On the agenda

1. 1Call to Order - Roll Call▶ 0:00
2. 2

   Approval of May 21, 2024 and June 4, 2024 CRA Meeting Minutes

   approved

   The CRA Board approved the minutes from the May 21, 2024 and June 4, 2024 CRA meetings by a 5-0 vote.

   • motion:Motion to approve the May 21, 2024 and June 4, 2024 CRA meeting minutes. (passed)5–0

   ▶ Jump to 0:20 in the video

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   [00:00:20] Approve the May 21st, 2024, June 4th meeting minutes. Move to approve. Second. All those in favor? Aye. That's 5-0. Proposed amendment to the repay schedule for the Hacienda Hotel.

   This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.

3. 3

   Proposed Amendment to the Repayment Schedule for The Hacienda Hotel

   approved

   The CRA Board approved restructuring the Hacienda Hotel's repayment schedule to bring the lease agreement and mortgage note into harmony, recognizing increased construction costs from COVID-19 and a delayed opening. The new schedule has the next payment of $85,000 due November 1, 2024, with a final payment of $120,000 in 2030.

   • motion:Move approval of the recommended action to amend the Hacienda Hotel repayment schedule, bringing the lease agreement and mortgage note into harmony. (passed)

   🏢Hacienda Hotel Corporation🏢Main Street Program👤Greg Orovec👤Jim Gunderson👤Matt#Chasco Fiesta#Hacienda Hotel repayment schedule#Railroad Square#trolley/valet transportation enhancements

   ▶ Jump to 0:31 in the video

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   [00:00:36] Mr. Chairman, Mr. Mayor, the request before you this evening is to bring into harmony a couple of different agreements that we have related to the repayment schedule for the Hacienda Hotel. [00:01:03] And Mr. Orovec has spent a good amount of time looking at the agreements and he'll present the detail related to this agenda item. [00:01:18] I think it's best to be said that we are very much in support of the Hacienda Hotel and they opened at a time that was much later than what was predicted in the original agreement with the city. [00:01:36] And they opened at a cost that was much higher than what they estimated would be the case in large part due to COVID-19 related escalated construction costs. [00:01:51] And I'll let Greg get into all of the specific details on how we want to restructure this repayment arrangement. [00:02:01] Thank you ma'am. Good evening chair, members of the board. I love how the executive director called it bring it into harmony. That is the perfect terminology. That's the exact right way to explain it. [00:02:13] I don't know about you, but I love being home in New Port Richey because we're in the middle of a, we're amidst a renaissance. [00:02:20] And certainly I think it's subject to fair debate, but hopefully you would agree that the Hacienda Hotel, the revitalization of that is a cornerstone of our renaissance. [00:02:31] We can trace it back, this upswing run to when you guys got that, you worked so hard, smartened together to get it, to renovate it, to solicit bids, to award it, and then to open it with your partner [00:02:46] in the form of the Hacienda Hotel Corporation under the leadership of Jim Gunderson. So that's just so integral to where we're at right now. [00:02:54] And as I think the board probably recalls, and even the newest member of the board was probably out in the audience at some point when it happened, the deal evolved over time. [00:03:05] And you went from an original lease agreement with Option to Purchase that had one schedule, and then along the way that got taken out by a mortgage and a mortgage note. [00:03:16] And the mortgage note, you could say was much more favorable to the CRA in accelerating the payment terms, but it took away the specifically afforded flexibility that you wanted to have, [00:03:27] you previously wanted to have for your operator. And so as the executive director set forth, we're proposing that you direct us to bring those things into harmony. [00:03:36] I set forth in the schedule that's part of your packet. I didn't do a PowerPoint. I'm happy to answer any questions that you might have. [00:03:45] But actually compared it side-by-side to what it was under the agreements, and then proposing terms to you, of course, subject to your feedback and ultimately your direction. [00:03:57] We like to bring it in harmony with the first deal, essentially, where, of course, we're recognizing the amounts already paid and that the next payment would be due November 1st of 2024 at $85,000. [00:04:12] And then following the schedule through completion. It should be noted that I have met with Mr. Gunderson about the schedule and about the performance in the future of the Hacienda. [00:04:24] And I think it's fair to say that, at least from the staff's perspective, we have a meeting of the minds, and we look at him as a partner, the Hacienda Hotel Corporation as a partner, [00:04:35] and their long-term success as paramount to our success, our continuing success. [00:04:41] So I don't know if you want me to go into any more of the details. Happy to take any questions you might have. [00:04:46] Mr. Mayor, if you allow me to comment as well, I too have spent a lot of time speaking to Mr. Gunderson. [00:04:57] And I don't want you to think that the restructuring of the deal has anything to do with a lack of interest in the Hacienda Hotel. [00:05:07] It is very much a coveted local institution. He does a fine business there. [00:05:15] And he continues to pursue a myriad of marketing opportunities, and he is enjoying a good rate of interest in the hotel rooms. [00:05:32] He would like more. It is a little bit below his projections, but not by much. [00:05:41] He'll continue to market, and he believes that he'll achieve all of his intended targets by year-end, [00:05:52] particularly in respect to the fact that we are enjoying success in some other areas in the downtown, [00:06:00] and we continue to see more people coming into the downtown area. [00:06:07] And truly, it is more a result of the fact that he really just experienced some more, [00:06:21] as I indicated earlier to you in my comments, higher construction costs on his renovation [00:06:28] than he expected and pulled a lot more out of his personal cash than he expected he would need to complete the renovations. [00:06:40] Do we have any public comment? Seeing the crowd run forward, we'll bring it back to the board. [00:06:51] I'll move approval of the recommended action. [00:06:55] I'll second. [00:06:57] Any discussion? [00:06:59] Just one thing. I know that it's sort of in my discussions with Mr. Gunderson about some of our city's highlight events. [00:07:11] He prefers, of course, the esoteric kind of historical walk-around crowd to the big crowds, [00:07:22] and he's indicated even that he feels he almost suffers as a result of our parades. [00:07:27] He's talked a number of times about the parade cutting off the parking and that sort of thing. [00:07:32] So I'd like, as we talk over the summer, to discuss the improvement of our trolley and transportation system [00:07:41] so that potentially we could provide him some kind of valet service or something when we have these events that could be coordinated. [00:07:49] And I've asked our director to look into some of the enhancements of that valet service, [00:07:59] maybe not just for the Hacienda but for some of the older or retiree people in town, [00:08:04] because there are programs around that other cities like ours, I think Dunedin's considering it [00:08:10] and maybe a number of them across the state, that actually help to bring those people who would not want to drive at night [00:08:17] into town to dinner in their little electric vehicles. [00:08:21] So I'd love to incorporate the needs of our hotel, and especially during events, [00:08:28] into our strategy for maintaining our walkability, because it's hard to find a parking space. [00:08:35] They're parking all the way to Delaware now just on a regular night, a busy night on a weekend. [00:08:41] And when we do the railroad square, I can only imagine the additional foot traffic that we'll be getting. [00:08:52] So we have a market of people who are retired and have money in their pockets who don't like to drive at night [00:08:58] and certainly don't want to park into parking spaces when they're only in our own city. [00:09:04] I think that might go well to our business community that pays taxes to see that we're thinking of them. [00:09:11] So I think that might help the Hacienda. [00:09:15] I know he's made that complaint to me from the Chasco Fiesta of what it does to his customers. [00:09:23] And I agree with that too, at least on a regular basis. [00:09:26] I think sometimes on the bigger events there's not a whole lot you're going to be able to do about it. [00:09:31] Obviously we're not going to not do Chasco because of it, right? [00:09:35] But I think on a regular basis I think that's a good idea. [00:09:38] But one of the things too is that the Hacienda participates in everything that's downtown. [00:09:43] They get involved, they participate, they're on the board and on the committees with the Main Street Program. [00:09:49] So they really do get involved in everything. [00:09:51] And I think that that's important because they're showing that they want to be a big part of our city, [00:09:55] and I think that it's up to us to help them. [00:09:58] Matt? [00:09:59] Yeah, no, I think those are some good ideas. [00:10:02] I know, and I've talked to several people, that when we do have events, I mean, he should be slam-packed. [00:10:08] I know several people that came and stayed there just for the events we were having here in the city. [00:10:14] And I think with a little logistics we can make that work, whether it's parking or whatever the issue may be, [00:10:20] just getting ahead of it a little bit. [00:10:21] That's all you've got to do is get ahead of it, and it won't be such a problem. [00:10:26] As far as agreement, yeah, I definitely support it. [00:10:30] I know he's not going anywhere. [00:10:32] The Hacienda is a hub, is a nucleus for our city. [00:10:38] And, you know, it's something that really kind of, I always thought, pulled the city together around it, [00:10:44] around its history, around the river, just everything about it. [00:10:50] It gives us a real traction. [00:10:52] I have no problem with this, and I know he's going to do well. [00:10:57] I think we highlighted it when we talked about the partnership, and the partnership looks like the events. [00:11:01] It also looks like making sure the parking infrastructure is there. [00:11:05] And, of course, the agreement itself on the finances. [00:11:08] Just to be clear, we had a lease agreement that had it scheduled out to 2030. [00:11:17] Then the mortgage note kicked that back to 2027, [00:11:20] and now we're finding a nice middle and bringing it back to 2030. [00:11:24] Is that correct? [00:11:25] Is that what's happening here? [00:11:30] Correct. [00:11:31] 2030, the last payment would be $120,000. [00:11:35] Okay. [00:11:37] If I could, if I may, just for the sanctity of the record, [00:11:43] originally the option agreement stated, and you've got to pay it by the 10th anniversary. [00:11:50] I understand. [00:11:51] And if you work out the math on that and what the actual CO date was, it was technically 2032. [00:11:57] So it did, to your point, it did call for it to be paid by year eight, which was 2030. [00:12:04] But it gave that additional flexibility. [00:12:07] The parties recognized that you need flexibility. [00:12:10] As long as you get it done within 10 years from the CO date, you're good, 10th anniversary. [00:12:15] That's when Cinderella turned into a pumpkin. [00:12:19] Thank you for that clarification. [00:12:22] Just to reiterate, I think I've said this before in my discussions with Jim, [00:12:27] is that I kept saying that he was a cornerstone of the town, [00:12:31] and he thinks the theater is a cornerstone of the town. [00:12:34] So I just think that that's a compliment from him to what we're doing in town.

