Title
Authorization to Release Items From a Conservation Easement at 306 W. Almeria Road
Description
This item requests the Economic Development and Equity Subcommittee recommend City Council authorization to release items from the recorded conservation easement on the property at 306 W. Almeria Rd. in the Willo Historic District.
THIS ITEM IS FOR DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION
Report
Summary
City Council approved a $10,000 grant in 2019 to assist with the rehabilitation of the house at 306 W. Almeria Road in the Willo Historic District. In exchange for the funds, owners Billy Shields and Lora Villasenor executed a 15-year conservation easement. The easement runs with the property until April 24, 2034. On July 17, 2020, the property was acquired by Jason and Jessica Blaydes. The Blaydes are looking to expand the house by constructing an addition to the rear. To facilitate the new addition, an existing Arizona room at the rear of the house would be removed, along with a carport connecting the house and detached garage. The addition would also require the removal of a small section of the original rear wall and three original steel casement windows.
Staff has no objections to the proposed rear addition as it meets the General Design Guidelines for Historic Properties and the criteria adopted by the Historic Preservation Commission for approval as a Certificate of No Effect (CNE). Neither the Arizona room nor the carport has historic value. Removal of a small section of the wall is allowed under the CNE policy, as long as a majority of the wall remains intact. The steel casement windows will be retained and reused in the proposed addition. Staff recommends these items be released from the conservation easement. Staff does not believe it is necessary to extend the terms of the easement or require repayment of the grant funds in this case.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The Historic Preservation Commission recommended approval on Oct. 18, 2021.
Location
306 W. Almeria Road
Council District: 4
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Ginger Spencer and the Planning and Development Department.