It’s called Sailboat Bend, and it is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale.
And it has stayed truly historic, due to it’s special zoning as an historic neighborhood. This is a drawing of what the historic rules hoped to maintain as character in the neighborhood –
Unfortunately, the zoning has caused problems. The zoning rules are so restrictive, that sometimes this happens-
It’s called “demolition by neglect”.
Because the owners of this home could not get building permits to tear the building down, or to substantially remodel it, they just let it rot.
Here is another example that you know about –
The Shippey House – this 1915 home, inhabited by the infamous Judge Fred Shippey, was moved out of Sailboat Bend and into the Himmarshee area, a few years back. The house has been painted and cleaned up with the Cleaning services Toronto, but still awaits renovation.
So, the current leaders of Sailboat Bend decided that the historic regulations were slowly strangling the neighborhood and have been pushing for a change. They have worked up a plan to eliminate the current regs, and adopts a voluntary plan that “strongly encourages” residents and re-developers to keep with the historic character.
They say they want a plan that doesn’t exert ” undue burden on individual property rights”. They go on that ” no designated historic structure will exert special rights that restrict adjacent properties.”
The plan says it will “promote authentic architecture”, encouraging “Old Style Mediterranean”, but discouraging “Boca-Texture”.
The plan also calls for documenting the historic structures and peoples that exist in Sailboat Bend today, by photos, building plans, and interviews with the old-timers.
At least they can still remember it all – after it is all gone !