   This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.

4. 4

   ↳You arrived here from a search for “Aqua Harbor Redevelopment Project” — transcript expanded below

   Proposed Aqua Harbor Redevelopment Agreement

   discussed

   Staff presented a proposed redevelopment agreement between Royal Five Hospitality, Inc., the City of New Port Richey, and the CRA for the Aqua Harbor redevelopment project on the former Magnuson Hotel site, including a 92-unit Hilton (or premier brand) hotel and 96 residential condominium units. The proposed incentive package totals approximately $7.74 million, of which $5.44 million represents 96 transferable development rights (TDR) credits, plus building permit/impact fee offsets and Florimar Terrace frontage road improvements tied to the pedestrian overpass vision. Staff sought board direction to negotiate the redevelopment agreement.

   • direction:Staff requested board direction to negotiate a redevelopment agreement with Royal Five Hospitality, Inc. for the Aqua Harbor project under the proposed terms. (none)

   📍Acorn Street property📍Aqua Harbor site (former Magnuson Hotel)📍Florimar Terrace📍Marine Parkway📍US Highway 19 corridor🏢Arnette Muldrow🏢Comfort Inn and Suites🏢Gulf High School🏢Hilton🏢Magnuson Hotel🏢Royal Five Hospitality, Inc.🏢Seafire🏢SunTrust Truist Building👤Greg👤Mann👤Mr. Simone#Aqua Harbor Redevelopment Project#Boat Ramp Park redevelopment#Coastal High Hazard Area#Community Redevelopment Plan (1986, 2001, 2012, 2019 updates)#Pedestrian overpass at US 19#Planned Development District (PDD) rezoning June 6, 2023#Southern Gateway#Stonehaven / Main Street Landing#TIF analysis#Transferable Development Rights (TDR) credits#Vision 19 Master Plan

