HARB approves two demolition certificates for aging houses on Ferry Place and Chapin Street

The Historic Architecture Review Board on Nov. 20 approved expedited certificates of demolition for two residential properties the city found were not locally designated as historic. The board approved demolition at 16 Ferry Place (HP2025‑0069) and at 78A Chapin Street (HP2025‑0075). Staff told the board each property lacked the local designation and that review of the Florida master site file did not identify local landmark status.

At 16 Ferry Place the applicant, who was sworn for the record, waived a public presentation under the expedited-hearing rules. Staff said seven response forms were mailed on that application; none favored preservation. Board members asked staff and the applicant about salvageable material. The board’s motion to approve included a direction that the owner make a good-faith effort to salvage any reusable fabric, trim, or flooring the demolition uncovers.

At 78A Chapin Street applicant Casey Welch described prior wind and tree damage, removed windows and DIY renovations that left the house unstable. Welch said the windows had been replaced with aluminum and that floor construction had been partially removed by a prior owner; the board heard the property was structurally unsafe. The board approved demolition and urged the owner to make materials available for salvage if safe to do so.

Both motions passed on roll-call votes with unanimous support by the members present. The board did not add additional historic protections for either parcel and noted the standard staff review concluded neither structure met code criteria for local designation.

The board’s approvals were framed as formal actions under HARB rules; staff will issue the certificates and proceed with permitting steps and standard code-enforcement checks related to demolition work. The board’s statements made clear salvage, safety and neighbor notifications are expected as part of the demolition process.