Last meeting for Commissioner Don Crichlow

Historic City News readers will be able to attend as Commissioner Donald A. Crichlow steps down Monday night during the biennial reorganization of St. Augustine’s City Commission; retiring at the end of eight years of service in that office.

The two-term commissioner, who was never elected mayor, did serve two years as vice mayor — from 2006 to 2008. Crichlow is an architect by profession and has seen his share of controversy during the past eight years.

During the recent campaign for Crichlow’s replacement, the city announced that Crichlow would accompany the mayor and other members of the commission for an extended visit to Aviles, Spain at the city’s expense. Since he had already announced that he would not seek re-election, many could not understand how a “lame duck” could justify what they considered to be a taxpayer-financed vacation. This was not the first time Crichlow and his daughter would have made the excursion, however, this time, Crichlow decided to step down.

Last year, Crichlow was on the losing end of a 4-0 decision by the commission over a building design he proposed for one of his architectural clients at the corner of Cathedral Place and St. George Street. Editorial staff at the daily newspaper wrote, “While it is an appropriate design for a downtown, it is not for St. Augustine’s downtown, which is mostly Colonial Spanish and Second Period Spanish in architectural style.” Further, the editorial echoed the sentiments of other St. Augustine architects including Jerry Dixon and the late Howard Davis, as well as downtown residents; when they wrote, “The proposed new building, with all due respect to the architect, would stick out. It is the wrong style, in our opinion.”

A presentation will be made to Crichlow by Mayor Joe Boles in honor of his participation as a commissioner and well-wishers will be in attendance at a reception prior to the meeting to bid him farewell.

As provided in the city charter, this meeting will be held at a later time than normal — Monday at 7:30 p.m. in the Alcazar Room at City Hall.

Monday’s special meeting will be televised live on Comcast Channel 3, GTV, rebroadcast at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday.

Photo credits: © 2010 Historic City News staff photographer