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   [00:12:38] We just backed the theater. [00:12:39] So it's all working together. [00:12:42] It's all a team, and I just think that's real important. [00:12:45] So for us to have a little flexibility, I think that goes without saying, no problem at all. [00:12:50] So all those in favor? [00:12:51] Aye. [00:12:52] Those opposed? [00:12:53] So we have 5-0. [00:12:56] Moving on to the proposed Aqua Harbor redevelopment agreement. [00:13:01] It really is a pleasure, Mr. Mayor and members of the board, [00:13:07] to be able to present this agenda item to you this evening. [00:13:10] We have the Simone family in attendance this evening as the applicant for this agenda item. [00:13:22] And we've worked together so long, I almost feel like I'm a member of the family. [00:13:29] You got a room already? [00:13:30] No, not yet. [00:13:33] But we've talked about the project for Aqua Harbor for so long [00:13:42] that we actually were able to get them to do the Comfort Inn and Suites in advance of the Aqua Harbor project [00:13:52] because they were so anxious to work that they needed a hotel to keep themselves busy [00:14:00] in advance of putting together all the details on the Aqua Harbor project, [00:14:07] which has now all been solidified. [00:14:11] And you know about the project, and I don't want to steal Greg's thunder by re-explaining it to him, [00:14:18] because I have seen his PowerPoint today, [00:14:21] so I don't want to go over the details with you in too much description. [00:14:30] But the project is a real credit to the developers [00:14:36] and will be critical to the city in terms of what it will yield us in our CRA [00:14:43] and allow us to do in other areas of the city. [00:14:47] And with that being said, Greg, I'll let you kick off the PowerPoint on this project. [00:14:54] Thank you, ma'am. [00:14:55] And by all means, please tag in any time. [00:15:00] In so many ways, I'm just telling your story, staff story, the board story, the Simone story, [00:15:05] everyone's story, but it's really a pleasure for me to be here. [00:15:09] And real quick, Mr. Chair, to go back, you know, the great thing about figuring [00:15:13] out what the nucleus, the cornerstones are, is that in a rectangular structure, [00:15:18] you get at least four cornerstones. [00:15:20] So you got the Hacienda, you got the theater, and pick two more, man, [00:15:25] because, you know, the cornerstones, you get at least four. [00:15:27] But moving here into the proposed Aqua Harbor Agreement, Executive Director Mann's 2015, [00:15:35] I think, is when the Simone family, under the name of Royal Five Hospitality, Inc., [00:15:40] took this property down. [00:15:42] So that's how long you've been working at it. [00:15:45] And here we are this evening with a request, staff is requesting that the board direct us [00:15:51] to negotiate a redevelopment agreement by and between Royal Five Hospitality, Inc., [00:15:55] the city of New Port Richey, and the CRA for the Aqua Harbor redevelopment project, [00:16:01] pursuant to the terms set forth and recommended by staff, which I'm about to present to you, [00:16:08] or otherwise specified by the board. [00:16:10] If you have different direction you want to give us, please do, and we will act accordingly. [00:16:17] But as the board is aware, for decades, the community has envisioned [00:16:20] a revitalized U.S. Highway 19 corridor. [00:16:23] And just to underscore the point, you know, we're celebrating our 100th birthday here, [00:16:29] anniversary in the city of New Port Richey, and this is our first ever community redevelopment plan [00:16:35] that was put together in 86, meaning that you've been working on redevelopment [00:16:40] for 38 of those 100 years or so. [00:16:42] So redevelopment has been part of our story for decades, and of course, we started not with 19, [00:16:49] we started with the downtown. [00:16:50] Your first ever, our first ever community redevelopment effort was focused on downtown. [00:16:56] It was in 2001 that our community leaders then expanded it to the full city at the time. [00:17:04] We're going to do the whole thing. [00:17:05] And of course, that included 19, but they didn't get into the weeds on what they were going to do with 19. [00:17:11] They just kind of made a reference and said, hey, the whole city is going into the community redevelopment area. [00:17:16] The whole thing is going to be subject to a community redevelopment plan. [00:17:20] Of course, in 2012, we started getting a little bit more serious about our plans, [00:17:25] and we mentioned 19 specifically, some of the things that we wanted to see happen. [00:17:32] Even our Main Street gateway sign made it formally into a plan. [00:17:39] The county did some planning work that we participated in and with, [00:17:44] and that was the Vision 19 master plan. [00:17:48] So that was 13-14 in that neighborhood. [00:17:51] And then, of course, in 19, 19 became, that's funny, in 2019, US Highway 19, [00:18:00] very fittingly, became a specific priority where the plan specifically named the Magnuson Hotel [00:18:09] as a priority and the redevelopment of it in the greater southern gateway and south gate portion of the city. [00:18:18] And so, if we go into our current plan, we can see that it's specifically set forth. [00:18:25] It offers specific suggestions as to the type of incentives we should offer [00:18:29] and the kinds of things that we should do to effectuate the desired redevelopment, [00:18:34] which is mixed use, is what the plan calls for. [00:18:38] Of course, after our 2019 plan, we engaged Arnette Muldrow and their design house [00:18:44] to do a downtown and US Highway 19 corridor master plan. [00:18:49] And so, here's just the graphic showing all 3.25, more or less, linear miles of 19 [00:18:56] running through New Port Richey and the focus areas in downtown. [00:19:02] It named a specific, articulated a specific vision for Highway 19, [00:19:07] said the kind of things that we were going to do on 19. [00:19:11] It specifically identified the south gateway into the city, [00:19:16] which, of course, that is where Aqua Harbor is proposed and where the Magnuson Hotel was. [00:19:25] Specific vision even for the south gateway. [00:19:28] So, we really articulated it. [00:19:31] We got into the weeds. [00:19:32] We talked about what we wanted for this area. [00:19:36] Studied it. [00:19:38] We even did some design work. [00:19:40] Here's that proposed overpass that's come up in recent months. [00:19:44] And it's going to be more, it was to be more than just an overpass, [00:19:48] more than a concrete structure with chain link fence or something like that. [00:19:51] It was going to be a gateway into the community. [00:19:55] And the example of Lake Mary, Florida was provided. [00:20:00] So, really iconic. [00:20:01] And here's another of the urban designers rendering of the area. [00:20:09] And, of course, this is the Aqua Harbor. [00:20:13] And this is good old Southgate over here. [00:20:19] And now we're engaged in an update to the community redevelopment plan [00:20:23] where we're really celebrating your many... [00:20:27] Upgraded your pointer, I see. [00:20:29] It looks like. [00:20:30] Wow. [00:20:32] This is a cool one. [00:20:34] This is the spotlight. [00:20:36] And so, you're in the community's many successes that we talked about. [00:20:41] We were naming the cornerstones. [00:20:44] And that's really at the heart of our current renaissance. [00:20:46] So, we want to build off of that. [00:20:47] You know, just to make a little side note, as we've gone through the update process, [00:20:53] as I've gotten to go out in the community and speak with you [00:20:57] and speak with our team and the stakeholders over the last six months, [00:21:02] you know, this idea of starting redevelopment in downtown [00:21:05] and the importance of it spreading to the rest of the city [00:21:09] and the entirety of the city, that's happening. [00:21:13] Because you had to start somewhere. [00:21:16] And downtown is everyone's neighborhood. [00:21:19] And not only does it touch everyone in the city, [00:21:22] it touches the greater market area. [00:21:24] It has the greatest ability to drive growth and tax increment revenue [00:21:30] and the resources that you can then invest in 19 [00:21:34] and that you can then invest in the Cody River, [00:21:37] that you can then invest in all of the neighborhoods. [00:21:41] So, we're getting there. [00:21:43] But it's taken this process to get there. [00:21:45] And you're going to see it come up again in the presentation. [00:21:49] Downtown, that's the goose that laid the golden egg. [00:21:52] That is everyone's neighborhood. [00:21:54] You can never take it for granted. [00:21:56] You can never ignore it. [00:21:58] You maintain it and enhance it. [00:22:00] You keep that flywheel spinning. [00:22:01] You keep that engine running. [00:22:02] You keep that electricity flowing. [00:22:05] And then you make the next investment. [00:22:08] And you've done that. [00:22:09] You've done this incredible job of connecting downtown [00:22:12] in a meaningful way to 19 through Kaiser, Comfort Inn and Suites, [00:22:16] the parking garage, and, of course, what we have planned [00:22:20] for Boat Ramp Park redevelopment. [00:22:23] And then, hopefully, tying it around Stonehaven. [00:22:27] I still like to think of it as Main Street Landing. [00:22:29] Stonehaven at Main Street. [00:22:31] And the redevelopment of the SunTrust Truist Building. [00:22:33] All that's going to play off of each other. [00:22:36] And then that gives you the ability to find another foothold on 19. [00:22:42] So, it's a really exciting time. [00:22:44] And this is just zooming in, [00:22:45] because I know sometimes it's hard to see those slides [00:22:48] of the successes there in the core [00:22:50] and where you got downtown to meet 19. [00:22:54] And we got, this is such an exciting time, [00:22:56] because I predict in the next six months, [00:23:00] we're going to be talking specifically about this piece. [00:23:05] In this building? [00:23:07] We can. [00:23:08] See, when you put a wing on it, [00:23:09] I'm always looking to figure out how to leverage, sir. [00:23:12] So, if you put a wing on it, [00:23:13] you get at least two more off of the main structure. [00:23:16] Now you got six. [00:23:17] That's right. [00:23:18] And you got to do a north wing and a south wing. [00:23:21] So, yeah, we're just getting, [00:23:23] as great-grandpa Orebeck used to say, [00:23:25] we're going to cook with gas here. [00:23:28] And then, of course, we just closed [00:23:30] on the Acorn Street property [00:23:31] on the other side of Stonehaven. [00:23:34] So, that gives the opportunity [00:23:35] to hopefully activate a river walk [00:23:38] and really celebrating our river. [00:23:40] And then I know that we cannot get [00:23:42] to the redevelopment of SunTrust Truist quick enough, [00:23:47] but it's going to happen. [00:23:48] It's going to happen over the, [00:23:50] we're going to go out to market in the next six months. [00:23:52] So, a lot is happening. [00:23:54] Downtown, meeting, 19, [00:23:57] and then, let's talk about 19, [00:23:59] because that's why we're here, [00:24:01] about Aqua Harbor and how it connects. [00:24:03] 3.25 miles. [00:24:06] Now, some would say that that's 3.25 miles of opportunity. [00:24:11] Some would say that that's three and a quarter miles [00:24:17] of blight. [00:24:19] I would say that those someones were both right. [00:24:24] US Highway 19 is a huge challenge. [00:24:26] It's been a challenge for decades. [00:24:28] It will continue to be a challenge, [00:24:30] but for the first time in a long time, [00:24:33] we really have critical mass and we have forward momentum. [00:24:39] And so, you've made that connection from downtown to 19, [00:24:44] and now we're here to talk about Aqua Harbor [00:24:47] and this foothold on the south, [00:24:49] the southern gateway into the city [00:24:53] of how we could get there. [00:24:55] And so, everyone knows where the site is. [00:25:00] And here we have some historic footage. [00:25:03] Unfortunately, we couldn't go back far enough in time. [00:25:06] The last time I stayed there was a holiday inn. [00:25:08] It was a great summer for me. [00:25:12] And, but I couldn't go that far back in time. [00:25:15] So, here we are when it was Ramada. [00:25:17] You weren't of age then. [00:25:20] I'll tell you that story at another time. [00:25:24] I was a student at Gulf High School at the time. [00:25:27] We were in between homes in New Port