by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
The City Council’s Land Use and Zoning committee recommended unanimously to designate Brewster Hospital in LaVilla as a historic landmark Tuesday evening despite urging from Mayor John Peyton’s office to defer the bill for another three weeks.
A subject of controversy for several months, a pending contract between the City and developer Ted Pappas to purchase several parcels of land in LaVilla near the hospital has left many of its advocates showing concern for the future of the dilapidated structure.
During times of segregation in Jacksonville, Brewster Hospital served as the primary medical facility for African-Americans.
Per the agreement with Pappas’ LaVilla Partners, LLC, the City agreed to move the hospital, now located at 915 W. Monroe St., approximately two blocks east to allow the developer to build a medical office building.
LaVilla Partners was originally expected to close on the property earlier this year, though an extension pushed the deadline to May 28.
However, hours before the committee was scheduled to make its recommendation, Pappas attorney Michael Altes forwarded a letter to City Hall claiming that a historical designation would “constitute a breach of the redevelopment agreement.”
“Among other things,” he wrote, “it would make extremely difficult, if not impossible, the removal of the improvements and also would render impossible development of the property, in accordance with the approved concept plans.
“ . . . If the City elects to breach the redevelopment agreement, the developer will suffer substantial damages . . . the current consideration by the City of an ordinance making redevelopment of the property impossible is now impairing the developer’s ability to forward with the processing of an acquisition loan.”
Altes added Pappas would not abandon plans to build on the property.
Fearing the possibility of a lawsuit, Peyton made a call to LUZ chair Jerry Holland Tuesday afternoon, requesting a deferral.
Peyton’s chief of policy and public affairs, Steve Diebenow, claimed the extension would give attorneys in the General Counsel’s Office time to investigate the validity of Pappas’ claims and contract.
“Obviously, the mayor understands the historical significance of the building and we have no intention of tearing it down,” he said. “We just want another cycle while we review Pappas’ contract for the property.”
Holland originally conceded, drawing disapproval from Council member Glorious Johnson, the bill’s sponsor, and LUZ vice chair Sharon Copeland.
“I do not condone 11th hour deferrals,” said Copeland. “It makes us look bad.
“This bill is not a new issue and it has been traveling the appropriate legislation path for some time now and deserves to be heard.”
Assistant General Counsel Jason Teal maintained a historical designation “ would afford various protections,” including ad valorum tax exemptions and protection from facade alterations. However, those same privileges would still be applicable, even if the designated building is relocated.
“Basically, there isn’t a breach of contract because the building can still be moved later,” he said.
Based on that advice, Holland opened the floor for discussion.
Many in support of the hospital acknowledged they would like it to remain at its current location, but agreed they would discuss that issue at another time.
“All we’re asking for today is a historical designation,” said Johnson. “There are other issues, but we will settle them later.”
Following the committee’s 5-0 vote to recommend a designation, Johnson remarked to the nearly 30 Brewster advocates present: “We won.”
The full Council will vote on the bill Tuesday evening.