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Historic Tax Exemption Recommended for Restored 310 Northeast First Avenue
Summary
The Historic Preservation Board recommended the city commission approve an ad valorem tax exemption for 310 Northeast First Avenue after reviewing completed rehabilitation work in the Old School Square Historic District.
The Delray Beach Historic Preservation Board voted May 7 to recommend that the City Commission approve an ad valorem tax exemption for 310 Northeast First Avenue following approval of site and design work earlier in the year.
Why it matters: ad valorem tax exemptions are a common local incentive to encourage rehabilitation of contributing historic properties; the board’s recommendation is the step that forwards the application to the City Commission.
Background and action: Michelle Hewitt, planner, entered the exemption application into the record and presented the property as a contributing circa‑1941 minimal‑traditional cottage within the Old School Square Historic District. Owner Joseph Wagman described the rehabilitation work and site changes, noting a new single‑car garage accessed from the alley, a restored front porch, and a rear addition that included a pool and landscaping. Wagman said the home previously suffered termite damage and other deferred maintenance and that the team repaired siding, replaced roofs and preserved porch features.
Hewitt showed the board the approved site plan, elevations and renderings and explained that a variance was granted to allow a pool addition to match the existing structure’s setback. The board asked questions and made site‑visit comments before a motion to recommend approval was offered.
Vote: The board’s motion to recommend approval passed on a roll call vote: Chris Cabeza, Peter Dwyer, Ezra Craig, John Miller and Jim Chard voted yes; Carol Perez and Vlad Dumitrescu were recorded absent. The board’s motion found that the application is “consistent with the comprehensive plan and meets the criteria set forth in the Land Development Regulations.”
Next steps: the board’s recommendation forwards the exemption application and supporting materials to the City Commission for final action. The owner and staff may be requested to supply the commission with final as‑built photographs and documentation when the commission considers the exemption.