Richey. [00:25:29] But we stayed at that hotel, [00:25:32] and my mom let me rent the movies. [00:25:34] Remember when the movies used to come out early? [00:25:36] She'd let me rent the burbs in Major League [00:25:39] and I just thought, in room service, [00:25:41] and I just thought that was like the best thing ever. [00:25:44] So, that was my experience at the holiday, [00:25:47] at this site, a great memory. [00:25:50] And of course, Ramada back then was further up 19 [00:25:54] on the right, but in any event, [00:25:56] here it is when it was a Ramada. [00:25:59] Of course, then it became the Magnuson in 2015 [00:26:03] when the current owners purchased it [00:26:06] and the executive director started working [00:26:11] with them. [00:26:13] And then, here it is in July. [00:26:16] And then, you know, let's check this out, [00:26:18] December 23, could you hit play on this for me? [00:26:23] Hopefully we can embed it. [00:26:26] Oh, look at that, who's that? [00:26:29] That's a sweet sight right there, right? [00:26:44] And so, we just wanted to include a little action shot, [00:26:47] and of course, Mr. Simone is very active [00:26:50] on all of the family's projects, [00:26:52] and so he was out there. [00:26:54] I really wanted to provide another one, [00:26:55] but he was singing during it. [00:26:58] We built this city on rock and roll, [00:27:01] and just thought maybe we'd get that another time, [00:27:06] maybe at the ribbon cutting ceremony, [00:27:08] we would play that one. [00:27:13] And of course, this is what it looks like [00:27:15] essentially today, the site's been cleared, [00:27:18] and it bears mentioning that in the background there, [00:27:22] the hotel that, excuse me, the restaurant [00:27:25] that used to be Sea Market, that was Lever Rocks, [00:27:29] and then Widow Fletcher's, is now Seafire. [00:27:33] That's also been renovated in accordance with the plan. [00:27:38] So, it's exciting for this whole site, [00:27:40] and they really do function together as a mixed use project. [00:27:45] And so, I think you know most of these details, [00:27:47] about 3.7 acres, you wearing different hats [00:27:50] as the city council, rezoned the property [00:27:54] back in the summer, last summer, June 6th, 2023, [00:27:58] and it went from 122 room Magnuson Hotel [00:28:02] to a PDD, planned development district, [00:28:05] that allows 92 unit hotel, [00:28:08] and 96 residential condominium dwelling units. [00:28:11] And just a really important point of distinction, [00:28:13] because it's going to come up again, [00:28:15] is that this development requires [00:28:18] transferable development right credits [00:28:20] in order to develop that residential density. [00:28:25] Here's the conceptual site plan. [00:28:27] Here are the elevations on the water. [00:28:33] And so, given, obviously given the magnitude [00:28:36] of this project, given that it's effectuating [00:28:41] the community redevelopment plan, [00:28:43] the executive director has been working with our team, [00:28:45] as she stated, for a number of years, [00:28:47] and certainly that activity has picked up [00:28:50] over the last several months, [00:28:53] and over the last year, as plans have started [00:28:57] to become more concrete, and have really gone, [00:29:01] and we're in the demolition phase now, [00:29:04] the owner has gotten financing for the project, [00:29:08] they've received approval of the condominium docks, [00:29:12] they are actively marketing, and engaged in sales. [00:29:15] So, in the words of Flowrider, [00:29:18] do you guys listen to Flowrider? [00:29:19] Do you know who that is? [00:29:21] It's going down for real. [00:29:25] There you go, so we do have some fans up there. [00:29:29] So, back in July of 2023, the executive director [00:29:33] made a presentation to the board, [00:29:35] provided preliminary TIF analysis, [00:29:37] and said, hey, we'll be back with some proposed incentives. [00:29:40] And so that's what tonight is, [00:29:42] and staff is proposing those incentives [00:29:45] in the form of a redevelopment agreement. [00:29:47] And the basic framework is as follows. [00:29:49] You know the parties, Royal Five, the city, the CRA, [00:29:53] you know the redevelopment project, [00:29:55] and then obligations, timeline, and incentives. [00:29:58] And that's. [00:30:00] and to where the meat of it's at. [00:30:02] So as it relates to obligations, [00:30:04] under this type of redevelopment agreement, [00:30:07] staff would propose that Royal Phi is responsible [00:30:09] for developing the project as it's defined [00:30:11] in accordance with the timeline, [00:30:14] and the hotel brand shall be Hilton [00:30:16] or another premier brand approved by the parties. [00:30:19] So that was something specifically set forth [00:30:21] in the community redevelopment plan. [00:30:23] I think it's something that's very important, [00:30:25] should be commensurate with your investment. [00:30:27] And for this to be the catalytic project we want, [00:30:30] we need to level up. [00:30:32] This is our southern gateway, we're a city on the rise, [00:30:35] we're on our way to being the best walkable [00:30:38] waterfront historic hometown in Florida, [00:30:40] and so everything we do needs to reflect that, [00:30:43] and bring us a step closer to realizing it. [00:30:46] The city would act in good faith [00:30:48] to expedite permitting reviews. [00:30:49] You can't provide guarantees in these things, [00:30:51] you just act in good faith to expedite [00:30:54] and to make things happen. [00:30:55] And the city would provide 96 transferable [00:30:58] development rights credits to be paid by the CRA [00:31:02] from the bank, and those credits are in the bank. [00:31:05] The CRA's job would be to fund the incentives [00:31:08] and to provide the concierge services [00:31:10] to facilitate shared success. [00:31:12] That's basically project management and help. [00:31:17] The timeline, all right, so you know that [00:31:21] we've been at it since July of 2015. [00:31:27] Zoning approval last summer. [00:31:30] Demolition is finaled, so that is done, [00:31:34] that's been signed off. [00:31:35] So not only was it started, [00:31:37] demolition was formally finished. [00:31:41] Have you guys submitted your plans? [00:31:42] Did that happen yet this week? [00:31:46] No, but they're sitting. [00:31:48] All right, well I gave you until this month, [00:31:50] so we're going to, yeah. [00:31:54] But it's imminent, so they got the role plans. [00:31:59] I've sat down and looked at them with them. [00:32:02] Those are coming in any day now [00:32:05] for permitting of the actual improvements. [00:32:08] And we have a schedule where hopefully [00:32:13] the site improvements would commence this summer. [00:32:16] They'd be done by the end of the year. [00:32:20] And the owner developer is aggressive, [00:32:23] and they're seeking to actually start [00:32:25] some of the improvements like the underground [00:32:27] and the pilings for the vertical construction [00:32:31] before they're completely finaled on the site. [00:32:34] We should be able to work that out. [00:32:36] And then you can see providing them some time for the phases. [00:32:41] So they're going to build the residential units, [00:32:44] the condominium first, two buildings, 48 units of building. [00:32:49] And they'll start from the west [00:32:52] and work their way to the east, [00:32:54] so building one, building two, and then into the hotel. [00:32:59] I will tell you that Mr. Simone provided me [00:33:03] with a more aggressive schedule, and I said, [00:33:05] no, let's make sure that we give you time [00:33:08] for contingencies, acts of God, hurricanes, [00:33:11] and hopefully over-deliver rather than over-promise. [00:33:15] So we tried to build some safeguards into the timeline. [00:33:20] And I'm sorry that this is hard to see. [00:33:22] Hopefully you can see it in your presentation [00:33:24] or you just have better vision than I do. [00:33:28] The proposed incentives, so as we go through these, [00:33:31] hopefully many of them are going to be self-explanatory. [00:33:34] The TDRs, of course, they require, [00:33:38] this project requires credits [00:33:41] in order to build that residential density [00:33:44] because it's in the coastal high hazard area. [00:33:47] We have previously received an appraised value [00:33:50] on what a credit is worth, and that's the math. [00:33:54] 96 dwelling units times the amount [00:33:57] gives you the $5.44 million total, [00:34:00] which is being proposed to be paid by the CRA to the city [00:34:05] for the benefit of this project. [00:34:07] And I do anticipate that we would get a second opinion [00:34:10] before this comes back before you, [00:34:13] but the appraisal was solid, [00:34:15] so I do expect it to be in that neighborhood. [00:34:18] Building permit fees, water sewer impact fees. [00:34:22] This is obviously a common practice. [00:34:24] It's a practice that you've engaged in before. [00:34:26] It's kind of getting the cost of doing business down. [00:34:30] And through this mechanism, it's a pretty safe mechanism [00:34:34] in that it's the city being paid for these things, [00:34:38] not the developer. [00:34:39] Additionally, a proposed incentive, [00:34:42] it's something that was identified [00:34:44] in the community redevelopment plan as an opportunity. [00:34:47] We think a very good one and a timely one, [00:34:50] and that's the improvement of Florimar Terrace, [00:34:52] the frontage road. [00:34:53] So a public improvement project to what's a right-of-way, [00:34:57] which is envisioned to include [00:34:58] a reconstructed design section featuring new pavement, [00:35:02] on-street parking, enhanced landscaping, [00:35:04] sidewalk, street lighting, stormwater. [00:35:08] Have it be more than sidewalks. [00:35:09] Have it be a trail section. [00:35:11] Have it be the beginning of that trail section [00:35:14] that connects into Marine Parkway [00:35:15] and then the trail that we're talking about [00:35:17] that interconnects our city to the region [00:35:20] and helps make us a destination. [00:35:24] And then I think it's, I hope you think it's timely, [00:35:27] the city's desired proposal [00:35:29] for the pedestrian overpass configuration. [00:35:32] So you know what's better than shooting a bird with a stone [00:35:34] is shooting four birds or five birds, [00:35:37] or shoot 10 if you can get them with one stone. [00:35:40] And so if we have this question [00:35:42] about the pedestrian overpass, [00:35:43] and we have this project, [00:35:45] and we have the opportunity to do all these things, [00:35:47] well now is the time to answer that question [00:35:49] for the benefit of the community and for our vision. [00:35:53] What do you and our community want to have happen there? [00:35:56] We can figure it out as part of this project [00:35:58] and plan accordingly. [00:36:00] So that was built into the incentive package. [00:36:03] So the math, you can see that 7.743 million, [00:36:09] where 70% of that amount is in the form of TDRs. [00:36:14] 5.44 million of the 7.74 million is TDRs. [00:36:22] And just, you know it, but for the benefit of the public, [00:36:26] this is what Florimar Terrace looks like today. [00:36:31] We obviously have a lot of opportunity there [00:36:33] to bring that in line with Florida's best [00:36:36] walkable waterfront historic hometown [00:36:38] and the Southern Gateway into our city on the rise. [00:36:41] So this is a huge opportunity. [00:36:43] It's about 1,000 linear feet [00:36:47] from intersection to intersection. [00:36:49] And some of you may know that a portion of this [00:36:53] is in Pasco County. [00:36:54] It's not in our jurisdiction, technically. [00:36:57] But I've put in here as a placeholder, [00:37:00] recommended to the Executive Director and now you, [00:37:02] that we try to work with Pasco County to make it happen. [00:37:05] We don't want a gap. [00:37:07] And when we're trying to do something special, [00:37:09] we don't want an imaginary line on a map to get in our way. [00:37:12] We want to work with our partners to get the outcome [00:37:16] that best serves our community. [00:37:19] And of course, Florimar was in the design [00:37:24] and the Arnett-Muldrow plan. [00:37:25] They had some of the landscaping and some of the features, [00:37:28] but there's a whole nother level to this [00:37:31] that we could explore. [00:37:34] And in considering the proposed terms [00:37:37] of the redevelopment agreement, [00:37:38] we just wanted you to know that we looked at the magnitude [00:37:41] of the private investment and the project's meaning [00:37:44] to the community, the consistency of the project [00:37:47] and the proposed incentives [00:37:49] with the community redevelopment plan, [00:37:51] ensuring that the hotel brand reflects [00:37:53] the desired quality of development, [00:37:55] as was already mentioned, [00:37:57] the reasonably anticipated tax increment revenues [00:38:00] that will be generated by the redevelopment project, [00:38:02] then right-sizing the incentives [00:38:04] to provide meaningful assistance to the developer, [00:38:07] but without quote-unquote overpaying [00:38:09] or putting taxpayer dollars unnecessarily at risk. [00:38:13] And that involves industry best practices, [00:38:15] which include the avoidance of cash incentives, [00:38:18] the investment in public infrastructure, [00:38:20] which serves the proposed redevelopment, [00:38:22] any successors in the broader public at large, [00:38:25] and investments which could simultaneously [00:38:27] achieve multiple goals. [00:38:29] So that's, you know, that's hidden more than one bird [00:38:31] with a stone at a time. [00:38:33] Provided updated tax increment revenue projections [00:38:38] as part of the presentation. [00:38:41] And of course, I know very few people [00:38:43] could probably see that, [00:38:44] so I zoomed in on kind of the meat of it. [00:38:48] So you can see what the valuation has been over time. [00:38:52] I'm curious to see what happens [00:38:53] with this year's valuation as of January 1st, 2024, [00:38:58] to see if it goes down even further with a demolition. [00:39:02] But then as the improvements are constructed, [00:39:06] we're gonna see that go up, bless you, [00:39:10] and quite significantly in preparing these projections, [00:39:14] I want you to know that the base value for the condo [00:39:17] is 275,000, the sales and the offering price [00:39:23] are substantially higher than that. [00:39:25] So there's a conservative bias in here. [00:39:28] For projections, we're always gonna provide you with, [00:39:30] we're gonna do our best to provide you with conservative [00:39:33] and err on the side of caution, [00:39:35] and be delightfully surprised or glad [00:39:37] when the projections come in, [00:39:39] actual comes in better than projected. [00:39:42] Also for the hotel, the takeoff for the hotel, [00:39:46] we used the Hilton Garden Inn by the Suncoast Expressway, [00:39:50] and a Marriott product as a comp, [00:39:54] and that was also put in on what it's actually in [00:39:58] on the tax roll, plus a discount, [00:40:00] because believe it or not, I've noticed [00:40:02] that there seems to be a negative bias on valuations, [00:40:06] and this is something that's been, I think, [00:40:08] spoken to before, where there's a lesser value [00:40:12] for a similar product in New Port Richey [00:40:14] versus unincorporated Pasco. [00:40:16] So that's something I look forward [00:40:17] to working with the executive director [00:40:19] and all concerned on going forward. [00:40:22] But again, negative bias, a conservative bias [00:40:26] in the projections, and you can see [00:40:29] that as the project comes on, you have significant increase, [00:40:34] and then after that, just for the purposes [00:40:37] of projections over time, a 3% year-over-year increase. [00:40:43] As you know, and unfortunately as we know, [00:40:46] sometimes you can go down. [00:40:48] In a great recession, you could go down a lot. [00:40:51] It could take a long time, but average over time, [00:40:54] hopefully we don't see anything like that [00:40:57] for a couple generations, or if, [00:40:59] hopefully we never see it again, [00:41:01] but 3% per year over time, pretty in line with history. [00:41:09] And at that valuation, you generate, [00:41:11] based on the current millage, [00:41:13] and that millage very well may come down over time. [00:41:16] That's been something that the executive director [00:41:19] and you as council have been working on over time, [00:41:22] is to reduce the millage. [00:41:23] But based on the current millage [00:41:25] and based on the projected value, [00:41:27] that is gonna throw off in the mid-500,000 per year, [00:41:32] and then it's gonna be in that 600,000 and beyond range, [00:41:35] and so for the remaining life of the agency, [00:41:38] based on the conceptual timeline and the projections, [00:41:44] you're looking at a cumulative total [00:41:46] of $15 million in tax increment revenue. [00:41:53] Additionally, I'll provide you some of the factors [00:41:56] that we looked at as it relates to the terms [00:41:59] of the overall agreement, [00:42:01] specifically as it relates to the proposed incentives. [00:42:05] Staff recognize that TDR credits [00:42:08] impose a unique cost to affected properties in New Port Richey [00:42:11] and we don't want to see those costs disincentivized, [00:42:14] desirable redevelopment, [00:42:16] catalytic, transformative redevelopment. [00:42:18] At the same time, we want to recognize [00:42:20] and honor the merits of the TDR program. [00:42:23] So it seems like a good solution for that [00:42:25] is the CRA stepping in, [00:42:27] paying the city for those TDR credits. [00:42:31] We already talked about the cost of doing business [00:42:33] and the impact fees and the building permit review fees. [00:42:40] I think we got into it also on Florimar. [00:42:42] That's just exciting, the Florimar Terrace potential project. [00:42:48] It's gonna provide required parking, [00:42:50] it's gonna be a major upgrade, [00:42:51] connect us to the regional trail system, [00:42:54] could clarify the vision [00:42:56] for the long-discussed pedestrian overpass, [00:42:58] and it helps showcase this redevelopment project [00:43:01] and the community's efforts to redevelop 19, [00:43:04] welcoming our residents and visitors [00:43:06] with a roadway trail and view [00:43:07] which are consistent with our vision for the future. [00:43:11] None of the proposed incentives [00:43:13] are paid to the owner-developer. [00:43:15] Again, the big ticket item is the cost of the TDR credits. [00:43:19] It's anticipated that the city and CRA [00:43:21] will be able to agree on payment terms [00:43:22] which allow the CRA to pay that over time. [00:43:25] As a result, CRA would never be too far out in front. [00:43:28] You know, one of the things that you worry about [00:43:29] with an incentive is you don't want to be overexposed. [00:43:33] What if something goes wrong? [00:43:35] What if there's another contingency, force majeure? [00:43:39] You never want to get too far out in front. [00:43:41] So the way that this is proposed, [00:43:43] we never get too far out in front. [00:43:45] In fact, I always like, as a former elected official, [00:43:49] I always like to look at things that worst-case scenario, [00:43:52] because unfortunately sometimes worst cases do happen. [00:43:55] The only one of the proposed incentives [00:43:57] which is really subject to loss [00:44:00] is the building permit review fees. [00:44:02] Because, for example, even the impact fee credits, [00:44:05] impact fees, when you pay for them and you establish them, [00:44:09] now you have a credit that runs with the property. [00:44:12] So those credits would always be there [00:44:14] for the redevelopment of this site, [00:44:16] even, heaven forbid, it wasn't this proposal. [00:44:20] So that incentive, the CRA steps in, pays the city for it. [00:44:24] Even in the worst-case scenario, [00:44:25] those aren't lost, they're there. [00:44:27] Obviously the road is there, that's a public right-of-way, [00:44:29] it's a public improvement, no problem there. [00:44:32] So really the only thing is the building permit review fees [00:44:34] because technically, heaven forbid, something happened, [00:44:39] there would be a new project, there'd have to be [00:44:40] a new review, but that's really the only thing. [00:44:44] And so in the final analysis, the staff believes [00:44:48] that this request is consistent with the plan [00:44:50] and is recommending approval because Aqua Harbor [00:44:52] is a transformative redevelopment project [00:44:55] that's turning an outdated hotel [00:44:56] into a landmark waterfront mix. [00:45:00] youth project that will anchor the city's southern gateway, [00:45:03] expand our city's renaissance out of downtown, [00:45:06] advance a decades-in-the-making revitalization [00:45:09] of the US Highway 19 corridor, [00:45:11] and bring us closer to realizing our vision for the future, [00:45:13] which is the best walkable waterfront [00:45:15] historic hometown in Florida. [00:45:17] Before I go to that next paragraph, [00:45:19] this is a night to discuss Aqua Harbor, [00:45:24] and hopefully set the stage for a celebration later. [00:45:28] At the same time, it's also important for us [00:45:30] to see how this fits into the big picture, [00:45:34] and I just wanna go back to that idea [00:45:36] that you working hard, smarting together [00:45:38] with your executive director, your team, your community, [00:45:41] you've done something special in downtown, [00:45:44] you're working your darndest to really connect, [00:45:46] and you have, but you're gonna level it up, [00:45:49] you're gonna connect it to 19 at Main Street, [00:45:52] but now you're taking that, [00:45:55] and you're even taking the family [00:45:57] that did Comfort Inn and Suites at Main Street in 19, [00:46:00] and you're hopping down the road, [00:46:02] you're establishing a foothold [00:46:03] in the southern gateway to the city, [00:46:06] our entrance to a big population, right, [00:46:08] that goes north, 19 to a tune of 60,000 trips per day, [00:46:14] you're announcing to everyone, [00:46:15] hey, we're New Port Richey, [00:46:17] we got special stuff going on here, [00:46:20] and this is how you eat the elephant, one bite at a time. [00:46:25] You took a bite downtown, [00:46:26] you took a bite out of 19 and Main, [00:46:30] this is a bite on the southern gateway into the city, [00:46:36] and then you can imagine how we get this right, [00:46:40] well, that next bite is the north gateway to the city, [00:46:43] it's the Riverside Inn. [00:46:45] Imagine a world where you connect the downtown to 19, [00:46:49] you establish the southern gateway, [00:46:51] then you establish the northern gateway, [00:46:55] and then you just work the middle to the edges, [00:46:57] and the edges to the middle, [00:47:00] and that's how, after 38 years of trying, [00:47:03] you get over the hump, [00:47:05] and you don't just have downtown, [00:47:07] you have the Rivergate Palm District, [00:47:09] and you have the US Highway 19 corridor, [00:47:11] and with these big catalytic projects [00:47:14] that throw off $600,000 a year on their own [00:47:18] in tax increment revenue, [00:47:20] you still have money left after the incentives [00:47:24] to put into your entire city, [00:47:27] and all the neighborhood improvements that you wanna do, [00:47:29] and get into each of the historic neighborhoods. [00:47:32] So there's a step-by-step process which is required. [00:47:35] In my opinion, you've done it in the right order. [00:47:39] Tonight, it's about Aqua Harbor, [00:47:43] and connecting it to the bigger whole, [00:47:46] but Aqua Harbor will have a significant economic impact [00:47:49] on the community, which includes construction, [00:47:52] and long-term direct, indirect, and induced jobs, [00:47:55] increased consumer base with above-average buying power. [00:47:59] So the people that move into those condos, [00:48:01] the people that visit the hotel, [00:48:04] they're gonna have above-average buying power, [00:48:06] and where are they gonna go? [00:48:09] They're gonna go to downtown, [00:48:11] they're gonna go to the destinations in the 19 corridor, [00:48:15] and who knows? [00:48:18] While the people in the hotel are here, [00:48:21] they might go check out a redeveloped [00:48:23] community hospital site, and buy a unit. [00:48:28] Who knows what could happen? [00:48:31] Tens of millions of dollars in private investment, [00:48:33] aggregate assessed value in excess of $40 million, [00:48:36] which can reasonably be expected to produce [00:48:38] more than $650,000 per year in tax increment revenue, [00:48:41] and approximately $15 million over the remaining [00:48:44] life of the agency, increased tourism. [00:48:46] So those are the economic impacts. [00:48:51] And with approval of a redevelopment agreement, [00:48:54] the incentives to be funded by the agency [00:48:56] will be programmed into the budget. [00:48:57] You would obviously see