With only seven members present, just enough to hold a quorum, the Historic Landmark Commission approved the release of demolition permits for 35 questionably historic structures throughout the city without any discussion Monday night. In only seven of the 35 cases was demolition the first recommendation by the city Historic Preservation Office. For the remaining 28, city staff recommended the commission first consider encouraging rehabilitation or adaptive re-use of the property before releasing the demolition permit. In 15 of those 28 cases, city staff recommended the commission also consider possible relocation of the structure before considering demolition. However, all 35 structures, regardless of city staff’s recommendation, were approved for demolition. Commissioner Terri Myers was the only commissioner to comment on the demolitions, which were bundled together in one unanimous vote on the evening’s consent agenda. Myers, clearly displeased, said she wanted to put on the record that the commission just okayed the 35 demolitions “with one fell swoop. No discussion.” The 11-seat Historic Landmark Commission has been under scrutiny recently for attendance issues and efficiency. One member resigned earlier this year, so the commission has been operating with 10 members; however, it has been a rarity to see all 10 members present at a meeting. The commission has had a difficult time reaching a quorum—a majority of members present at their meetings—resulting in postponements or an inability to take action. In at least one case Monday night, the commission had to postpone a historic designation case and create a special meeting because the board did not have enough eligible members present to take a vote. During a Nov. 10 City Council discussion over the historic designation of an Old West Austin property, council members, residents and preservation experts criticized the Historic Landmark Commission for its consistent procedure and function issues. Maureen Metteauer, a representative of the Old West Austin Neighborhood Association, placed blame on the HLC for a number of properties that have been lost in the neighborhood. “We’ve had numerous cases in our neighborhood of properties that have been lost because of inconsistent information, lack of quorum and really, lack of training on the part of the members of HLC,” Metteauer said. “We are losing the history of our city piece by piece.” Mayor Pro Tem Kathie Tovo, who represents District 9 in Central Austin, said stricter requirements needed to be put in place for demolition cases. “We are losing the historic fabric of our city when we approve demolitions or make it easy for the demolition of historic structures to come through here,” Tovo said Nov. 10. “I believe we need to look at community value differently.”