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JHPC Task Force on Demolition by Neglect

The Jacksonville Historic Preservation Commission as well as members of the public that participate in comment at Commission meetings are concerned with the prevalence of Demolition by Neglect in our City. Demolition by Neglect may be described as the abandonment of a building or structure by the owner resulting in such a state of deterioration that its self-destruction is inevitable, or where demolition of the building or structure to remove a safety hazard is a likely result. Demolition by Neglect can be the result of benign indifference or a deliberate strategy to circumvent historic preservation restrictions against demolitionDemolition by Neglect has been described as a “loophole” in preservation policy. Regardless of the owner's motivation, the result is the same: the loss of historic, cultural, and aesthetic resources that can never be replaced. Demolition by Neglect affects not just the neglected building or structure, but also the entire neighborhood, and can start a contagious cycle of decay and disinvestment. The practice is especially problematic when it impacts historic landmarks and contributing structures within historic districts, which have been found worthy of preserving for future generations.


Task Force Members 

  • Bill Hoff, Historic Preservation Commissioner, Chair
  • Julia Epstein, Historic Preservation Commissioner, Vice-Chair
  • Becky Morgan, Historic Preservation Commissioner, Member
  • Michael Montoya, Historic Preservation Chairman, Member

The Demolition by Neglect Task Force recognizes and invites the participation of the following Subject Matter Experts and Advisors:

  • Shannon Blankinship, Riverside Avondale Preservation (RAP)
  • Michael Haskins, Springfield Preservation And Revitalization (SPAR)
  • Planning and Development Department
  • Municipal Code Compliance Division 

Objectives

The Task Force shall address the following items:
  1. Review current Code provisions, rules, and related procedures and policies regarding the preservation of historic buildings to identify “loopholes” or provisions otherwise affecting the potential for Demolition by Neglect.
  2. Review laws, initiatives and strategies implemented by other cities or states that have proven effective at preventing Demolition by Neglect.
  3. To identify and make recommendations for potential revisions to Code, policy, initiatives and strategies to curb the prevalence of Demolition by Neglect.
  4. Consider methods to incorporate the Commission in the proactive identification of buildings or structures that may become the subject to Demolition by Neglect, and the proactive identification of buildings, structures or sites as potential landmarks and/or a potential landmark sites in the City.

Upcoming Meetings

Meeting times and locations are subject to change.

Upcoming Meeting Notice:              Notice    |     Agenda     |      Presentation Materials

NOTICE is hereby given that on Monday, December 9, 2024 from 11:00 A.M - 12:30 P.M., the Jacksonville Historic Preservation Commission (JHPC) Task Force on Demolition by Neglect of the City of Jacksonville will hold a Public Meeting in the Ed Ball Building: 214 North Hogan Street in Room TBD, Jacksonville, FL 32202.