Utility board backs forgiving lien interest for 629 East Charlotte Ave., asks council to consider three‑year repayment plan for principal

The Punta Gorda City Utility Advisory Board voted unanimously April 28 to recommend that the City Council forgive accrued lien interest tied to the utility account for 629 East Charlotte Avenue and allow the property owner up to three years to repay the remaining principal balance.

The recommendation follows a public hearing in which Darryl Gadsden, who said he recently completed ownership paperwork after seven years of possession, described plans to rehabilitate the two‑story building at the corner of East Charlotte and Cooper Street into two three‑bedroom, two‑bath units and asked the board to either remove the entire outstanding balance or at least forgive $13,275.03 in interest and allow a three‑year repayment for the remaining charge.

Board members said the proposal would help return a long‑vacant structure to productive use in…