https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2024/sep/18/task-force-to-examine-loophole-in-regulations-for-historic-properties/
QuoteCiting a risk to Jacksonville's historic buildings by owners who either don't bother to take care of the structures or deliberately let them deteriorate in order to skirt preservation regulations, the Jacksonville Historic Preservation Commission launched a task force to examine the issue.
The Task Force on Demolition by Neglect was established Sept. 10 with instructions to review city code provisions and solutions adopted by other cities, make recommendations to the commission on how to address the issue and consider methods to identify buildings at risk.
In the document creating the task force, the commission defines demolition by neglect as "the abandonment of a building or structure by the owner resulting in such a state of deterioration that its self-destruction is inevitable, or where demolition of the building or structure to remove a safety hazard is a likely result."
Is it really a loophole or does the city want an easier way? Could code enforcement not cite these properties to death then foreclose if the issues aren't rectified and fines paid? May (Most? Alll?) of them have numerous code violations.
They should start with neglected city owned properties in LaVilla. 324 Broad Street and 905 W Forsyth Street immediately come to mind. Both city owned for decades and their roofs collapsed a while back due to lack of maintenance and neglect. The front brick walls are being compromised with both of these structures. Give it a few months or another year and we'll see someone claiming they can't be saved and must be demolished.
About 324 Broad Street, I saw this in this morning's Jax Today
Quote
JACKSONVILLE: The Downtown Investment Authority meets to vote on allocating $195,000 to stabilize the facade of the building at 324 N. Broad St. and demolish the rest of the structure and to provide $173,055 in grants for renovations at 21 E. Adams St. to prepare for the opening of the new Dorothy's Downtown restaurant. 2 p.m. Main Library, 303 N. Laura St.
Link to Agenda: https://dia.coj.net/Meetings/DIA-Meetings/2024/20240918_DIA-Board-Meeting