Landmarked property protections under review

As the town wrestles with ways to protect landmarked homes from demolition, a longtime preservationist urges caution.

Requiring a separate demolition request that halts all other work on a site could backfire, according to Palm Beach architect Gene Pandula, a former longtime chairman of the Landmarks Preservation Commission.

Town staff and the landmarks board are considering ways to better protect landmarked properties following the unauthorized partial demolition earlier this year of Vita Serena, the 1926 Palladian-style home at 105 Clarendon Ave. .

I dont think you want people to shy away from doing things precisely and correctly in favor of haste, Pandula said.

Planning, Zoning & Building Director John Page has asked the landmarks board to review suggestions he and his staff have created.

Their proposal would require:

* a separate demolition permit for projects in which demolition has been authorized.

* a demolition completion certificate. No additional permits could be approved before this certificate is completed. And no additional demolition would be allowed unless it is approved by the town in advance.

* a pre-construction meeting with the qualified contractor, architect, building official and others before the town issues a demolition permit.

* the presence of a resident inspector on the work site during demolition work. If the owner uses a private inspector, town building inspectors would visit the site daily during demolition work.

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Landmarked property protections under review