Bob Lepa gets approval from Historic Board for Tax Exemption

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Bob Lepa, a guy who doesn't hold back when pulling any political punches, appeared before the Historic Resources Preservation Board in order to get an Ad Valorem Tax Exemption for his property at 728 N. Lakeside Drive. How many people even know about this exemption? The tax exemption is just for value added. He stated that the only original thing left that looks the same is the flag.

I have heard many people say that owning a property in the Historic District is a detriment as you have to go through hoops to get anything done or anything approved and sometimes politics is involved. There are residents in our city who are scared of this board.  In fact, some present members of this board insert their personal preferences into what the owner and his contractor want to do. There is some hypocrisy in general regarding personal preferences that should not be interjected and a different body comes to mind--the commission. Commissioner McVoy was condemned when he gave his personal preference on Bella Terra and the gates.

Everything went smoothly for Mr. Lepa...no one challenged him on anything and the entire Board voted for his request. This Tax Exemption is advantageous for anyone wanting to buy and improve his house in the historic district. It is in effect for ten years before those improvements are included in a tax reassessment. If Mr. Lepa  wants to get the same exemption for County taxes, he will have to appear before the County Commission. It was mentioned that they rarely deny such request if the city has approved.

 HSPB Video
2:09:08 Item G 3. 

HRPB Project Number 13-00100170 AND 14-00100143: Consideration of a Review of a Completed Work Application for an Historic Preservation Ad Valorem Tax Exemption for the subject property located at 728 North Lakeside Drive; PCN# 38-43-44-21-15-422-0070. The subject building was constructed in 1941 and the property is a contributing resource within the Northeast Lucerne Local Historic District.

Lepa made some extensive improvements:
1) All windows on the building have been replaced with new 6/1 aluminum impact windows and horizontal roller windows. No changes in size or shape has occurred, and applied muntins were used to create the simulated divided lights.
2) All exterior doors have been replaced, and new double French doors have been added.
3) All inappropriate vinyl siding was removed and replaced with appropriate Hardieplank fiber cement siding to replicate the original wood siding.
4) The original chimney and fireplace were cleaned and restored.
5) Electrical wiring was replaced throughout the structure.
6) Plumbing pipes were replaced throughout the structure.
7) The roof, flashing, and roof deck were repaired as needed.
8) New gutters were added to the structure.
9) Major interior renovations including kitchen and bathrooms.
10) Awnings were added to the front, rear and side of residence and renovate the front porch.
11) An outdoor kitchen and BBQ were added under the covered porch.
12) A rear concrete driveway was removed, and a new circular paver driveway was installed in front of the structure...photo below.

Google Earth snapshot

before much of the work was done

13) New paver walkways were installed around the property.
14) New patio pavers were installed to the rear of property (NE corner).
15) New storage shed was installed in the rear of the property (NE corner).
16) The rear chain link fence was replaced with a 6-foot wood fence with gate.