HPB Minutes 2007-0424 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

• 5. DISCUSSION OF HISTORIC SITES. Update Report regarding the Newport Fishing Pier: Action: Chairperson Scholl introduced Dr. Robert Comfeld owner of the Newport Fishing Pier. Dr. Comfeld reported that the Pier is a major reason for Newport's success. He said that Hurricane Wilma damaged the Pier in one particular part, and they tried to fix it. He said that th'eCity's Building Official Clayton Parker advised that the City has no jurisdiction east of the erosion control line and referred him to DERM. He said the problem is that the Pier was built in 1936, he bought the hotel in 1984 and Miami- Dade County allowed him to fix the Pier rather than demolish it. The original parts of the Pier are still in tact,the newly replaced parts are defective(210 feet). He said he wants to fix the Pier but the problem is two-fold: I) the previous engineer did a report on how to fix the Pier, but the South Florida Building Code changed in 2002 with steeper regulations, so the plans must be redone; arid 2) it will take one year to get full permitting. Chairperson Scholl asked how Dr. Cornfeld owns the land. Adrianne Hartman said the State owns the land and Dr. Comfeld leases it. She said you have to get a Coastal Permit from DEP in Tallahassee; a permit from DEP in West Palm Beach; and you have to see the Army Corp of Engineers, and noted that you can apply for all the permits at the same time. City Attorney Ottinot said that this Board has authority over historical sites in the City. There is a form Certificate of Appropriateness, which the Board could vote on. Chairperson Scholl said that we would also like to write a letter in support of temporary repair, as a vehicle to the permanent repair. City Manager Szerlag said Clayton Parker the City's Building Official will assist in this matter, Mr. Parker will contact Ms. Hartman. Vice Mayor Thaler asked for a timeline for temporary permits,and Ms. Hartman said they are hoping for three (3) months. Chairperson Scholl requested Ms. Hartman to send a protocol of the items to be accomplished and the timeline to City Attorney Ottinot. Phillip Chemoff moved and Cassey Gabor seconded a motion of omnibus support of Dr. Cornfeld's temporary permit and asking the City to assist to effectuate. HPB Resolution No. 2007-04 was adopted by a 4-0-3 [Joe Masters, Michelle D'Arbelles and Trina Duluc absent] vote. Dr. Comfeld said that they would like to bring the Pier up to modern standards so it will last in excess of 20 years, and he wants to keep it the same character. He said he would like the authority to explore making the Pier a landmark that will last, plans will be subject to Committee approval. Richard Schulman said that the Atlantic Bridge entrance was improved and re-designated as an historic site. Chairperson Scholl said that it is ludicrous to rebuild something to only last five years,he said that he is personally not opposed to redesign. Richard Schulman said that the Board plans on placing a Historic Plaque at the Pier. Commissioner Brezin asked for the timeline for the Pier,and Chairperson Scholl said 90 days permitting and 6-8 weeks for repairs; five months total time. Commissioner Brezin suggested that the Newport not pursue the"band aid", and to concentrate on the permanent repairs. Ms. Hartman said they are pursuing both at the same time as permitting for permanent repairs will take about 18 months. Summary Minutes 2007-0424 HPB Mtg Page 2 of 5