Letter: It is with regret that I offer my resignation

October 12, 2015

Historic Architectural Review Board
City of St. Augustine, Florida

It is with regret that I offer my resignation from the HARB board effective immediately. I also want to take a moment to explain my resignation from the HARB, and my reasons for wishing to serve on that board.

As a practicing designer focusing on historical preservation in St. Augustine, and a resident of St. Johns County, I have a passionate interest in seeing the historic and architectural fabric of the City preserved and enhanced in a way that honors the past and protects the future.

My interest in this is both professional and personal. So when the opportunity came up to serve on the HARB I was interested, but weighed service against other significant obligations in my work schedule, and to my wife and the raising of my four children. After some deliberation and equivocation I decided to apply, and was pleased that I was selected.

I had no role in the selection process. When citizens came forward and objected to my selection and the selection process I acted quickly to take my name off the board so that the real priority – the preservation and enhancement of the historic architecture of St. Augustine – would not be lost in the distractions of a political fight. I want this board, and the citizens of St. Augustine to know two things.

First, I sought to serve on the HARB in an honest and forthright way, and for the right reasons. There was nothing about my application or selection that was in any way inappropriate, and those who are making accusations to
the contrary are either uninformed, or are playing politics with a board that is and should be non-partisan.

Second, I remain passionate about the history and architecture of this great City, and remain willing to serve in any capacity where I can advance the preservation and enhancement of St. Augustine for our families and for all
Floridians. I wish the members of the HARB well, and appreciate the honor of my selection and those who supported my candidacy and qualifications.

Regards,

Joseph Stephen Cronk, AIA Assoc, ICAA