Commission to hear historic demolition appeal

Three citizens objecting to the demolition of a historic home on Palm Avenue — and the property owners who requested approval for the demolition — will present their cases to the City Commission at a meeting Monday.

Tim and Kristen Beury own the property at 624 S. Palm Ave., a single-family house that has functioned as a residential and retail building, most recently housing La Palme Royale bed and breakfast. The home gained historic designation in part because it was the residence of Elizabeth Perry, a 1920s civic leader, and Vernona Burns, wife of early Sarasota land developer Owen Burns.

In August, the city’s Historic Preservation Board heard a presentation on behalf of the owners regarding the proposed demolition of the home. The Beurys said they have struggled to run a financially viable business out of the property.

When they sought to sell it, they garnered interest from developers seeking to construct a high-rise building on the property. One such developer agreed to buy the property if the owners got approval to demolish the existing home.

The Historic Preservation Board granted a Certificate of Appropriateness for the demolition, with board members stating the development of the site would represent the highest and best use of the property.

The approval upset several nearby property owners, three of whom have appealed the decision to the City Commission. Although developer representatives have alleged those neighbors are more upset by the proposed high-rise building than the loss of the historic property, the appealing residents maintain the loss of the building would be a hit for the neighborhood and city.

“It’s representative of a social history of the city of Sarasota,” said Emma Joels, one of the individuals to file an appeal. “It’s part of the social historical fabric.”

Also on the agenda for Monday’s meeting:

+ The commission will again discuss a proposed ad-hoc committee to help guide the future growth and development of Bobby Jones Golf Club.

+ Commissioners will discuss the city’s 2015 state legislative priorities.

+ City Manager Tom Barwin will provide the commission with an update regarding homelessness issues.

The full agenda for Monday’s meeting can be found on the city website.

Contact David Conway at [email protected].