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Historic properties and development: Marycliff likely to be demolished absent an outside buyer; JP Connell permit on 60‑day hold; 1021 Highway 109 demolition OK
Summary
Planning staff reported to the commission that the Marycliff residence owner offered either to donate the house for relocation or to sell the 115-acre property, options the city said are impractical; staff warned City Council could authorize demolition on March 10 absent another buyer.
Planning staff gave updates on three properties of historic concern and on a large nearby subdivision grading permit.
Marycliff residence: Staff said the property owner (the provenance that owns Marinus Retreat) offered two options after a demolition request: donate the residence if the city would relocate it, or sell the full 115-acre property to the city. Planning staff said relocation is impractical given the structure’s mass and transport constraints on Route 109 and that purchasing the acreage is inconsistent with the city’s strategic plan to limit new park development. The department told the commission it briefed the Planning and Parks committee and that, unless another option is found, the city council meeting on March 10 will include a report recommending authorization of the demolition permit as requested by the property owner. Staff said they had informed county historic resources personnel and will continue outreach to preservation stakeholders. No formal commission action was taken on Marycliff at this meeting.
JP Connell house (St. Albans Road): Staff said a demolition request filed in 2022 moved through the city’s review process; after the Historic Preservation Commission recommended denial at its December meeting the matter went to City Council, which authorized the department to issue the permit but placed a 60‑day hold. Staff said that hold means the earliest release of the permit would be April 10. Staff also reported continuing conversations with at least one potential interested buyer; no agreement had closed.
1021 Highway 109 demolition request: Staff described a site visit on February 21 and showed photos documenting advanced decay and structural failure inside the 1941-built house. Because the property owner proposes to build a new home on the lot and the house is close to the front lot line and in poor condition, department staff recommended authorizing demolition. The commission moved, seconded and approved the demolition request by raised hands/voice vote.
Development and grading: Staff also advised the commission that the city would issue a grading permit for a 50-acre tract at the southwest corner of Route 109 and Route 100 to allow clearing and grubbing for a subdivision of approximately 15 homes. Lot sizes will range about 7,500 to 15,000 square feet; access points will be from Route 109 at the existing roundabout and from Manchester Road. Staff said the development complies with current approvals and will change the character of that parcel as construction proceeds.
Ending — Next steps: For Marycliff the department will report to City Council on March 10; for JP Connell the 60‑day hold runs to April 10; for 1021 Highway 109 the department will issue the demolition authorization and proceed with permit steps; the grading permit for the 50‑acre tract will be issued and construction activity will begin per the approved plan.
