Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Preservation law now has bite

With the Biltmore as a spark, the town tightens rules for changes and demolition.

By LORRI HELFAND
Published October 27, 2005

BELLEAIR - The Town Commission on Wednesday unanimously adopted a historic preservation ordinance to protect structures like the Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa, four hours after a representative of the hotel's owners submitted an updated application to tear it down.

Officials did not have time before their meeting to review the application.

A month ago, officials told the owner, Belleview Biltmore Resort Ltd., that its application to raze the landmark lacked at least 13 essential items. They also asked the Biltmore's owner to explain how it planned to protect the landmark it intends to demolish.

Roger Schwenke, an attorney representing the owner, said his client could not promise to preserve the entire structure, but plans to inventory the contents of the hotel and preserve historic items.

The 4-0 vote marked the culmination of the commission's efforts to give their town's historic preservation policy some teeth. Mayor George Mariani Jr., who voted for the ordinance on first reading, was absent.

"There were touchy moments, but now we have a foundation and we just need to build onto that," said Ed Jameson, one of a handful of leading preservationists who attended the meeting.

The potential loss of the 108-year-old hotel prompted officials to pursue stronger legislation to protect it. The town's previous preservation rules chiefly served as a way to educate and advise property owners who are considering changes to historic properties.

The ordinance will require certificates for changes to historic structures. The town manager will have the authority to approve or deny ordinary repairs and minor modifications. But major alterations or demolition will require a special certificate, reviewed by the historic preservation board at a public hearing and approved by the Town Commission at yet another public hearing.

Tina Papavasilopoulos had worried for months, wondering if her son and daughter-in-law would be able to celebrate their Oct. 15 wedding at the hotel. Even though it went off without a hitch, Papavasilopoulos said she had to come to the meeting to see the outcome of the vote.

"I really love the place and I want it to stay there forever," she said.

[Last modified October 27, 2005, 01:28:19]