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HPAB presses city for demolition-permit reports after high-profile distressed properties, seeks foreclosure steps on liens
Summary
Board members requested monthly notices of demolition permits and discussed specific cases including twin houses on Palm Street and a bank-owned property on West Greta Esplanade; city staff described permitting differences between historic and nonhistoric properties and said it is exploring foreclosure on liens for distressed properties.
PUNTA GORDA, Fla. — At its May 22 meeting the Punta Gorda Historic Preservation Advisory Board asked the city to provide regular reports on demolition permits and discussed several distressed properties they said are affecting the historic district.
Board members raised recent demolitions and asked staff to explain how a property is approved for demolition. Rachel Berry, speaking for city staff, said nonhistoric properties can be demolished after the owner applies for a permit. "If it's on the historic register... it has to have the structural analysis report and HPAB review. But if it's not designated as historic, then they can just apply for a permit," Berry said.
Members pointed to two adjacent houses at 509 and 513 Palm — "twins," members said — where one owner seeks demolition while the neighbor is repairing the property. Board members also raised 751 West Greta Esplanade, a bank-owned property the board described as in severe disrepair with open pool and access hazards. City staff confirmed the property is on a distressed-properties list and that liens exist; staff said they are exploring processes to foreclose on liens so the city can address health, safety and welfare concerns.
Board members sought a regular demolition-permit report from the building department; Rachel Berry said staff will request that the building department provide a monthly update and that a tickler notification has been set up so other departments see demolition permit submissions. The board also asked code enforcement and the code board to provide more authority to hire fencing or safety work where health and safety are at risk.
No formal policy change or emergency demolition action was adopted; staff described next steps for reporting and lien-foreclosure investigation.
