MINUTES
CRA ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
JANUARY 4, 2024
2:30 P.M.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:
Lynn Daniel, Chair
David Washington, Vice Chair (Absent)
Herman Cadena
STAFF PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:
Ed Johnson, Interim CRA Director
Jenny Silverio, CRA Administrative & Compliance Coordinator
Mark Barnebey, CRA Attorney
Chair Daniel called the meeting to order at 2:31pm.
1. CRA ADVISORY BOARD AGENDA APPROVAL
MOTION: Mr. Cadena moved, Chair Daniel seconded, and the motion carried 2-0 to approve the January 4, 2024, CRA Advisory Board Agenda.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT:
Elaine Johnson spoke against the Riverside Property project.
3. CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION: Mr. Cadena moved, Chair Daniel seconded, and the motion carried 2-0 to approve the Consent Agenda as presented by staff.
4. EDC PRESENTATION (S. HILLSTROM, M. STEWART)
Sharon Hillstrom, President, and CEO of the BAECD, presented a PowerPoint highlighting their purpose, which was included in the agenda. Max Steward, Vice President of Economic Development, spoke on targeting industry sectors. Lauren Kratsch, Senior Director of Business Relations, spoke on their corporation’s initiative.
5. GAUSE AND ASSOCIATES PRESENTATION (B. GAUSE)
Bob Gause, Gause and Associates, spoke on Connor Park and presented a PowerPoint which was included in the agenda.
6. MOORE 2 DESIGN PRESENATION (JON & VICKI MOORE)
Jon and Vicki with Moore 2 Design provided an update on the Palmetto Bay and the Woman’s Club project and presented a PowerPoint which was included in the agenda.
7. CONSIDERATION OF AGREEMENT OF PURCHASE AND SALE BETWEEN THE PALMETTO COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND THE STADLER DEVELOPMENT CORP. FOR THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF 8TH AVE AND RIVERSIDE DRIVE (THE RIVERSIDE PROPERTY) (E. JOHNSON, M BARNEBEY & R. HARRIS)
Mr. Cadena inquired if boat parking would be strictly for the residents. Chris Stadler responded it would be a combination of community and residents and still working out the details.
Chris Stadler advised with adding the Oriental Village and Envision sites, the number of apartments increase from 186 to 232. Mr. Barnebey advised maximum density allowable on current site is 45 units/acre. The Oriental Village site is 35 units/acre and will require a comprehensive plan change as well as the Envision site which is also 35 units/acre site.
Mr. Barnebey pointed out that the proposal seen is the one ranked as #1 from the RFP. Stadler hasn’t been through the process of site plan approval, yet, which will require public hearings and possibly they might not get all they are requesting.
Chair Daniel inquired if Stadler has a hurricane evacuation plan. Mr. Chris Stadler stated they would agree with developing a plan if that is what the city requests.
Mr. Cadena inquired about the projected construction time and Mr. Stadler responded with 27-30 months from commencement.
Chair Daniel asked about the rental rate. Mr. Stadler responded $2.50/sq ft is necessary to make the Proforma work. Chair Daniel asked if this rate is considered affordable housing. Mr. Stadler responded no.
Chair Daniel asked if the CRA Board would still consider this no matter what action the CRA Advisory Board takes. Mr. Johnson answered that is correct but still need to take action to move it to the CRA Board. Mr. Cadena made the motion to approve, and Chair Daniel said he does not have a second and she has concerns.
Chair Daniel requested this on the record: “that I think it would be a huge change to the complexion of Palmetto to go big that fast. I am familiar with the work you do, and you do gorgeous work, just so you know. I’ve been through a lot of your properties deliberately, I wanted to see who you were. Cause quality is very important. But I also know, like, I also know that you are a lot like my husband, you are a Capitalist. And you grow fast, and you grow big, and I have concerns about Palmetto being gobbled up by a lot of this. Palmetto is one of the last small towns around here and this is going to change the complexion. It’s going to open the door to a lot of stuff. I do feel an obligation to the citizens that live in this town. People that don’t have a lot of money, in particular, is where my heart lies. That need a place to launch a boat. Those places are basically gone now. And me, myself, I have to be a voice for those people.”
After much dialogue, the motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: Mr. Cadena moved, Chair Daniel seconded, and the motion carried 2-0 to have the CRA Board approve the Agreement for Purchase and Sale between the Palmetto Community Redevelopment Agency and Stadler Development Corp., as presented by staff.
8. SIGHT DEVELOPMENT, LLC INCREMENT REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT (E. JOHNSON & M. BARNEBEY)
MOTION: Chair Daniel moved, Mr. Cadena seconded, and the motion Carried 2-0 to have the CRA Board approve the Increment Reimbursement Agreement for Sight Development, LLC in the amount not-to-exceed $10,000,000.00 with a payout period of fifteen (15) years.
9. ADJOURNMENT:
Chair Daniel adjourned the meeting at 4:53 PM.
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