Commission approves $212,908 task authorization to study and stabilize Brightwater house after heated debate

The Casselberry City Commission voted 4‑1 on Aug. 25 to approve task authorization #1 with Schinkel Schultz and a related budget amendment (25‑042) to study and provide stabilization and design estimates for the Brightwater estate house.

Assistant City Manager Laurie Mertens Black presented the scope: the consultant will review the adopted conceptual plan, refine and test the design and constructability of the concept plan, provide a detailed analysis of the estate house for short‑term stabilization and long‑term planning, explore phasing strategies, research grant and fundraising opportunities, and provide cost estimates. Mertens Black said the work proposed an approximate six‑month schedule at a cost of $212,908 and that staff recommended approval.

Commission debate focused on whether the city should keep and invest in the house, rezone the property as parkland to protect it, or consider selling the asset after years of deterioration. One commissioner said the city had already invested more than $2 million and favored selling; other commissioners cited prior studies showing the city is parkland‑deficient and urged rezoning and pursuit of grant opportunities. The city manager and staff noted that rezoning to parkland would make disposal difficult and that the TA is intended to provide the information commissioners need to decide next steps.

During public comment, resident Robert Kovacevich — who identified his Casselberry address and fundraising experience — warned the commission about fundraising expectations and nonprofit registration requirements, saying, "There are no, historic restoration grants available" at the levels some might expect and offering pro bono assistance. Resident Brenda Hendricks urged preservation, asked the commission to honor earlier public input and to consider Passport Park designation to improve grant eligibility, and noted the house had been placed on a 2025 "11 to Save" list. Hendricks said volunteers had worked to clear the site and that "wallpaper can be removed," arguing restoration was feasible.

After public comment the commission moved to approve the TA and related budget amendment; the motion carried 4‑1 on the record. Staff told the commission the consultant’s results would be presented back to commissioners, likely in early January, and that further action — including rezoning the land or selling the property — would be decided following the consultant’s findings.

Budget amendment 25‑042 was included to fund the TA. The commission’s approval authorizes the city manager to execute the consultant agreement and begin the study and stabilization work.