HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978 Ltr from ClarkE , , P. 0. Box 251,
_.„ dmherstburg, Ontario, c
Canada, $9V 2 -4_
September 27, 1978.
Attention: Senator Philip D. Lewis, - .-L-rn
State of Florida,'` w- e- �,:.;,i.
405 SOB, '� 4' ry
Tallahassee, Florida 32304 �c �
Dear Sir:
A year ago I purchased an old bungalow type home, downtown
Sebastian next to town part from an elderly citizen, 75 years '�z{
old. It is located on the Indian River at the foot of brain Street, -�
kitty corner to Town hall, :cross Indian River Drive, Chamber of
Commerce---building and :aunicipal parking. I purchased the home
through a local realtor. : -ter I purchased the home, there was
much cleaning up and light repairs. while I was doing this, I
was told I needed necessary Permits so 1 approached the Building
Inspector, Arthur ;.:aver and ..ajor Flood. I was told at that time
the city was upset because they were trWing to purchase the property
and I iamediatel, i was told more or less that I couldn't do this,
I couldn't do that, so then I decided to check over and find out
what I could and coulun't do. in my findings which I wasn't
worried about at the time of purchase, the City of Sebastian has
no sewers, no cit- :ester, so this means everybody draws from old
existir� wells and have ri,,rts, understand to these wells under
i s and which I hay a ers 1 made out a
list of repairs whicr. I th -.61 -.t was necessary to make the building
structurally sound and attractive to the surrounding area which I
felt was very necessary for the building is 50 - 75 years old.
(It is also comiaercial property.) On completing it, I took it to
the wilding Inspector's office and it was turned down. It was
told to me that the city wanted to purchase it and that in doing
this work that everything would raise the value and the city didn't
want to pay any more.
I also was told that the plumbing and electrical had to be
brought to standard before any repairs could be done. ijt that,
I checked it all over and found 90% had been replaced, and inspected.
I also found out in conversation with the previous owner and neigh-
bours that the council and mayor had condemned the home owned by
mrs. Cutshaw, 75 years of age, the previous owner. After two years
of coutt battle and repairs that "Mrs. Cutshaw had made, plumbing,
electrical and septic tank, wrs. uutshaw had won the case.
after all this confusion, I told the city that if they wanted
it I would sell to them rather than eause any more hard feelings,,
etc. I purchased the home for 418,000. I have cleaned up the
RtCEIVEL)
U "O 2 -1978
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building, painted, carpeted and li6ht repairs to many neglected
things and much labour. Also legal fees, taxes, exchange on
Canadian - U.S. money increased the price of the home. When I
was down in Florida during the summer I approached mayor Flood
and mentioned if I was compensated for this and the price of the
home, the city could have it. ,such to my surprise, ,kayor Flood
had a letter from my lawyer in Canada with a sale price of 4301000.
5omehww this figure was missinterpreted by his secretary for there
was no figure set. It was to be a negotiable figure.
Sir, first of all, 1 apologize for involving yourself in
this matWr but I feel before things get out of hand for there
have been threats made to me, I have tried to be a gentleman for
I understand hbout these matters being involved in municipal affairs
in Canada and being a contractor. we only wanted to have a place on
the rivet for we like boatinb. At this time if you have any
suggestions or can be of assistance it would be appreciated for
we feel we need your type of help for we've acted in good faith in
p,i.rchasing the property and that's all we're asking is to make
the necessary, repairs and to be happy in our winter come. if this
is not possible without the city's co- operation and if the city
wishes to psrchase it as I stated, I am willing to negotiate. if
neither can be reached, for the location of the property and the
price, I will have no problem selling it which we'll regret doing.
awaiting your reply,
many, thanks,
Cecil it. Farmer.
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