After hearing from a resident claiming the demolition of the Punta Gorda Waterfront Hotel damaged his historic home, Punta Gorda City Council on Sept. 18 discussed amending its building code to require seismic monitoring for some projects.
Garrett Kizer told council members vibrations and tremors from the demolition work at 300 W. Retta Esplanade caused cracks in both the interior and exterior walls plus other damage at his home at 413 W. Retta Esplanade that dates back to 1895.
“My tile shower walls are splitting in the corners, light fixtures have been dislodged from the ceilings, closet shelving systems have collapsed, neighbors as far away as Gill Street are experiencing similar issues, and something has to be done,” he said. He provided the city with 26 videos showing the damage.
Kizer, president of Charlotte Harbor Construction, said Pece of Mind Environmental Inc. demolition company should have put a seismic detector on the site at the beginning of the project. It did so afterward, but the damage had already been done, he said, adding that he uses seismic testing equipment for his own projects.
The hotel and adjoining Hurricane Charley’s Sushi, Raw Bar & Grill were deemed uninhabitable by city officials after damages from hurricanes Ian and Idalia, and property owner Amer Asmar hired Pece of Mind Environmental to do the demolition work.
Kizer said the work was progressing smoothly until a machine was used to pick up giant slabs 25 feet in the air and drop them to create smaller pieces that could fit into debris removal trucks. That phase of the demolition work caused violent vibrations and tremors, which, in turn, damaged homes in the area, he claimed.
Council member Bill Dryburgh asked whether the city could issue a cease-and-desist order until the demolition company brings in the proper equipment.
“We need to stop it, pure and simple,” Dryburgh said.
City Planning Director Lisa Hannon said Florida Building Code does not require seismic testing for any type of demolition and there is nothing in the code that would allow a stop-work order.
She said the demolition contractor has been working within the realm of the city-issued permit.
Mayor Lynne Matthews expressed concerns the city might be liable for the damages, but Hannon, City Manager Greg Murray and City Attorney David Levy said the city isn’t liable.
“Sounds to me we have to change our building ordinance to include the seismic testing,” said council member Debi Lux, and Dryburgh agreed the city should change its own building code to require seismic testing for certain projects.
Council will discuss the matter at its next meeting Oct. 2.
Punta Gorda Historical Society Treasurer Gary Butler said the Historic District draws visitors and tourists to Punta Gorda and is a valuable asset for the city. Over the years, there have been efforts by many volunteers to preserve and protect the city’s historic homes, buildings, parks, trees and gardens.
Kizer’s home is known as the Farrington Home, named after Sadie Farrington, who moved to the house in 1909 after the death of her husband.
