Weather | Sports | Forums | Comics | Classifieds | Calendar | Movies
Despite neighbors' objections, the city says work on Philip Matonte's home can continue.
By JOHN BALZ
© St. Petersburg Times, published March 13, 2001
CLEARWATER -- Philip Matonte's massive, two-story dream house in Island Estates, the one residents say is being renovated with "third-world" workmanship, checks out fine according to building rules and regulations.
That's what the head of the city's code enforcement department says after officials were on the property last week conducting an inspection.
The city's approval doesn't offer much satisfaction to the folks who have to look at the house each day. The front lawn still is an ocean of concrete cluttered by cars at all hours. And the second-floor addition of pressure-treated lumber has been sitting unfinished for months.
It's an eyesore, residents say. And after so many previous problems with the house's construction, some wonder how the house could possibly meet code.
"The root problem is an unorthodox and obstinate homeowner trying to build the thing as cheaply and shoddily as possible," said neighbor Curtis Waldon.
Waldon and others have been quick to voice their displeasure. They handed out flyers at a recent community meeting that shows a picture of the house with the caption:
"What you see above is actually happening presently on our island, in our community. This is one of the most bizarre, unconventional, possibly dangerous and unattractive remodeling projects taking place at the present time on one of our streets."
At 307 Leeward Island, the house has a history of building problems. There have been several violations during its construction and the city has issued numerous stop-work orders. Clearwater's Development and Services Director, Jeff Kronschnabl, said previous problems have been addressed and the building is meeting all codes.
"We will hold the homeowner accountable," Kronschnabl said. "I want to reassure the neighbors that the city will make sure all local and state laws are complied with in the end."
Matonte says he and his family are the victim of neighborhood politics. Some just don't want his family living there.
"What can I do about it? I have no control," Matonte said Monday.
Matonte, a contractor and chemical engineer, has personally handled much of his home's renovation. Because his house was too small when he moved in with his family two years ago he set about building a second story.
He can't believe the controversy that surrounds him. If he could have predicted it, he said, he never would have started the project.
The house was meant to be finished last spring but all the city-ordered work stoppages have delayed his efforts. If the project remains problem-free, Matonte says, he'll finish the project in two months.
Even after it's finished, neighbors say the house won't fit in this quiet, waterfront community. There's talk that Matonte's L-shaped second story doesn't mesh with the original ranch-style house and could hurt property values.
"It's aesthetically unpleasing," said neighbor Nancy Smith.
Kronschnabl said the city will require Matonte to replant grass and landscape once construction is finished. As for the home's design, Kronschnabl said, the neighbors are out of luck.