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Mr. David B. Duvall <br />December 19, 1997 <br />Page 2 , <br />You recommended that, other than litigation, the best approach would be to send a letter outlining <br />the problem. The letter would be heard during the Hearing From Visitors portion of the agenda at the next <br />regular monthly meeting of the HPC. Placing this matter before the Historic Preservation Commission is the <br />primary purpose of this correspondence. <br />It is my understanding that, once before the HPC, this matter may be referred to the Local <br />Landmark Committee for evaluation. The evaluation may include an on-site inspection, which my office is <br />willing to arrange. We would also suggest that an on-site inspection is an important and necessary part of a <br />good faith review of the problem and the IfPC objection. Numerous photographs will be made available, <br />and the current title -owner will explain the repairs needed and will answer questions. Your attorney is <br />invited as well. We would also recommend speaking with the neighbors. Since the Commission has once <br />before decertified a structure (removing it from the Historic Landmark Registry), we have at least some <br />precedence and guidelines to follow. <br />The de -certification of the prior real estate, you believed, was premised upon structural changes <br />performed by the owner. This case is similar, and perhaps more compelling. Robert Montel purchased this <br />real estate while the former owner was in the process of replacing the exterior wood siding, and all of the <br />windows. At the time of possession, much of the siding had been replaced, the second floor windows <br />completely replaced, and various other structural changes completed. My client was merely finalizing what <br />had already been done when the objection was received. <br />A review of the title commitment issued by Lawyers Title Insurance Corporation indicates no <br />record of the Historic Designation. The prior owner did not make any such disclosure, and there was (and <br />is) no plaque upon the real estate indicating such a designation. In fact, the ordinance (#107-76) reflects a <br />description of some forty (40) acres commonly described as 60500 Bremen Road. My client purchased <br />substantially less than forty (40) acres, purchasing approximately five (5) acres, on State Road 331. Hence, <br />there is considerable ambiguity between the ordinance and the parceling of this real estate (and its roadway <br />description), and the current real estate subject to the HPC's objection. It should also be noted that a large <br />commercial area has been established immediately to the north of this real estate, which would include a <br />Meijer, 31 by-pass, and other commercial features. <br />Additionally, this residence is believed to be the only residence in the area being claimed as a <br />Historical Landmark. It is not in a multi -residence district. Further, a building permit (#96781) was issued <br />for the erection of pole barn upon this property, which did not draw any attention or notice from the HPC. <br />The permit was issued in June of 1993, and copies have been delivered to the attorneys of record. <br />As you suggested, the only practical means for resolving this dispute would be for the local <br />landmark committee to make a recommendation to the HPC. If the recommendation is to remove this <br />residence from the Registry, all remaining issues would become moot. It is understood than an on-site <br />inspection may take place, and, again, my firm will make the arrangements. Also, it is my understanding <br />that the HPC may consult with its attorney (Aladean DeRose) to obtain some form of a legal opinion <br />concerning the chain of title issues, as well as the issues pertaining to the legal description contained in the <br />original ordinance. <br />