Nicky Boyette – Al Larson represented the Eureka Springs School Board at the June 15 Historic District Commission asking for an extension of demolition approval of the building nearest US 62 on the old high school property. The current demolition permit would have expired June 18.
Larson told commissioners there were unexpected legal obstacles in preparing for demolition. The survey of the property revealed a portion of B-100 sits on a property line, and the search for who owns the adjacent property continues.
Glenn Crenshaw, board member of the Community Center Foundation, explained they are going through the steps required by the state for settling the property line and have made progress.
Larson added the legal process required before asbestos can be removed has also taken longer than expected.
Chair Dee Bright said she asked about possible delays before the original request was approved, and her concerns have been validated.
Crenshaw said a one-year extension would be preferable so they would not have to encumber the agenda time and again. Commissioner Virgil Fowler read from their guidelines regarding extensions that three-month extensions are allowed. Fowler said he would have no problems hearing about progress on the project every three months. Bright emphasized the commission’s desire to see examples of progress. Crenshaw said progress has been made on dismantling B-100, but Bright said commissioners would appreciate photos or reports.
Commissioners unanimously voted to approve a three-month extension.
In other business, Judy Holden told commissioners she wanted to replace flooring of her rotting deck at 1 Frisco with a durable composite product. Upon questioning, she revealed she replaces the decking every five years because of inclement conditions.
Fowler noticed the repair is not a product of Holden’s neglect, and commissioner Melissa Greene observed there was very little left of what was original, so it is no longer a contributing house. She said she had no problem with Holden using a composite material. Plus, the deck is not visible from the street. Holden’s application was approved.
These applications were also approved:
- 7 E. Mountain – change roofline; add front gables; add posts
- 119 N. Main – add deck; extend deck; add entry doors to front deck
- 4 Summit – add windows to enclose utility room; move door
- 30 Crescent Dr – add two more columbarium to grounds
- 60A Wall St. – add handicapped access ramp
- 19 Ridgeway – replace non-original rear window
The application to replace windows at 49 Benton was tabled for more information.
These five Consent Agenda items were approved:
- 35 Benton – change front door for new construction
- 55 Kingshighway – new trim color
- East Van Buren – re-wrap existing billboard
- 101 E. Van Buren –replace/remove existing signs
- 26 White – new paint colors
Consent Agenda items are Level I applications that the City Preservation Officer believes to be in accordance with the design guidelines.
There was one Administrative Approval, which is an application for repair or work involving no changes in materials or color but which includes applications for changes in roofing color.
- 63 ½ N. Main – rebuild rear block wall
Next meeting will be Wednesday, June 29, at 6 p.m.