and the owner said tourism and downtown appearance are important to the local economy. Owner John O’Grady presented photos and a structural engineer’s report and described repeated storm damage he said made the house unsafe and economically impractical to repair to current code without rebuilding. ‘‘This has nothing to do with neglect,’’ O’Grady said. ‘‘I’ve spent over $100,000 in my attempts to save the home…The roof of the property is attached to nothing but the two layers of lapboard siding.’’

Board members and public speakers debated options, including whether the house could be moved to the city’s History Park or another site. Board member Charlie Noble and others said relocating buildings to the History Park has happened previously and would preserve architectural elements; Noble said a move could ‘‘house an artisan’’ and have value in the park. Several board members asked whether funding, a site and a timely plan could be secured. One board member estimated moving similar houses ‘‘maybe $60,000’’ but noted costs vary by route and utilities.

Board discussion also addressed the legal process and the board’s options. Staff and board members noted that under the city code a certificate may be delayed up to 18 months to allow time for relocation efforts, and that applicants may appeal to city council. Board reporter Alexander Friend advised that the board can provide conditional agreement but cautioned he was not an attorney on whether particular conditions are legally binding.

Outcome and next steps: the motion before the board approved the certificate of appropriateness with the condition that demolition not begin for roughly 30 days and that the item be placed on the board’s next agenda (the board set the next meeting date). The motion passed with all members present voting in favor; no member recorded an opposition. Board members said they would pursue contacts who might facilitate a move and that staff would attempt to identify relocation options before the next meeting. The owner said he would wait the 30 days if a realistic plan were put forward.

Documentation: staff relied on a structural engineer’s report supplied with the application. The record shows the owner paid for foundation work after storms and seeks to rebuild to current code while preserving some decorative features.

The board’s action is a recommendation to the city zoning official, who makes the final permitting decision; the board’s approval does not itself authorize demolition work to begin.

Board members and residents who spoke at the hearing included Hank Flores (Urban Design manager), John O’Grady (property owner), Charissa Deskin (resident/commenter), Charlie Noble (board member), Lucille Ponti (board member), Dawn Good (board member), Steven Valdez (board member), Samantha Modich (board member) and Alexander Friend (board reporter).