UPDATE: Demolition Review - Tuesday at 8:30am

Dear Supporter, We are saddened that the owner of 44 Star Island has decided to proceed on his request to demolish the historical home built by John Levi - one of the founders of our City and the man who helped create Star Island. Last month, the new owner asked for a deferral in order to review options to save the existing home. This was covered in the Miami Herald and gave many in the community hope that the owner would do the right thing and preserve the home - a potentially great outcome during our Centennial Year. This is not without precedent - both 27 Star Island and 22 Star Island are in the process of being preserved and renovated on site. Link to article: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article12293246.html Unfortunately, the owner appears to have abandoned the preservation option and is proceeding with the total demolition request. The proposed new 21k square foot home design can be viewed at the Curbed Miami article here: http://miami.curbed.com/archives/2015/03/18/star-island-destroyer-house-is-back-with-happy-landscaping.php In addition, there are several large trees on the property which the owner plans to remove. The City is asking that several of these be maintained, including a majestic Strangler Fig at the back of the property. We want to support the Staff's recommendation that these trees be saved. Please join us this Tuesday, April 7th, at 8:30am for the Design Review Board meeting. We hope to have supporters attend to express their opposition to allowing this home to be demolished. The location is 3rd floor Commission Chambers, Miami Beach City Hall (1700 Convention Center Drive) To read the staff report, click here: http://docmgmt.miamibeachfl.gov/weblink8/2/doc/4350/Electronic.aspx Those who would like to forward an email to the Design Review Board members should address their letter to James Murphy at the City of Miami Beach, his email is JamesMurphy AT miamibeachfl.gov (reference DRB #23143 44 Star Island). Thank you for your support and interest in preserving what makes Miami Beach unique.