Staff: demolition recommended for heavily damaged contributing house at 2107 Passagrille Way (case 25134)

Senior planner Gil Martinez presented a certificate‑of‑appropriateness request for demolition of a contributing 1‑story, frame vernacular dwelling at 2107 Passagrille Way (case 25134). Staff described the structure’s characteristics and showed photographs documenting severe hurricane damage. FEMA valuation changes (higher 2024 pre‑storm value vs. lower 2025 post‑storm valuation) and repair estimates indicating 84% of depreciated value were cited as factors supporting economic infeasibility for repair.

Martinez explained the Land Development Code demolition‑considerations (LDC §2.8.11), which require weighing historical significance against the condition, feasibility of reproduction and anticipated rehabilitation expense. Staff concluded reasonable measures to preserve the structure were not feasible and recommended approval of demolition without a stay on demolition.

Juan Morejon, who said he is acting on behalf of the owners, testified that subsequent inspections found live mold and additional damage and offered to provide inspection and mold reports to staff. Board members asked technical questions about the valuation years used by FEMA to determine substantial damage; Community Development Director Laura Canary confirmed the city uses the valuation tied to the disaster event year (2024) for these assessments.

No final board vote on case 25134 was recorded at this meeting; staff presented findings and answered questions and the applicant offered supplemental documentation for staff review.

Provenance: Staff presentation and owner testimony (topicintro: 00:17:52; topfinish: 00:30:48).