Hayward: City of Pensacola following the process on John Sunday House

On his weekly segment on 1620, Mayor Ashton Hayward discussed the demolition permit issued for the John Sunday House.

Hayward said that he and City Attorney Lysia Bowling began looking at the Section 12-13-3 of the Land Development Code after the city’s Architectural Review Board unanimously voted in April to table the demolition for 60 days. At that ARB meeting, the mayor had spoken in favor of home being dismantled.

Mayor Hayward said on 1620 AM that Bowling had decided that tabling the motion was not an action and therefore the city’s building official could issue a demolition permit.

“It’s complicated for most people that don’t read our statutes,” said the mayor, “but I think she took her time, and due diligence, and determined that ARB did not act within the 31-day time frame.”

He said the appeal of his decision to grant the permit is “part of the process.”

“I think this is really good for everybody out there to understand what the processes are, and what they’re not,” said Hayward. “You have both the parties on both sides that are passionate about keeping the home, and folks are ready to sell the home and own it, and put some townhomes there.”

Former city planner Elizabeth Schrey filed the appeal. On “Pensacola Speaks,” she said, “Personally, I have just always adored the house. I love the architecture of it. When I started learning, myself, of the history and the importance of that house, I know what’s it worth to this area, to this city. It’s one of those pieces we just need to preserve.”

One reason for filing her appeal was her admiration for the late Earle Bowden.

“I had the honor, the privilege, of working with Chairman Bowden, Mr. Bowden, when he was on the Architectural Review Board,” said Schrey. “It’s one of those that I just can’t help but think of him when I work on this effort. These are the treasures that we exist for in planning, that we need to be saving as a city.”

Meanwhile, realtor Randy Bricker, who is handling the transaction, said that his client, Charles Liberis, is considering legal action to proceed with the demolition and the construction of townhomes on the site on Romana Street behind Everman’s.

The appeal is set to be heard by the Zoning Board of Adjustments on June 15.