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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004 - Proposal to City CouncilPROPOSAL TO SEBASTIAN CITY COUNCIL CONCERNING HISTORIC PROPERTIES Submitted to City Clerk Sally Maio By Kerry Lynn Firth April 9, 2004 PROPOSAL TO CITY COUNCIL CONCERNING HISTORIC PROPERTIES Thank you for the courtesy each of you extended me at the City Council meeting last month. I have given extensive thought to the suggestion that I look into moving the Cain "Snowshoe" House to the site I have under option at the airport. Although I know from talking with Mr. Moore that the Council has since suggested that he try to locate the house within the historic district, I hope you will consider this proposal before finalizing that decision. I believe it presents a win-win situation for all concerned. In the time since my presentation to you, further research has led me to expand upon my original concept. In addition to the old-fashioned trading post I discussed with you last month, I would like to develop a full-scale Cracker Village of restored historical houses. In the Village, artisans and specialty merchandisers will complement the eco -tourism headquarters at the entrance to the site. With appropriate promotion, I envision the Cracker Village becoming an end -destination that will draw tourists to the Sebastian area. PubliclPrivate Partnership To fulfill this concept, I propose that the City and I undertake a public/private partnership, much like the relationship already existing at the airport between the City and Holland/Sheltair for the development of T -hangars with grant money. We would utilize grant money to relocate to the Village, and restore historic houses within the area that are being displaced by development. As part of the partnership, the City would authorize Ruth Stanbridge, County Historian and current historic preservation consultant to the city, to apply for and administrate grants for the relocation/restoration of these threatened buildings. Compensation to Mrs. Stanbridge will be rolled into the grant funding. Under Florida real estate law, the houses will be city property since they will be attached to the city -owned real estate at the airport. I will be responsible for contracting, advancing funds as needed, and paying the required matching contributions. Ms. Stanbridge has assured me that grants are available to move the Cain house to the airport property under the same guidelines that would apply in moving the house to the Historic District. The key factors are that an "adaptive use" be in place for a long-term period (generally ten years or more), and that the building be moved to government property. My proposal meets both of the criteria. "Win -Win" Situation I would like to make the Cain House the centerpiece and gateway to the Cracker Village, and there will be many benefits to the City from this partnership. ➢ I will agree to maintain one section of the house as a Welcome Center with information about the City and its attractions, serving a function for the west side of the city that the Chamber of Commerce provides for the eastern side of town. ➢ Long-term, as the Riverfront District further redevelops and the Village takes shape, I would like to provide transportation links between my sight and the attractions on the Riverfront. ➢ The City would also get positive publicity about its protection of historic resources, and publicity about the commercial availability of the Airport Complex. ➢ Additionally, the Village will provide a unique entrance to the Airport that complements the Roseland Road corridor. All of this can be achieved without a single out-of-pocket dollar from the City! There will be benefits for the private parties as well. Even with grant money, the costs of relocating and rehabilitating the houses may equal or exceed the expense of putting in aluminum buildings with a false "old-fashioned" front as an alternative. However, authentic buildings will create a wonderful niche market for my project. Mr. Brown will get the positive credit that he truly deserves, but has been denied thus far, and can get a tax deduction for dedicating the house to the City. Additionally, relocation of the house to privately leased property will prevent site selection from becoming a time-consuming political issue Q have heard references to the Millennium Clock situation) that could impede Mr. Brown's development plans. In Conclusion In suggesting the relocation of the Cain House to the airport property, the City Council showed great vision. I want to further enhance that vision with the attached composite of the Cain House nestled in the woods of the airport property. Let's make this just the beginning of our joint effort to merge our past with our future in a way that preserves the character and heritage of our community. Thank you for taking the time to consider my proposal, and I look forward to working with each and every one of you in developing the gateway to the airport.