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Marble Cliff council approves demolition permit for 1956 Bluff Ave.; neighbors secure plan to protect stone pillars
Summary
The Village of Marble Cliff approved a demolition permit for 1956 Bluff Ave. after the applicant said the house lacks historic value and contains no asbestos; neighbors asked Council to direct staff and the Village Engineer to preserve historic stone pillars nearby.
Marble Cliff — At its Nov. 17 meeting, the Village of Marble Cliff Council approved a demolition permit for the house at 1956 Bluff Ave., while asking staff to work with the Village Engineer to protect nearby stone pillars raised as a neighborhood concern.
Applicant Katy Bainbridge told the council she plans to demolish the existing house because it lacks historical value and is not of valuable use in its current condition. Bainbridge said her contractor confirmed there is no asbestos in the structure and that the contractor will recycle the bricks; she added the lot will be seeded and maintained until construction of a new home, which her architect can begin designing in January.
Neighbor John Hoberg said he had no objection to the demolition but asked Council to consider how best to protect the stone pillars at the end of Bluff Ave. from damage during demolition and subsequent construction. Jeff Kneile, another nearby resident, sought clarification that the correct house was the subject of the permit and asked about the orientation of the new home. Council discussed protections and directed staff to coordinate with the Village Engineer on a preservation plan for the pillars.
Solicitor Anthony Severyn swore in witnesses during the permit hearing. Council President Dow T. Voelker said, based on the testimony and application, criteria for demolition had been met. Voelker moved to approve the demolition permit; Council member Kendy A. Troiano seconded. The motion passed with five affirmative votes; Council member Matthew R. Jolson abstained because he arrived late to the discussion.
The council did not specify a demolition start date at the meeting. Bainbridge told the council the new house design will not begin until January and that she intends to restore the pillars when construction is complete. Staff will bring back details of the preservation plan after consulting with the Village Engineer.
The meeting record does not list a formal appeal or conditions attached to the permit beyond the council’s direction to preserve the stone pillars.
