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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHDC1984-006 Staff Minutes W. Mike Dooley 11/08/1984MINUTES HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION NOVEMBER 8, 1984 4:00 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. John Jarrard, Chairman Mr. George Worthen Mr. Sam Strauss, Jr. MEMBERS ABSENT: Ms. Beth Foti Mr. Bill Kennedy, III STAFF PRESENT: W. Mike Dooley *Due to the fact that the applicant has withdrawn the request contained herein, I have taken the liberty to somewhat abbreviate this set of Minutes. The meeting was called to order by the Chairman, Mr. John Jarrard, at 4:05 P.M. and finding a Quorum to exist, the Commission moved and accepted the Minutes of the previous meeting as recorded. Staff reported that the required notification had been properly mailed to the owners of property within the area of influence of the application and that proof of notification had been received. Item No. 1 was announced and described as: Owner: Mr. Claude Herbert Address: 1004-06 Rock Street Request: Demolition Mr. Herbert, representing the application, was called on by the Chairman to describe his reasons for requesting that the structure be demolished. Mr. Herbert explained that he and his wife desired to plant a flower and vegetable garden on the site and that the structure was of no use to them as it had not been leased for approximately three (3) years. He continued by explaining that the structural condition of the building was poor and cited the roof, plaster, floor and foundation as requiring repair. He stated that he was a retired contractor and that it would require as much as $30,000 to repair the structure. He felt that the neighborhood would look better without a delapidated structure and explained that he did not know there were restrictions to razing the structure when he purchased it. Mr. Worthen asked how long he had owned the structure and Mr. Herbert replied that he had purchased it fifteen (15) years ago. Mr. Worthen asked if there was a possibility he would sell the house and Mr. Herbert said he would not. Mr. Strauss asked if he would consider moving the house and Mr. Herbert said that was possible if it wouldn't fall apart. Ms. Cheryl Nichols, Executive Director of the Quapaw Quarter Association, stated that the Board of Directors of that organization had voted to recommend denial of the request to demolish. (Attachment No. 1) She explained some of the historical background of the structure as well as its architectural style and significance. She requested that if the Commission does not choose to refuse the demolition request that they defer same in order to work with the applicant on alternatives. The Chairman read a recommendation prepared by the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program (Attachment No. 2) which covered their interest in maintaining the scale, density and setback relationships of structures within the MacArthur Park Historic District. They noted that original siding and roofing materials appeared to be intact and recommended that the request to demolish be denied. Mr. Worthen made a motion to defer the request for six (6) months in order to work toward an agreeable solution to the demolition. Mr. Strauss seconded the motion which passed by a vote of three (3) for, none (0) against and two (2) absent. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:40 P.M. WMD/se