that, you would adopt it, [00:49:00] and adequate revenues would be available [00:49:03] to fund this request. [00:49:06] So staff is recommending that you direct us [00:49:09] to negotiate a redevelopment agreement [00:49:12] for the project pursuant to the terms outlined this evening, [00:49:15] or to provide us with alternate direction as you see fit, [00:49:18] so that we can bring it back to the board, [00:49:21] and we can take the next step forward [00:49:22] towards achieving our vision. [00:49:24] Again, the executive director might have [00:49:26] some additional comments. [00:49:28] The Simone family slash Royal Five is here. [00:49:31] I'd be happy to take any questions you may have. [00:49:36] Just looking for direction from the board at this point. [00:49:39] Simone family, would you like to speak at all? [00:49:51] I'll talk about the construction here, [00:49:54] and talk about the sales. [00:49:56] You gotta close by singing. [00:49:58] State your name. [00:50:05] If it wasn't for my wife, my backbone, [00:50:07] I wouldn't be able to do this project. [00:50:09] Hold the mic towards you, [00:50:10] because people are gonna be listening. [00:50:11] I gotta thank her for that. [00:50:13] Say it again. [00:50:14] I said if it wasn't for my wife, my backbone, [00:50:18] I wouldn't be able to do this project. [00:50:21] Can I add one other person? [00:50:24] How about your father, too? [00:50:27] I was here when you bought the property. [00:50:31] So, we are almost there with the plans. [00:50:36] We made some more changes, just like 999.9%. [00:50:41] So, if they don't get submitted Friday, [00:50:43] they will be submitted beginning of the week. [00:50:46] And we're selling condos right now, [00:50:54] and I'm having a little difficulties on, [00:50:58] we need to get the retaining wall up. [00:51:02] We need to get the infrastructure in. [00:51:04] We need to get the piling started, [00:51:06] because the friction, when you're driving the piling, [00:51:10] it might cause damage to the columns, [00:51:13] and there are about 30,000 PSI, [00:51:18] which can travel 20 feet. [00:51:21] So, that scares me for building one to building two. [00:51:25] And the people that are coming in to buy the condos, [00:51:31] their first question is, [00:51:33] when are you gonna start building? [00:51:34] So, if we see activity going up, [00:51:39] looking like something really is happening here, [00:51:42] we spoke about that, [00:51:45] we'll increase and appetize people more [00:51:49] to start buying faster. [00:51:55] And we better start planning and developing the hotel [00:52:01] maybe sooner than we think. [00:52:04] Because, again, once you see this whole project going up, [00:52:10] it invites, and it just gets better and better [00:52:15] and better every day, [00:52:16] then we'll just let it sit [00:52:18] and wait until people bought condos. [00:52:20] So, we need to pick it up a little bit. [00:52:27] We have the financing in place, which is a good thing. [00:52:31] And we're looking forward to starting this project. [00:52:39] And then, in regard to the sales, [00:52:41] our lender did let us know Monday. [00:52:44] Originally, it had to be 30% down on the purchase price, [00:52:46] which is quite a bit. [00:52:48] We were informed Monday that that 30% dropped to 20% [00:52:51] of the purchase price. [00:52:52] So, that is a big motivational factor. [00:52:56] Plus, the reservation fee now is no longer 20, 25, 30,000. [00:53:00] It is now a $10,000 reservation fee. [00:53:02] So, that definitely gets people moving, [00:53:05] thinking they wanna spend more. [00:53:06] And then, like my dad said, [00:53:07] one of the biggest pushbacks we get is, [00:53:11] oh, when's this project gonna start? [00:53:13] And there's no way you're gonna start. [00:53:14] Then, we tell them our timelines, [00:53:16] and they're just, well, we'll see. [00:53:18] There's a lot of things we get. [00:53:19] But, like he said, if we can show some activity going on, [00:53:22] the piling, it's gonna take some time anyways. [00:53:24] It encourages people to, I gotta get in, [00:53:27] because they're starting, and I'm gonna miss out. [00:53:30] So, that's one thing. [00:53:33] Are there any questions here, for instance? [00:53:35] Yeah, any questions? [00:53:36] How many do you have sold already? [00:53:38] So, we have 10 sold, 10 sold. [00:53:41] All the most expensive ones, too, believe it or not. [00:53:45] Yeah, it's more affordable ones are not, [00:53:49] honestly, they're not moving. [00:53:50] Just people are coming in and say, [00:53:51] I want the top four. [00:53:52] I want the second top four, or the third or top four. [00:53:54] I'm like, well, how about this nice one down here? [00:53:56] No, I don't want that one up there. [00:53:57] I'm like, okay, let's start the paperwork. [00:54:01] So. [00:54:03] Just for our discussion, no. [00:54:05] I'm good. [00:54:07] Any questions, concerns? [00:54:10] Thank you. [00:54:12] Do we have any comment from the public? [00:54:18] You were invited down as the wife, you know. [00:54:21] All right, bring it back for discussion and vote. [00:54:28] I'd like to address some of the details [00:54:30] of the proposal just in a broad way, if I may. [00:54:34] Sure. [00:54:36] And again, when we had the sale of the Main Street Landing, [00:54:41] it was in before the 2007, eight. [00:54:46] So, we had gotten far enough into that process [00:54:48] where it sold 80% of the units, [00:54:50] and then the economy had a bit of a serious wobble, [00:54:56] one, a big one, which we don't anticipate now. [00:55:00] And the enthusiasm that we have going [00:55:04] certainly should be a good sense of incentive. [00:55:08] Back in that time, that was the first project. [00:55:11] Others were waiting to see if it worked. [00:55:14] So, I think the time is right. [00:55:17] A couple of things. [00:55:18] The sale of the TDRs from the city to the CRA. [00:55:26] When we got out of 2007 and 2008, [00:55:30] again, you all know that city took money from utilities [00:55:34] and loaned it to the CRA, [00:55:36] which put us in a negative balance sheet, [00:55:41] but it has given the city all of that revenue [00:55:44] coming back into it, [00:55:45] because the full citywide CRA freezes the tax roll, [00:55:50] and so we need to find ways to get money. [00:55:52] The TDRs we own, we don't have any debt on them. [00:55:58] We bought them for a million. [00:55:59] I guess part of it was that 10 acres [00:56:01] we bought in Gulf Harbors, [00:56:02] which interestingly could become part of the trail [00:56:06] connection out to the Gulf [00:56:08] if we can get that to happen someday. [00:56:11] I would propose that we look carefully [00:56:14] to have the city put a note to the CRA [00:56:18] with an interest rate on it [00:56:20] so that we can continue to [00:56:24] guarantee revenue coming back to the city. [00:56:27] We've got some 20-some years [00:56:29] without any property tax growth, [00:56:31] so I think we should look carefully as a city [00:56:34] to be able to do that same thing. [00:56:36] We got that money from utilities. [00:56:38] It didn't cost the city's general fund, [00:56:40] but when we then loaned it to the CRA with an interest rate, [00:56:44] we now have those annual payments coming to pay that, [00:56:49] part of that coming back to the city as revenue. [00:56:54] So I would think that the number of other projects [00:56:58] that are out there, the boat ramp project, [00:57:01] the potential other piece of 19, [00:57:03] the purchase of the Schwetman Building [00:57:07] and many of the other CRA projects, [00:57:10] which we have healthy cash in there, [00:57:12] we don't need to just forward it over [00:57:14] because the general fund is going to need that money [00:57:17] over the length of the life of it. [00:57:19] So I would encourage a long-term approach of what is needed. [00:57:24] We still haven't used all our American Rescue Act money [00:57:27] on projects that we have that are coming. [00:57:30] So I think an analysis of the cash flow capabilities [00:57:33] to the general fund and making sure that this sale helps [00:57:38] to move us out a few years, [00:57:43] at which point these tax increments can start coming in. [00:57:47] If possible, it would be nice [00:57:49] if that sale was an interest-only sale [00:57:53] until we saw a positive return from this project, [00:57:56] because if it got delayed for any reason, [00:58:00] we would find ourselves having transferred value [00:58:04] to a piece of real estate. [00:58:07] So I think there needs to be some good legal minds at work [00:58:10] to make sure that in fairness [00:58:13] and recognizing the potential of economic problems, [00:58:17] so being respectful to the purchaser, [00:58:19] but also we need to look out for the city as well [00:58:23] to make sure that we are protected [00:58:25] with those density rights. [00:58:28] If all else failed and the rights are worth a lot of money [00:58:32] and the project doesn't get done, [00:58:33] we want to make sure that those rights aren't sold off, [00:58:36] the city still has an obligation. [00:58:38] And so too, to the point of the value being [00:58:41] with the property, that may be the answer, [00:58:44] that it stays on that property, [00:58:46] but I think this is a big dollar figure, [00:58:51] but it's not big dollars to the city, [00:58:53] and it's a good chance for us to get a big project underway [00:58:58] with the other incentives that you're going to come up with, [00:59:01] which my second point is if you're selling condos, [00:59:05] because in the CDD business, [00:59:09] the developers of the community development districts [00:59:12] would sell off, but keep the debt for the residents [00:59:17] who live there in the long term, [00:59:18] so that's how developers could build the infrastructure [00:59:22] and levy that debt on each individual unit, [00:59:25] which then became an obligation of the purchaser. [00:59:28] So if you're selling condos and the purchaser takes over [00:59:32] the property tax payments, [00:59:34] giving a property tax rebate back, [00:59:37] I think that the tax rebate should probably be focused [00:59:41] on the hotel and the commercial properties [00:59:44] that the developer would retain, [00:59:49] so it could give the incentive there. [00:59:53] If there is that part of, [00:59:55] I don't know how your incentives are going to work, [00:59:57] if there are... [01:00:00] any property tax rebates as part of this package? [01:00:03] Well, I saw that you said other incentives [01:00:05] and there's a value on that. [01:00:07] So if they have to have the money [01:00:09] for us to pay directly the impact fees [01:00:12] and the CRA's gonna pay all those fees over to the city [01:00:16] and there's no rebate, I think that from a standpoint [01:00:21] of whatever deal you make, what others will be getting [01:00:25] perhaps in the future as Starkey got a tax rebate [01:00:29] for future based and he came in and asked us [01:00:32] for a little more time. [01:00:33] So they had to pay the taxes and get them back. [01:00:36] If there's an element that the developer holds [01:00:38] onto those tax incentives may be useful to them. [01:00:42] I would only suggest that that's how [01:00:45] the big developers do it. [01:00:46] They credit themselves with all the commercial properties [01:00:50] so that they don't have to give those releases [01:00:55] of bonds or anything else back [01:00:58] and they're able to recapture their money. [01:01:00] So I just think an open discussion. [01:01:05] You're already on it. [01:01:06] You've already kind of figured out what your strategy is. [01:01:09] So just take this as potential ideas [01:01:11] if it comes down to it. [01:01:13] We appreciate your advice Councilman Altman, [01:01:16] particularly in respect to the transfer [01:01:20] of development rights because it is a great mechanism [01:01:24] for us to feed back our general fund. [01:01:26] And in that regard we will be advancing [01:01:29] from the city's perspective a couple of projects [01:01:32] where we'll be making deposits into the bank [01:01:35] which will help feed this project and a couple others [01:01:39] that we will be bringing to you [01:01:43] which we view as opportunities to make deposits [01:01:47] into the general fund. [01:01:49] But with this specific project we aren't talking about [01:01:53] at least with what we proposed to you tonight [01:01:57] any property tax rebates. [01:02:00] Well we'll see what it all boils down to [01:02:02] but I wouldn't object to that [01:02:05] if there