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CRA votes to pursue state-level recognition for AD Harris site, staff to clarify site vs. building implications
Summary
Panama City CRA voted unanimously on June 3 to pursue state-level historic recognition for the AD Harris site and requested staff return with analysis distinguishing site recognition from building-level historic designation and any operational impacts.
The Panama City Community Redevelopment Agency voted unanimously on June 3 to pursue state-level recognition for the AD Harris site and to move forward with local interpretive signage while staff studies the difference between recognizing the site and designating specific buildings.
"We do want to, highlight the rich history of AD Harris and the role that it played in our community," said a staff presenter summarizing the memo. The staff recommendation noted benefits to historic listing but concluded the existing structures lack sufficient integrity for national or state building-level designation; staff recommended pursuing local recognition and a state marker that focuses on the site's history.
Board members and members of the public urged caution and clarity. Brenda Lewis Williams, a public commenter, requested tabling the item until "pure clarification from the state of Florida historical group" on eligibility. Nancy Hudson said the CRA previously funded half the cost of a historic marker for the Rosenwald site and urged similar recognition for AD Harris.
After discussion, a motion to pursue state registration of the site passed on a roll-call vote with Board member Hughes, Board member Lucas, Board member Granger and Chairman Pat Branch voting yes. Staff committed to return with a more detailed analysis of "site versus building" implications and to proceed with a local historical plaque as soon as possible.
During debate, board members discussed potential development impacts if a building-level designation were pursued. One board member who has experience with a National Register-listed private property said the designation can impose limitations on future changes, explaining, "If you wanna keep that designation, you can't change things." Staff said recognizing the site (as opposed to listing an extant building) is less likely to restrict future uses and that staff will verify state-level effects with the state historic preservation contact.
No binding restrictions were adopted at the meeting; the board approved directing staff to begin the state-level application process for site recognition and to return with clarifying information on building-level impacts.
