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Board allows demolition of derelict accessory structure at 1062 Camino San Acacio amid ‘demolition by neglect’ concern
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Summary
The Historic District Review Board approved demolition of a 755 sq ft derelict accessory structure at 1062 Camino San Acacio after staff and applicant described it as structurally unsound; a public commenter warned about demolition by neglect.
The Santa Fe Historic District Review Board voted April 28 to allow demolition of an accessory structure at 1062 Camino San Acacio, finding the building noncontributing and structurally unsound.
Staff member Lanny told the board the southern accessory structure (about 755 square feet) is derelict, lacks electricity and plumbing, and that a structural engineer concluded the building is not salvageable; staff recommended demolition under sections 14-2.1(g)(3) and 14-4.6(d)(1).
Applicant Gabriel Brown, sworn for the record, described the building’s history — earlier uses included a furniture shop — and said it had been "falling down for many years," requesting permission to remove it to make a buildable home site. Brown said he is a general contractor and that the structure has little remaining value.
Public commenter Stephanie Benonato acknowledged the building’s condition but voiced concern about "demolition by neglect," asking why the structure was not maintained in the past 25 years and urging scrutiny before permitting a removal that she said can follow long-term vacancy. "The building's falling down. Now we need to demolish it," she said, asking the board to consider whether neglect led to the demolition request.
A board member moved to enter findings that the demolition criteria in the ordinance were met — specifically that the structure is noncontributing, disconnected from the residence, and structurally unsound per the engineer’s report — and to approve the application. The board approved the demolition on a roll-call vote.
The board recorded findings supporting demolition; the decision may be subject to administrative appeal under the city’s appeal process, the chair said.