was a potential trade off or value [01:02:08] that would keep as much cash in the city's CRA as possible [01:02:11] because we do have other projects as well. [01:02:14] So that's my reason for bringing it up. [01:02:16] Thank you. [01:02:18] Do you have any questions? [01:02:20] With the TDR, what is, we were just talking [01:02:24] about deposits back into the general fund. [01:02:26] What does that look like in terms of a timeline? [01:02:28] Is there any rough projection or estimate? [01:02:32] At this point we have put together just the dollar value [01:02:38] but we haven't projected an interest rate [01:02:40] or a repayment schedule. [01:02:43] So when this comes back before us they'll be included? [01:02:46] Once we bake the whole deal [01:02:49] then it'll come back to you for final approval. [01:02:54] Question wise, no. [01:02:57] Do you have any other questions? [01:02:59] No, I don't have any questions. [01:03:00] I'll move to approve. [01:03:01] Second. [01:03:03] Any other discussion? [01:03:04] Well now discussion. [01:03:07] I just wanted to say hats off in terms of the, [01:03:11] there is no question of the viability and the movement [01:03:15] and how quick you guys are in the projects you carry out [01:03:17] and the partnership you've had with the city [01:03:19] over the last, since 2015 and beyond. [01:03:22] And so thank you for working through this [01:03:24] with the city manager and with staff and getting this done. [01:03:29] And hats off to the city staff for championing this [01:03:32] and working through this and painting the story [01:03:34] which is that this is just one more piece [01:03:37] of what will become hopefully, yes, [01:03:39] the north part of US-19. [01:03:41] I should be biased toward US-19 since I live over there [01:03:44] but my hope is that this can help translate [01:03:48] into that old historic hospital, excuse me, [01:03:52] the old, excuse me, the Gulf High School building [01:03:54] but then also that catalyst [01:03:56] into the old community hospital district, [01:03:58] that area over there with Gulf High School. [01:04:01] And so Mr. Altman, I'm glad that you brought that up [01:04:04] in terms of how we can make sure we're leveraging funds [01:04:06] in the CRA to make that happen. [01:04:08] I do wanna end on one note [01:04:11] and it's when this project was considered way back when, [01:04:15] I think it was 2021, I had spoken from the other side [01:04:19] and spoke about a woman named Terri Snow. [01:04:23] And Greg Horvath, you actually reminded me of her [01:04:28] because you said that you were in between homes [01:04:30] at what was the, not Magnuson [01:04:35] but whatever it was before that. [01:04:37] And a similar story is Terri Snow [01:04:39] who was a long time resident of this community [01:04:42] and who for medical reasons, her doctor is here [01:04:48] but with the purchase and sale and how things go, [01:04:50] there was some gentrification and as a result, [01:04:54] Terri Snow had to move to Clearwater [01:04:57] but her doctor is still here and she doesn't own a home [01:05:01] and she doesn't rent a single family home [01:05:04] because of her medical conditions which hold her back. [01:05:09] This has predated me and I've made my comments [01:05:14] very aware about gentrification in that issue [01:05:17] and I love that we're moving forward with this [01:05:20] but when we're looking to the CRA and more importantly, [01:05:22] when we're looking to the CRA [01:05:23] and how that's going to start leveraging dollars [01:05:25] into the general fund, I think it's important for us [01:05:29] to capture in these projects the bottom net [01:05:33] which are the people that fall through the cracks [01:05:35] and end up having to leave our city [01:05:37] because they have a history here too [01:05:39] and it's important that we're catching them [01:05:42] in these projects. [01:05:43] So I just throw that in there since I was reminded of it [01:05:47] and that's all I got. [01:05:50] Yeah, so I'm super excited to see it coming up [01:05:53] and again, I've worked with some of my real estate clients [01:05:57] that are interested in condos and they definitely, [01:06:00] like you said, they want to see it get started. [01:06:02] I have people that are on the fence [01:06:04] but they're waiting to see some movement over there [01:06:06] and once you see movement, I think that they're going [01:06:08] to start to sell pretty quick over there. [01:06:10] There's a lot of excitement, a lot of energy [01:06:13] around the Gulf Harbors area. [01:06:14] We have a lot of people over there that are on the water [01:06:17] with homes they can't afford to pay their insurance [01:06:19] on the homes on the water that are looking at these condos [01:06:22] as being their saving grace to still be able to live [01:06:25] in the Gulf Harbors area. [01:06:27] So I think that we're going to see a lot of that [01:06:29] and being able to put people in a situation [01:06:31] where they're safer. [01:06:34] Yeah, it definitely feels like we've been talking [01:06:36] about this project for a long, long time [01:06:38] and I mean, I myself, I'm just excited that it's happening, [01:06:42] it's moving and we're going to get this thing done. [01:06:47] What a great value for that corner. [01:06:49] I mean, what was there, used to be there. [01:06:52] What a difference it's going to make when you're completed. [01:06:56] Bring such a value to that area and all around. [01:07:00] I think Mr. Orvek nailed it when he was talking about [01:07:03] what it's going to do for the surrounding area. [01:07:06] We've got our gateway to the South [01:07:07] and that's going to be a huge, huge impact [01:07:12] with other little project we have. [01:07:13] We've been working on Main Street 19, [01:07:16] redeveloping that and still redeveloping it. [01:07:20] And then hopefully, not too much longer, [01:07:23] we'll have a nice little gateway project to the North. [01:07:25] And then it starts to fill in all the way through the middle [01:07:28] all the way back and get our partners in New Port Richey [01:07:32] and the county to help out on that. [01:07:34] But what a great addition to this area right here [01:07:38] where you're going to be building. [01:07:40] It's going to be amazing. [01:07:42] And what it's going to do is just thank you [01:07:44] because it's going to make a huge difference [01:07:47] in our community and I can't wait for it. [01:07:49] And I just wanted to piggyback a little bit [01:07:52] on what Councilman Bertel was talking about. [01:07:54] People falling through the cracks [01:07:56] and needing help and other people. [01:07:58] And a lot of this has to do with revenues [01:08:02] coming back to the general fund [01:08:03] so we can fund other projects [01:08:05] for just specifically what you're talking about. [01:08:07] So I mean, these projects are necessary [01:08:09] so we have the revenue coming back in, [01:08:11] property taxes and things to fund those things. [01:08:13] So it's a symbiotic relationship between all of it. [01:08:18] You have to do it all to make it all work for everyone. [01:08:21] And this is just a great project [01:08:22] that's going to help us do that. [01:08:25] Anything else? [01:08:26] Yeah, just a follow up on the conversation [01:08:29] about when the hotel would be built [01:08:32] and maybe needing to build it sooner [01:08:33] based on the, I guess, the engineering issues [01:08:38] that are involved in building something [01:08:40] so close to something else. [01:08:42] In the chart that was provided to us, [01:08:45] it showed the taxable value going up in the tax year 27 [01:08:48] which would be, you know, in the December of 25. [01:08:53] Our tax year 27 is only a few years away [01:09:03] but it showed 15 million in value there [01:09:06] and then a year later going up to 30. [01:09:08] So I'm thinking that in the projections [01:09:10] and I don't take any, there's no guarantee [01:09:14] related to them or anything [01:09:15] but it sounded like part of the project [01:09:17] would be done one year and a part of the project [01:09:19] could come online in the next year. [01:09:23] And so to the degree that you can incentivize [01:09:27] the commercial part, the hotel, just bring that back [01:09:31] if it becomes an interest in the developer, [01:09:35] you know, just one year getting something on sooner [01:09:37] is helping to expedite and make it happen [01:09:41] while the iron is hot is sort of a lesson [01:09:47] many people have learned over the years. [01:09:49] So to the degree you can do that, that's great. [01:09:52] And to your response about how it comes back [01:09:55] to the general fund, just reiterating again, [01:09:58] my preference is that it comes back slowly. [01:10:01] We paid, I don't know if you look at [01:10:03] what our investment was in these transfer densities. [01:10:07] I think we paid a million and a half [01:10:09] or something for that 10 acre piece. [01:10:10] I don't know how many other purchases we have [01:10:13] but like you would in any investment, it's like stock. [01:10:17] If you bought it for a million [01:10:18] and you get to sell it for seven million, you made a gain. [01:10:22] And so I treat this revenue coming back [01:10:24] to the general fund as sort of gain to be used [01:10:28] to help again, to make sure that it allows us [01:10:34] to do these other projects and not to over drain [01:10:38] the CRA in the short term. [01:10:42] So using it for operational costs or growth [01:10:47] of the city's operating costs [01:10:50] would not be a good reason, I think, for that transfer back. [01:10:56] Anything else? [01:10:57] No, sir. [01:10:57] Commissioner, I think Eric had an additional comment. [01:11:00] Sure. [01:11:03] They both do. [01:11:05] We've got a motion on the floor but. [01:11:07] It's okay to mention one thing. [01:11:12] Back in 1987, I built Seaview for Joe Borda. [01:11:18] I built that for him. [01:11:21] And the cost back then to what the cost [01:11:27] is gonna cost me to do this, I want you to all know [01:11:31] that this is all solid concrete building, [01:11:34] double pane windows, all stainless steel railings, [01:11:37] two bedrooms, so I'm not going cheap. [01:11:41] This is a very unique, I put a lot of heart in my buildings [01:11:47] so the profit margin is very, very little there. [01:11:50] It's not huge because fortunately, [01:11:54] it's not Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beach. [01:11:57] Then I couldn't care less but it's a tough deal. [01:12:02] And me and Debbie went over this and over this. [01:12:06] Basically, if I come out of there and I got my hotel [01:12:11] with the roof top already, I'm happy. [01:12:14] I just want you to know that. [01:12:16] Thank you. [01:12:18] This is actually hilarious because part of what I wanted [01:12:21] to say is that my dad built Seaview. [01:12:25] Kind of scary on that, same truth. [01:12:27] No, but my dad did build Seaview back in, [01:12:29] I think it was 2000, 1987? [01:12:33] No, 2004? [01:12:38] So 2007, my dad built Seaview for Joe Borda. [01:12:42] We did not design the building in color. [01:12:44] That was strictly them. [01:12:46] We had recommendations for construction. [01:12:49] We just want to state that for the record. [01:12:50] Color was not our choice and we just recommended [01:12:53] construction materials for withstanding hurricanes [01:12:55] and everything. [01:12:57] The second thing is for delivering a product, [01:12:59] I know a lot of people kind of go up here and talk [01:13:02] and talk about what they can do but I just want to state [01:13:05] for the record, with our lenders during 2022, [01:13:11] we were the only loan in our bank that did not go [01:13:15] over budget due to supply chain management crisis problems [01:13:20] and we were the biggest loan. [01:13:21] It was of $10 million and plus. [01:13:23] So we will deliver a product. [01:13:26] You just got to believe in us and work with us [01:13:29] and we work with you guys. [01:13:32] Thank you. [01:13:35] Well, I don't really, I'm not like these two on my left [01:13:38] that like to talk or the one over there that likes to talk [01:13:42] but I can't add anything more than the other four of you [01:13:45] or Greg too. [01:13:46] So all those in favor signify by aye. [01:13:49] Aye. [01:13:50] Those opposed, we have five nothing. [01:13:52] Thank you very much. [01:13:54] Good luck. [01:13:56] And I really won't put that tent up out there. [01:13:59] Told them they cleared that property, I'm putting a tent up. [01:14:03] All right.

