Blurbex

I got some props from St. Petersblog today over my cover story about the most endangered buildings in St. Pete. It’s good to hear people still appreciate an article on history; not exactly the most sexy material out there, you know.

One of the blog’s writers, Casey, makes a good point about the planned demolition of part of the 600 block of Central Avenue:

In fact, Alex points out a very disturbing fact about the city block in question (you know the awesome old store fronts on Central at 6th): “on May 1, the developer requested a demolition permit from the city, which is pending.” The assholes who bought that block kicked all of those shops out almost 2 years ago, leaving them as a horrible reminder of failure and now it appears their demolition is finally imminent – sad day.

The Central Avenue situation is one of the most infuriating spectacles of St. Pete development. That little strip was one of the most eclectic in the whole city and they moved those retailers out … for what? A vacant block on the city’s premiere entryway decorated with spraypaint and “no loitering” stenciling?

One of the interesting pieces of info I came across in my research is this clause in the preservation code: If a developer wants to tear down a building that has local historical landmark status, they must prove their financing before the City Council will approve demolition. This is not the case with buildings without landmark status, which is why you have several vacant lots downtown right now.

Why can’t they do that for all buildings in St. Pete? Doesn’t it make sense to actually have the money for a project before you start demolishing whole blocks?

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