Time is winding down for a long-disputed treehouse in Holmes Beach to be demolished.
The city had not received a permit application for the demolition of a treehouse at the Angelinos Sea Lodge, 2818 Ave. E, as of April 4, according to building department administrator Madison Brown.
Judge Edward Nicholas of the 12th Circuit Court ruled Feb. 28 that the treehouse must be removed within 90 days of his order, leaving property owners Richard Hazen and wife Lynn Tran-Hazen until July 3 to demolish the structure.
If they fail to remove the treehouse by then, the city can remove it at the expense of the owners after providing at least 72 hours’ notice.
Tran-Hazen wrote in a March 29 email to The Islander that they were in the process of preparing a demo application.
She said she was set to meet with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to clear the way to apply for a city demolition permit and has been in touch with contractors who can quote the removal work.
Nevertheless, Tran-Hazen again called for the city to reconsider its removal, given the DEP’s approval of the Hazens’ plans to remove pilings from the structure that would bring it into compliance with the state building code.
“It is heartbreaking to demolish the entire treehouse, given the significant resources invested in its preservation,” Tran-Hazen wrote. “Perhaps those in authority can recognize its value to the community.”
“Remember, not all human written codes and laws are good and right. Where is the good old-fashioned common sense in this situation? Is total demolition the best course of action?” she asked.
If it’s ok for them to have a tree house then we should all be permitted to have one.
Actually, I would prefer a lighthouse in my front yard.
What’s good for one is good for all.
After all.
Seriously…..
There are rules for a good reason….
Without rules there is chaos….
Doesn’t Holmes Beach have anything better to do?
Tree house looks harmless enough.
I bet if Shawn Kaleta owned it it would become a tourist thing.
Sadly, they have been down this road before, the State of Florida agreeing to moderate and maintain the tree house with the city’s approval, but the city does not want to approve. No amount of engineering and proof of safety or viability is sufficient when the government wishes to prove they have total control.
Just as the city has their hackles up about losing “home rule” to the state they absolutely are not about to moderate this issue. Even the tacit approval which they admit their building official giving is not enough to motivate, they have spent multiple thousands of tax dollars to enforce their will upon this private property owner and shall not moderate now when all has been won. Sadly, people misunderstand the government position, rule or standard is beside the point as is common sense or courtesy. The piling on of code violation and fines should have been sufficient, not a friendly thing this rule.