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5. 5

   Status Report on the Community Redevelopment Plan Update

   discussed

   Staff provided a status update on the Community Redevelopment Plan update being prepared with consultant Stantec, emphasizing the upcoming public community workshop on June 25, 2024 in council chambers. Board members offered input, including Mayor's suggestion to extend the CRA core boundary to encompass the new Grand Boulevard bridge area down to Gulf Drive. No formal action was taken.

   • direction:Mayor suggested staff consider extending the CRA core boundary imagery to encompass the Grand Boulevard bridge area to Gulf Drive to make it feel part of downtown. (none)

   📍Delaware Avenue📍Grand Boulevard📍Gulf Drive📍US-19 corridor🏢Florida Main Street🏢Florida Suncoast League of Cities🏢Stantec👤Greg👤Matt#1986 original CRA plan#Community Redevelopment Plan Update#Community Workshop June 25, 2024#Fire station governor's funding approval#Four pillars: healthy neighborhoods, historic downtown, US-19 corridor, the river#Land Development Review Board (LDRB)#Swetman#TDC (Tourist Development Council)#Vox Pop

   ▶ Jump to 1:14:06 in the video

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   [01:14:06] We need a status update on the CRA [01:14:10] or community read about one plan update. [01:14:13] Greg, you ready for that one? [01:14:15] Yes, ma'am. [01:14:20] Mr. Chair, members of the board, [01:14:21] this is really a placeholder. [01:14:23] The CRA has been engaged for some time [01:14:27] and carrying out an update to the community [01:14:29] redevelopment plan. [01:14:30] We have Stantec as our consultant. [01:14:33] We've gone through the process, as you know, [01:14:35] of identifying the vision. [01:14:38] The plan's gonna answer who we are, where we are, [01:14:40] where we wanna go, how we're gonna get there. [01:14:43] The vision, you hear it all the time from me, [01:14:45] the best walkable waterfront historic hometown in Florida. [01:14:49] There's four pillars and I really wanted to stress this too, [01:14:52] just like the vision. [01:14:54] I heard it come up at Vox Pop, [01:14:56] at a council meeting recently over concerns. [01:15:00] And let's just be clear that this plan, that vision, [01:15:04] it's built on the idea that we're [01:15:06] going to have healthy neighborhoods, [01:15:07] our historic downtown, a transformed US-19 corridor [01:15:11] in the river. [01:15:12] We'll figure out the action verbs and all that good stuff. [01:15:15] But as far as pillars, the bedrock [01:15:17] of this plan, the cornerstones, the four corners of this thing, [01:15:21] it's all of those things. [01:15:22] Not one of them, all of them. [01:15:26] Let it be known. [01:15:27] Subject to your approval, naturally. [01:15:29] We have goals, again, subject to adding action verbs. [01:15:32] But really, the only thing, Mr. Chair and members of the board, [01:15:35] that I really wanted to drive home this evening [01:15:38] is that in this very room, on Tuesday, June the 25th, [01:15:41] we're going to have the community workshop. [01:15:44] This is an opportunity for us to check in with the public. [01:15:47] We care about our citizens. [01:15:50] We're here for them. [01:15:51] We want them to be an active part of the plan. [01:15:53] We've solicited input all along the way. [01:15:56] And at each kind of major milestone, [01:15:58] we want to check in with them. [01:15:59] So this is going to be one of those. [01:16:01] This is going to be the workshop before we [01:16:03] get to the planning board. [01:16:04] And then we get back to you with the actual 300 page [01:16:08] or however many page document it's going to be. [01:16:11] This is the chance for us to check in with the public. [01:16:13] So we're going to do it here. [01:16:15] It's going to be open house. [01:16:17] We're going to have a number of stations. [01:16:21] And we will have a lot of fun activities [01:16:24] for all the participants who show up 6 o'clock, Tuesday, [01:16:28] June 25th, right here in the chambers. [01:16:31] So that'll be going out on social media. [01:16:33] We did the legal advertisement, but we'll [01:16:35] be pushing that with all of our stakeholders. [01:16:38] Spread the word. [01:16:40] I'm just going to say you can't advertise that enough. [01:16:44] I think sometimes just a little sidebar on that whole idea [01:16:48] is that we have a lot of businesses [01:16:50] downtown that don't use the river in trying [01:16:52] to advertise their business. [01:16:53] So that's one of the things that we somehow miss out. [01:16:58] And somehow we're not advertising. [01:16:59] We're not getting our commercial businesses [01:17:01] to utilize the river however they want [01:17:04] or however they might think it might fit. [01:17:06] So just keep that in mind as you develop [01:17:09] this thing for the 25th. [01:17:12] Mr. Mayor, as an additional comment, [01:17:14] we have had a lot of participation [01:17:16] already in this plan through our stakeholders. [01:17:21] And we'll be sending letters to everyone [01:17:23] that's participated so far so that they [01:17:25] have a chance to take a look at where we are in the plan [01:17:29] and make sure we're on target. [01:17:34] I will say I was on the other side of this [01:17:36] when the workshops weren't happening. [01:17:38] They were advertised, and we had some staff turnover. [01:17:40] And I was very upset over that. [01:17:42] And I'm going to take that back for a second [01:17:45] and walk it back and say I'm glad the workshops are being [01:17:49] facilitated by yourself. [01:17:51] I have full faith and confidence that they're [01:17:53] going to be very interactive. [01:17:54] And hopefully we have a good turnout June 20. [01:17:57] I'm looking at the timeline here, [01:17:58] but I'm assuming after it goes to the board, [01:18:02] it goes back out for more workshops. [01:18:04] So it's a continuous process where [01:18:05] there'll be plenty of opportunities for the public [01:18:08] to participate. [01:18:09] Is that what I'm seeing here? [01:18:09] There's like 11 different listed workshops? [01:18:11] So the big workshop is going to be the 25th. [01:18:15] That input will inform us. [01:18:17] And then we'll really have the document drafted. [01:18:20] We will take that to the Land Development Review [01:18:23] Board, the LDRB. [01:18:25] That'll be a public hearing there. [01:18:28] It'll come back to you as the board. [01:18:31] That will be subject to additional public scrutiny [01:18:35] and public comment. [01:18:36] And then you're only making a recommendation, [01:18:39] because at the end of the day, the governing body, AKA you [01:18:41] as the city council, meeting as a city council, will approve it. [01:18:45] And that will have public comment. [01:18:47] So you're going to have the interactive public workshop. [01:18:50] You're going to have the LDRB. [01:18:52] You're going to have a CRA board meeting and a city council. [01:18:56] So when I'm looking at the project schedule here, [01:18:58] is that what's being page 22 of the agenda packet? [01:19:03] Is that what those four upcoming workshops are at the very [01:19:08] bottom? [01:19:08] When you see meeting 11, that's all the meetings [01:19:11] I get to have with the consultant. [01:19:13] Understood. [01:19:14] OK, that's not the workshops. [01:19:15] OK. [01:19:16] I'd be happy to trade some of those in, sir. [01:19:21] Any other comments? [01:19:23] Yes. [01:19:24] Just to say that it's good for all of the folks at the workshop [01:19:28] that they'll have all that time to look at it and review it, [01:19:33] because this is one of my meetings across the county, [01:19:37] the second, fourth, Tuesday every month, which is fine. [01:19:42] So I don't have to be here at the workshop, [01:19:44] because I've got plenty of input. [01:19:46] And I'm happy to have you get the input. [01:19:50] I would like to make some input before that on what I saw [01:19:54] tonight when you had all your drawings up there, which [01:19:57] is you had a little, the original first pages [01:20:02] showed the original CRA boundary. [01:20:05] And just when you mentioned that the first plan happened [01:20:10] in 1986, that was my first year on city council. [01:20:14] So I've been here since day one on these CRA plans, [01:20:19] off and on over the years. [01:20:21] I wasn't here when it went citywide. [01:20:24] But when I see the core that's drawn there, [01:20:26] the square of the core, I would love to see, [01:20:29] because we are growing, I would love to see that core extend [01:20:32] out and sort of encompass the new bridge on Grand Boulevard [01:20:38] and go to Gulf Drive. [01:20:39] Because I know that our vision is including that Grand [01:20:48] Boulevard that I've heard you speak of. [01:20:51] And I think that that kind of makes that part of town [01:20:56] feel like they're part of the downtown versus stopping it [01:20:59] on Delaware Avenue. [01:21:00] I don't know how you all feel about that. [01:21:02] But even if it's just a linear connection so [01:21:05] that it can be in the official downtown [01:21:09] and kind of when you look at those arms way out there, [01:21:13] I think the spider needs a little bigger body on it [01:21:17] of the core. [01:21:18] So that's my input for you all to think about. [01:21:20] I don't think it makes a whole lot of difference [01:21:23] other than just imagery. [01:21:26] With the land use, the zoning, all of those things [01:21:28] are all separate. [01:21:30] And it's not in the official downtown zoning district. [01:21:34] But I think when we have the first thing on that first study [01:21:40] and on the last one that you mentioned, which it was a 20? [01:21:48] 21. [01:21:49] 21, the one you had in the book, the most recent? [01:21:51] No, no, the last CRA plan update, 2014, was it? [01:21:56] 20? [01:21:57] 2019? [01:21:58] That one had on the first page the river again. [01:22:02] So we've been saying that since we formed this thing. [01:22:05] And I think putting that whole part of our river [01:22:08] and the two crossings of the main road inside the core [01:22:12] would be a good way to highlight. [01:22:13] Kind of like that idea, too, because it [01:22:16] would incorporate Swetman and the whole growth [01:22:18] down that area. [01:22:20] So just an idea, picture only, really. [01:22:23] Make it feel like it's part of downtown. [01:22:26] Any other comments? [01:22:28] So communication, let's start with Matt. [01:22:32] I really don't have anything tonight. [01:22:34] I went over everything. [01:22:37] No, I think I told you that I'm going to the Florida Main [01:22:40] Street thing on the 10th of July. [01:22:42] And I hope to make some connections [01:22:46] with historic preservation folks, which are the thing, [01:22:49] again, is put on by the state. [01:22:51] And I'm also just tickled pink, as you all have gotten the news [01:22:55] that we did get. [01:22:56] We passed through the governor's gauntlet on the fire station. [01:23:00] So that's exciting news. [01:23:02] So today's a day to celebrate that. [01:23:06] I'll just say I add that I do have my first TDC [01:23:08] meeting is next week, so I'll be attending that. [01:23:11] All right. [01:23:12] And I'll just add that I did have a chance [01:23:14] to go to the Florida Suncoast League of Cities conference. [01:23:17] I plan on talking a little bit more about it during the city

   This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.

6. 6Communications▶ 1:23:18
7. 7Adjournment▶ 1:23:25