CITY OF HALLANDALE BEACH

MEMORANDUM

DATE:             November 17, 2009   

TO:                  D. Mike Good, City Manager  

FROM:            William Brant, P.E., Director, Public Works, Utilities and Engineering         

SUBJECT:     State of Florida Historic Preservation Small Matching Grant

                        Historic Preservation - Moffitt House (BP # 014-09)

PURPOSE

The purpose of this agenda item is to request the Commission adopt a Resolution authorizing the submittal of a grant application for financial assistance from the State of Florida Historic Preservation Small Matching Grant for the historic preservation of the Moffitt House.

BACKGROUND

The J.W. Moffitt House was constructed in 1906; the 3-bedroom classic cottage house was constructed by town pioneer J.W. Moffitt who played an integral role in the economic and political scene of Hallandale Beach during the early 1900s.  He operated a packing house and managed production of tomatoes from different fields throughout the area.   This building is significant because it dates from the earliest construction period in Hallandale Beach.   

In July, 2008, a local developer, Richard Shan, President of Shanco Development Company, purchased the property where the Moffitt House is located with hopes of redeveloping the property into single-family town homes.   The developer subsequently donated the house to the City. The developer also, donated the services of moving the house from its 134 South Dixie Highway location to the Curci House site at 324 SW 2nd Avenue.  The city's plan is to establish the site as the City's Historic Village with two of the oldest structures in the city side by side.

DISCUSSION

This grant application will pursue funds for the planning and designing for the historic exterior rehabilitation of the Moffitt House.  The grant application is due to the State on December 15, 2008.  The amount of the grant, if awarded, is $50,000; a 50/50 match is required from the City.  The City has budgeted $125,000, in fiscal year 2008-2009, from CRA funds for the renovation of the Moffitt House.  Once awarded, the grant funds will become available to the City after July 1, 2009. Staff has advised the Historic Preservation Advisory Board of the City’s intent to pursue funding in an effort to preserve historical buildings in Hallandale Beach and the Board is in support.

RECOMMENDATION

The City Commission adopt a Resolution authorizing the submittal of a grant application for financial assistance from the State of Florida Historic Preservation Small Matching Grant for the historic preservation of the Moffitt House in the amount of $50,000.00.

Prepared By:  ___________________

                        Mary Francis Jeannot

                                                                                              Administrative Analyst II

Reviewed:

_______________________________                                                          __________

D. Mike Good, City Manager                                                                             Date

_____Approved                _____Disapproved                _____Hold for Discussion

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