Comments by yours truly last night re Gulfstream appeal...

There are special and unique burdens and challenges for people that own historic properties. As a community, we should encourage and find ways to help these owners of historic properties maintain, improve and, if they are commercial properties, operate.

The Gulfstream's importance to our community is reflected in many ways. It's one of the few individual listings on the National Register for Historic Places, it's on the waterfront at the one of the entrances to the city, it's one of the taller buildings that exist in the city and it's a strong example of 1920s Florida "boom" period architecture. It is also part of the historic economic fabric of the city.

The Historic Resource Preservation Board has done its job. Please deny this appeal request as it creates one more obstacle in getting this property back on line and serving out-of-town guests that will contribute to our local economy.