East Stewart committee to begin installing historic markers starting at 415 Southeast Church Street

The East Stewart Historic Advisory Committee agreed to begin a program to mark historically significant sites in the neighborhood and to start with the former George and Emma White property at 415 Southeast Church Street.

The committee decided staff will obtain bids and fabricate a memorial marker after the committee supplies photos and a short narrative. Director Pinal said, “We have all the historic documents that has been provided to us in our e Stewart historic document folder. So this could be part of the discussion today.” Board member Harvey told the committee he has photographs and has been in contact with the White family: “I have some I have some photos. And information I've been in contact with the family.”

Why this matters: the committee is charged with identifying sites, structures and events that represent East Stewart’s historic character and creating tangible public recognition (markers, plaques or nearby signage). Committee members emphasized the need to collect documentary evidence and secure property-owner cooperation before placing markers; City attorney Lee Baggett and staff noted signs normally must sit on city right-of-way rather than private parcels.

What staff will do next: staff asked the committee to supply a photo and a short text for the White site. Committee members were told staff will then request quotes from a sign fabricator, produce a proof for committee review and seek budget/CRA direction. Director Pinal told the group she would coordinate with the sign company and present proofs back to the committee once content is provided.

Implementation details and constraints: the committee discussed that a marker cannot be placed on private property without owner permission and that many prospective sites are privately owned; staff said a city-installed sign can be located in the public right-of-way adjacent to a parcel. The committee noted the parcel owner shown in the property appraiser record for the site is Sahir Waheed (owner name reported during discussion). Members also raised practical steps: compile photos, oral histories or scanned documents, confirm property ownership, and contact owners for permission. Several members urged a systematic approach — gathering a prioritized list of candidate sites, then pursuing each in turn.

Committee next steps and public access: members agreed to return with recommended sites and supporting material at the committee’s next meeting; staff said content and media (photos, short audio/video oral histories) can be uploaded to the City of Stuart’s project page for East Stewart. Commissioner Clark and staff suggested the committee prepare an initial short list (five to ten names or places) so the city can prioritize fabrication and budget timing.

Ending: the committee framed the marker project as a stepwise effort: collect evidence, confirm ownership/permission, secure fabrication quotes, and then install signs in concert with streetscape and park projects so markers remain visible and durable.