Preservation commission approves demolition of deteriorated 1920s house at 300 North Pine

The Historic New Smyrna Beach Preservation Commission voted unanimously Dec. 11 to approve the demolition of a contributing structure at 300 North Pine Street after staff and a licensed engineer found widespread structural damage and active wood‑destroying organisms.

Staff planner Bob presented the application and said the house, constructed around 1925 and listed in the Florida Master Site File and the Coronado National Register Historic District, had been evaluated by engineer Charles Adams, who concluded the structure was "unsuitable for habitation" and that repairs would exceed the property's current value. Bob summarized the commission's options under section 50‑12 and outlined recommended conditions should demolition be allowed, including a written and pictorial archival record and design‑review requirements for the replacement structure.

Applicant Camille Akbatani told the commission she and her family had hoped to restore the home but "due to long term neglect and unrepaired roof damage, the home had been taken over by rats. Termites had damaged most of the wood in the home" and that contractor estimates and inspections led them to seek demolition so they could replace it with a two‑story, historically sympathetic Florida homestead style house to fit the Coronado district. Neighbors offered mixed views: Deborah Dugas of 200 North Pine urged the owners to "respect our neighborhood and the historic character," while Mark Scalora, a nearby resident, said he favored demolition and replacement because the house had become a safety and maintenance problem.

Following public comment, the commission held the two required votes: first to determine whether the building retains historical significance (the finding was affirmative, 5–0) and then to approve demolition based on its condition and staff recommendations. The motion to approve demolition — with standard staff conditions and the requirement that the applicant provide replacement drawings for review — passed 5–0. Staff said a result letter would be issued to the applicant within one to two days and that the applicant must return to planning and the commission with final elevation and site plans for design review before permitting.

The commission’s approval allows the owner to pursue demolition permits subject to the stated conditions; the replacement home must later be reviewed for compatibility with historic preservation design guidelines.