Developers may raze structures, board says

Developers may raze structures, board says

By KATI BEXLEY
kati.bexley@staugustinerecord.com
Publication Date: 01/20/06

A developer is closer to building a 10,000-square-foot structure with condominiums and retail shops on Anastasia Boulevard after the approval Thursday to demolish an old gas station.

St. Augustine's Historic Architectural Review Board approved the request of Robert Graubard, one of a group of developers who recently bought the Conch House property, to demolish an old gas station at 600 Anastasia Blvd. He will replace it with a three-story, 10,000-square-foot structure with condominiums and retail shops.

The board also granted Graubard two more demolition permits for a multi-family house at 54 Comares St. and a single-family house as 406 Andreas St. Both will be replaced with single-family homes, Graubard said.

The board tabled Graubard's request for a fourth demolition permit at 48 Comares St. until Feb. 16 so he can bring more information to them. That house is now a multi-family house.

Seven people spoke at the meeting, with five speaking against the demolitions.

"Do not approve any of these demolitions unless specific plans for the replacements are given," said Jeanette Berk, president of the North Davis Shores Neighborhood Association, where the Conch House is located.

The board said it would have liked to have defined plans for what would replace the demolished buildings, but Graubard is not required to show them the plans. The board also said the buildings are not historically significant enough for them to be saved.
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