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Board continues controversial Lakeside Drive house to June 10 after residents press drainage and scale concerns
Summary
The HRPB continued the certificate of appropriateness for a proposed 7,828 sq ft house at 1130 South Lakeside Drive to June 10, directing the applicant to address massing and visual compatibility and consider neighborhood design cues amid resident concerns about flooding and drainage.
Anne Hamilton, presenting staff findings, described HRPB project 26‑00100048: a new single‑family structure proposed at 1130 South Lakeside Drive in the South Palm Park Historic District. Hamilton said the plans meet zoning with minor notational corrections and that staff preferred an option that adds vertical garage windows to break up a blank facade. "Staff is recommending approval of the proposed new construction because it is consistent with the design guidelines and the historic preservation ordinance," she said.
Applicant Wes Blackman (CWB Associates / LWB Developments) said the design responds to the site and noted the 50‑foot garage setback and a base flood elevation of 10 feet for the lot; he contrasted that with the neighboring 1120 lot built to a 13‑foot base elevation. "We agree with the staff findings that the project is consistent with the city's land development regulations," Blackman said, while offering that the design is contemporary but compatible.
Public comment followed. Neighbors testified that the lot had been clear‑cut, that recent approvals have changed the street's scale and exacerbated flooding, and that many residents did not receive notice for previous approvals. Greg Richter, who lives across the street, said the lot was "underwater right now" and warned that stacking new elevated houses could create a canyon effect and redirect stormwater onto lower properties. Multiple speakers urged the board to require civil and drainage plans prior to approval.
Board members and staff clarified that drainage and civil engineering reviews happen during permitting and are not, under current code, within the HRPB's purview for a single‑family COA. Board members nonetheless expressed concern about canyoning and asked the applicant to address scale and massing. The board voted to continue the application to June 10 at 6:00 p.m. with specific direction to reduce perceived bulk and to take design cues from contributing neighboring houses. "We have to move on," the Chair said at one point, while also noting a workshop on broader flood and review questions would be scheduled.
