Lowery McCaslin, owner of Anoakia, has asked that his application for a general plan change for the property be withdrawn. He has been working with a local builder who has a good feel for the area and would like to develop the property at a density of 2.4 homes per acre. Late in this same meeting, the council voted to change the zoning on the estate to match the existing general plan. What this might do to future McCaslin plans is not clear.
The City Council voted to allow the developer, Anoakia Oaks, to proceed with the tearing down of Anoakia, the 1913 Anita Baldwin mansion, and to build 31 houses on the property.
The City Council voted on March 1, 1977 to uphold the 30,000 square foot minimum lot size set by the Planning Commission on any development Mr. McCaslin might build. Room for compromise seems possible.
Opposing forces are preparing for the March 1 City Council meeting. At this time the Council will decide whether to permit Mr. McCaslin to develop the area in lots of 18,000 to 20,000 square feet and keep the mansion, or to hold him to the 30,000 square feet set by the Planning Commission and risk losing the house built by Anita Baldwin.
Front loggia enclosed when Anoakia was made into a girls' school. View is looking west. Assorted furniture and plants. Front door is between two tall slim columns that are portable.
Developers hoping to build 31 houses on land where the Anoakia mansion sits have won a court victory that clears the way for the house to be torn down.
Battle lines seem to be drawn between the residents of the area, who want 0-2 dwelling units per acre as the general plan calls for, and owner Lowery McCaslin, who would like 0-4.
The Anoakia estate will most likely be demolished in three months, but its destruction could prompt the city to identify and protect other historic buildings.
The Anoakia developer cannot bulldoze the Anita Baldwin mansion without a demolition permit which will not be granted by the city until certain requirements are met.
