Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Historic Preservation Board topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Applicants interview for Boca Raton Historic Preservation Board; Pearl City national designation highlighted
Summary
Four applicants for the Historic Preservation Board described their experience and priorities; Charles Graves noted Pearl City’s listing on the National Register and work to erect historic markers, and John Perlman urged preservation of several downtown-era cultural sites.
Boca Raton City Council workshop — Four applicants interviewed Monday for appointment to the Boca Raton Historic Preservation Board, and several members of the public spoke in support.
Applicants and why it mattered: Charles Graves, an incumbent applicant, told the council he helped secure a National Register designation for Pearl City after a consultant surveyed the area and recommended several contributing properties. Graves said he has written a state grant and worked with city staff and consultants to pursue historic markers for roughly 40 contributing properties, including the Tree of Knowledge and a building at Dixie Manor.
Other applicants described relevant experience. Michael Zarecki cited long-term experience in New England historic preservation and 13 years on a local board in his community association. Susan Schultz, a 43-year resident, said she has extensive local involvement and volunteer experience. John Perlman said if appointed he would focus on protecting three sites he described as at-risk amid potential redevelopment around the government campus: the Children’s Museum (which he described as the oldest building in Boca Raton), the Boca Raton Tennis Center and the Tim Huxhold Skate Park.
Context and clarifying remarks Graves said the Pearl City nomination led to a National Register designation; he described the effort as a “big accomplishment” and thanked the city for staff support. Perlman urged vigorous preservation of downtown-era cultural assets and said relocation should not be a first option for the oldest structures. The mayor clarified that the Children’s Museum had previously been moved and that the plan under discussion involved relocation rather than demolition, saying: “I will note that, that the children's museum is not going to be plowed, it's going to be moved, and that plan was in the works regardless of the downtown campus.”
Process notes Applicants may present up to three minutes; Council members said appointments will be made at the regular meeting the next evening. Council staff told John Perlman he may give his oral interview and then submit a written application afterward. The clerk noted applicants do not need to be present at the appointment meeting to be considered.
Ending: The council closed the board-interview portion of the workshop and said it would make appointments the next night at the regular meeting.
