Royal Gazette: Trust laments demolition of Front Street Building

Royal Gazette: Trust laments demolition of Front Street Building

Efforts should have been made to preserve a vacant Hamilton building damaged by Hurricane Ernesto.

While 93 Front Street was torn down last week, the Bermuda National Trust filed a letter of objection to the Department of Planning, arguing that the property was an historical building in an historical area of the City.

“The applicant’s argument to demolish a building in an historical area is based on the owner’s neglect and negligence,” the BNT said.

“This should not be an acceptable argument given the protections of historical areas and historical buildings, even if not listed buildings, which is the case for many buildings that remain worthy of listing in the City of Hamilton.

“Furthermore, there should be some concession from the owner of 93 Front Street should neglect have been observed by the Department of Planning during any site visit carried out after the western wall collapse was reported to the Department of Planning.”

The BNT said any evidence of neglect would highlight the need for the Government, or the City of Hamilton, to develop measures to make the preservation and renewal of historical buildings more financially viable.

“Incentives such as low-interest loans and relief of land tax, duty or payroll tax, with relief capped at the value of the project, need consideration,” the charity said.

According to a planning application submitted by the 93F Trust, a portion of the western wall of 93 Front Street fell after it was exposed to the elements by the demolition of the neighbouring 91 Front Street.

The documents said that interior demolitions had left the building in a structurally compromised position and the demolition of the neighbouring building had left the western face exposed to the elements.

Hurricane Ernesto subsequently caused a portion of the building’s western wall to collapse.

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September 30, 2024 News