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Front‑addition and flood‑variance for contributing house at 714 S. Palm Way tabled after lengthy debate
Summary
The board tabled a request for a front addition and a base‑flood‑elevation variance at 714 South Palm Way after staff concluded the proposal would obscure character‑defining features and not meet the standards for a variance; the applicant and neighbors will return with revised plans or alternatives.
The Historic Resources Preservation Board heard a lengthy presentation and public comment on HRPB case 25-00100175, a request to add a front addition and to obtain a base flood elevation (BFE) variance for the contributing masonry vernacular house at 714 South Palm Way. Staff recommended denial, concluding a front addition would obscure or destroy character‑defining features and therefore render the project ineligible for a flood‑variance exception intended to preserve contributing status.
Applicant Jeremy Hamlin and advisor Wes Blackman argued practical constraints—an existing pool, site utilities and interior layout—make a rear addition impractical or cost‑prohibitive, and presented contextual examples and design revisions. Neighbors spoke both for and against the proposal; neighbor Anthony Segrech urged the board to weigh character and quality and argued the owner is seeking to remain in the house. Board members pressed staff and applicants on standards for contributions, reversibility, and the calculation for the 50% improvement threshold tied to flood‑code triggers. After extended discussion, the applicant requested time to work with staff on alternatives and the board voted unanimously to table the item to the October meeting so the applicant can return with revised proposals addressing the staff criteria.
