The Punta Gorda Historic Preservation Advisory Board voted to recommend approval of a certificate of appropriateness to demolish a 1926 Mission Revival single‑family house at 509 Palm Avenue, saying staff's review and an engineer's report supported demolition.

Urban design manager Hank Flores told the board the applicant submitted a structural report by Christopher Beers, P.E., of Creek Engineering documenting “rotted, deteriorating roof, sagging floorboards from flooding, site drainage ponding and non‑positive drainage relief,” as well as exposed wiring and lack of GFI outlets. The staff recommendation was that the zoning official approve the demolition request.

Adam Riley of LTD Contracting, representing the homeowners, told the board the house suffered “extensive damage from Ian” and subsequent storms, that foundation settlement and repeated flooding had caused structural failures and that insurance adjusters had advised owners not to disturb the property. “On our behalf as well, we recommend to demolish and rebuild based off of the new LDRs,” Riley said.

Several board members expressed concern about parity and the community impact of demolition. One member noted 509 has a twin at 513 Palm Avenue, which is undergoing rehabilitation, and said the contrast raised fairness and neighborhood character issues. Board member Theresa Desquin called the condition “demolition by neglect” and emphasized the board’s preservation obligation. Board member Charles Noble urged sensitivity to owners’ financial capacity, saying the board should consider cost impacts on homeowners forced to live elsewhere during repairs.

Board members also discussed technical concerns about post‑rebuild site drainage and how raising one house could affect neighboring lots. Lucille Ponti (board member) noted that under the city’s rules a board denial would delay a demolition only 18 months and that City Council can overrule the board for “extreme hardship.”

After discussion the board moved to recommend approval of the certificate of appropriateness for demolition at 509 Palm Avenue; the motion passed and the certificate was approved for recommendation to the zoning official.

The board’s action will go to the zoning official, and owners may pursue building permits consistent with the city’s land development regulations (LDRs) if demolition is authorized.