Monrovia City Council Condemns Near Demolition of Historic House

MONROVIA, CA -- The Monrovia City Council condemned the near demolition of an historic house, considered to be first home in city, at its Tuesday night meeting and discussed possible actions to be taken against the contractor.

The Council was notified of the illegal actions taken by the contractor that was remodeling the home, located at 209 W. Scenic Drive, by the Board of Monrovia Historic Preservation Group. The city had issued moratoria on both the demolition and construction at the location.

Director of Community Development Craig Jimenez told the council that the house was virtually "gutted." Most of the home's doors and windows had been removed, which is considered demolition, Jimenez said. The work was done while the moratoria were in placed and no permits were issued for any demolition, he said.

City Attorney Craig Steele said the actions by the contractor violated the city's ordinances and are subjected to fines of $500 for each violation. Councilman Alex Blackburn asked if any actions will be taken by the city against the contractor. Steele said only the city prosecutor can press charges, and even if there was a conviction, it was unlikely that the contractor would face any jail time because the charges would be misdemeanors.

No action was taken because the item was discussed under council reports. City planners, however, are planning on restoring the house, which had been looked at for historical status designation.

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