Developer says demolition, asbestos work set for Belcher Professional Complex; board continues case to Sept. 24

Belcher Professional Complex owner representatives told the Clearwater Code Enforcement Board on July 23 that they have awarded a demolition contract and scheduled asbestos abatement, and requested more time to complete required work before the board enforces a property-maintenance order. Board members continued the case to Sept. 24 and authorized staff to work with the owner on permitting and scheduling.

Board action mattered because the property at 1419 South Belcher Road was previously found in violation of the city’s property-maintenance codes and the owner proposed full demolition as the means of compliance. If the owner does not complete the work by the new deadline, the board authorized fines of $150 per day per violation and the city to place a lien and pursue collection actions.

Kevin Meddix, Code Compliance for the City of Clearwater, summarized the staff view that the property remained in the same noncompliant condition as at the June hearing. Holly Jones, who identified herself by name at the meeting, and Morgan Wirt described steps already taken: submission of a civil engineering report, awarding of a demolition contract, preconstruction meeting scheduled with city staff, utility disconnects planned and asbestos testing completed. Jones told the board the asbestos remediation is scheduled for July 30 and the demolition contractor — Sonago and Sons — expects to begin work as soon as the county issues a demolition permit.

Rebecca Mulder, Code Compliance manager, explained the enforcement posture: once the structure is removed there is no exterior-surface violation, so compliance can be achieved either by repairing and reactivating the building or by completing demolition and site restoration. Mulder said staff will exercise discretion to work with the owner if permitting delays occur but recommended a firm compliance date so staff can proceed to file an affidavit of noncompliance if necessary.

The owner representatives told the board the civil engineer (Howard Civil Engineering) recommended full demolition and estimated a 90-day demolition schedule once work begins. Jones said the demolition permit remains pending Pinellas County Air Quality’s acceptance of an asbestos abatement completion letter; she expects the permit to follow rapidly after abatement. The board voted to continue the matter to its Sept. 24 meeting; if the property is not compliant by that date, fines may be imposed.

The board noted staff will continue to monitor permits and that the owner can work with staff during the interim if there are permit or scheduling issues.

No city council action was taken at the hearing; the board’s order sets the administrative compliance date and enforcement penalties.