St. Augustine's HARB board voted 2-1 to DENY a demolition permit for the 1905 Carpenter's House at the DOW MUSEUM OF HISTORIC HOMES, sought by millionaire Pennsylvania developer-lawyer DAVID BARTON CORNEAL. Thanks to Chairman Randall Roark and Antoinette Wallace. Public testimony was unanimous against the demolition permit.
CORNEAL's reps today were arguing that the building was harmed by a hurricane (70 years ago) and had termites, demanding immediate demolition. No city official bothered to inspect the building, and were content to let CORNEAL's non-lawyer representative, MARK KNIGHT, and his project manager, do most of the talking.
During the meeting, I sent board members two E-mails about Mark Knight's unauthorized practice of law and about whether the board had a legal quorum to act on demolition permits. No response to either E-mail. Knight refused to agree to a continuance, and was snippy.
A demolition permit would have been reversible error because only three of six members present (two recused themselves because they are working for the applicant -- Jeremy Marquis and Paul L. Weaver III). There is a vacancy because ex-Mayor CLAUDE LEONARD WEEKS, JR. a/k/a "LEN WEEKS" quit after destroying a 211-year old historic building, Don PEDRO FORNELLS HOUSE, for which he was fined only $3600 by the Code Enforcement Board.
My E-mails follow:
Dear Chairman Roark, et al:
I am watching the HARB meeting in progress. Some questions occur:
1. What constitutes a quorum for HARB?
2. There are only three (3) members present, two (2) having recused themselves and one (1) seat being vacant -- has HARB ever been at half-strength for a demolition application before?
3. Because HARB is at half-strength, in order to pass a motion, what is required?
4. Is an absolute majority required to demolish an historic building in Our Nation's Oldest City?
5. Has a building demolition permit ever been voted on with only three (3) HARB members present? Please cite to records.
6. I believe any action on the Dow House without a quorum or without an absolute majority constitute an illegal, ultra-fires act and would violate our Comprehensive Plan, Section HP 1.8
Please rule on the record at the meeting.
Thank you.
With kindest regards, I am,
Sincerely yours,
Ed Slavin
www.cleanupcityofstaugustine.blogspot.com
www.fourowls.blogspot.com
904-377-4498
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Dear Chairman Roark, et al:
I am watching the HARB meeting in progress. Some questions occur:
1. Former CIty of St. Augustine Planning and Building Director Mark Knight is not an attorney.
2. He is speaking for the applicant.
3. Ms. Lopez informs me that the City has no ordinance or rule allowing representation of corporations by non-lawyers.
4. I believe that allowing Mr. Knight to represent the applicant is unauthorized practice of law, a violation of Florida law.
5. Please rule on the record at the meeting.
Thank you.
With kindest regards, I am,
Sincerely yours,
Ed Slavin
www.cleanupcityofstaugustine.blogspot.com
www.fourowls.blogspot.com
904-377-4498
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