A rental house at 470 14th St. N.W. in the historic district has been in its fire-damaged state without repairs since it caught fire in November 2010. Property owner Joe V. Williams was given until Tuesday to submit plans for a Certificate of Appropriateness to the Cleveland Historic Preservation Commission. On Tuesday, the historic preservation commission granted Williams a 30-day extension. Banner photo, DAVID DAVIS
Mitch Cobb, of Curry Construction, said he was contracted Tuesday to rebuild the structure and was unprepared for the meeting. Williams was given until the commission meets again Sept. 20.
The property at 470 14th St. N.W. has been a recent topic of discussion among Cleveland City Council members since the house was severely damaged in a fire in late 2010. Since then, the property has been the subject of an ongoing code enforcement case.
Williams met with Chief Building Official Mary Baier and agreed to repair the structure to code in order to clear the code violations. Completion of this work requires compliance with the city’s historic preservation zoning ordinance. He was given written notice July 15, after meeting with Senior Planner Paul Corder.
At that time, Corder and Williams agreed he could not return the application in time for the July 19 meeting and agreed to return the application with the $50 fee no later than Aug. 8, so it could be heard at the Tuesday meeting.
Improvements to the facade of the building need to comply with the Historic Preservation Design Guidelines. However, work on any portion of the facade visible from any street cannot begin until the commission has issued a certificate of appropriateness.
Corder advised Williams in the letter that detailed drawings of the proposed modifications are required. All work must be done by a licensed contractor. He said further delay could prompt the city to take other enforcement measures, up to and including demolition and recovery of costs to the city.
In other action, the commission approved a certificate of appropriateness for Dean and Caroline Berk who intend to restore their home at 740 Worth St. N.W. to its original state.
Also, Doug Caywood was elected to remain in his current position as chairman of the commission. Maryl Elliott was elected vice chair and Community Development administrative assistant Darla Jenkins is secretary.
