TO: Mayor and Commissioners
FROM: Anthea Gianniotes, Director of Development Services
THROUGH: Terrence R. Moore, ICMA-CM
DATE: February 20, 2024
Title
FROG ALLEY HISTORIC RESOURCE SURVEY UPDATE AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION INCENTIVE DISCUSSION
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Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Receive a presentation from City staff of the Frog Alley Historic Resource Survey and provide direction regarding potential incentives for historic preservation.
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Background:
In 2018, the City contracted with a consultant to prepare a historic resources survey for the area known as “Frog Alley”, which is situated in the four blocks south of W. Atlantic Avenue between NW 3rd Avenue and NW 8th Avenue. The goal of the historic resource survey was to document the history of the Frog Alley Neighborhood to determine if enough historic integrity exists that would constitute the designation of a new historic district.
The consultant prepared a historic resource survey in draft form titled, “The City of Delray Beach Survey of the Frog Alley Neighborhood” for review by city staff and the Steering Committee. The document prepared by the consultant was partially completed (75% complete) with a final round of edits and information to be incorporated into the document. Unfortunately, the consultant’s firm was acquired by a larger firm and their Planning Division was subsequently closed. The final edits to the historic resource survey were not completed by the consultant. The city obtained authorship rights of the document so that city staff and the Steering Committee could finalize the document for review by the City Commission and the Historic Preservation Board.
Members of the Frog Alley Steering Committee are:
Charlene Farrington
Patricia Wright
Claudia Willis
Carolyn Patton
During the Frog Alley effort, the steering committee discussed potential incentives for historic properties. Additionally, per City Commission direction as part of the Atlantic Avenue Historic District consideration, staff has researched potential incentives in the downtown context. It is important to note, the City's current historic properties encompass a wide range of structures and uses, including hotel, commercial, mixed use and residential. The discussion on incentives could also apply to those properties.
Following City Commission review and input, the Frog Alley Historic Resource Survey document will be completed and presented for final review by the Historic Preservation Board (HPB) and the City Commission. At that time, direction would be given whether to pursue historic preservation (through creation of a new historic and/or conservation district) and if incentives should be included in this effort.