Challenges before city commission Monday

Historic City has learned of two challenges to lower board decisions that will be aired before the City Commission at their regular meeting begining at 5 p.m. in the Alcazar Room at City Hall.

The owner of the former Casa de la Paz on Avenida Menendez – now a private residence, wants to redo his roof in more modern concrete tile, like neighboring Tavern on the Bay. The Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) said no, use historic barrel tile.

Also, the owners of Dairy Queen on San Marco want to update their sign, including moveable lettering. The Entry Corridor Review Committee said no moveable lettering.

Both will challenge the lower board rulings in appeals to our City Commission.

Protecting city trees

Development of Country Inn and Suites on north San Marco Avenue included a parking lot with tight open areas, or “wells,” around two enormous oak trees for irrigation. One of those trees has since died for lack of rain water, and the second will soon follow.

An ordinance to expand the “tree protection zone” to three times a tree’s diameter and add greater regulation to protecting preserved trees will be considered by commissioners for advancement to public hearing.

The Street Tree Advisory Committee (STAC) developed and recommended the changes.