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.0 <br />so artesian springs that have surfaced there, additional springs could be surfacing along Riverside Drive. <br />Mr. Littrell concluded that the water problems at 503 Riverside could be explained by the past uses of site <br />and/or due to the eternal springs in the area. In addition, the City would like to get the cistern <br />disconnected from the City sewers and channeled into a location that would be more efficient for carrying <br />water away from the property. Staff asked Mr. Littrcll his opinion as to if the proposed vacant site would <br />be buildable, in which he concluded that it would more than likely be buildable but that a geotechnical <br />engineer should be consulted and knowledge about the site should be disclosed to prospective buyers. <br />This property begins the district on the South side of Riverside Drive; although it is considered a <br />contributing property to the district, the integrity has been altered by the addition of numerous <br />replacement features. <br />STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: <br />V* GENERAL <br />A. Buildings in the district should not be demolished except where a building poses a threat to the public <br />safety, and demolition is the only alternative. Documentation of interior and exterior features of the <br />original buildings, especially homes rated as historically significant, is encouraged. Measured drawings <br />and photographs may be submitted to the Historic Preservation Commission for safekeeping and future <br />reference. <br />STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Even though this building does not appear to pose a threat to public <br />safety as the standards and guidelines state for demolition, it is evident that the property the house is <br />situated on has been compromised by water issues since the 1830s. There is currently evidence of mold <br />but no testing has been done. Staff recommends that the owner be in contact with City Engineer, Carl <br />Littrell regarding a disconnect from City sewers and possibly removing water more efficiently from the <br />property. Based on owners discussion with Carl, if this cannot be done, with the ongoing water issues <br />that may not be able to be resolved, staff would be inclined to recommend approval of the proposed <br />project because the structure has been so compromised and its integrity will continue to deteriorate. <br />