On February 23, 2024, the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee (FERC) discussed the City’s acquisition of the Property. The Administration presented various potential funding sources including, PayGo Capital Fund, Building Department Fund, Parking Fund and General Fund Reserves.
The Committee recommended utilizing reserves from the Building Department Fund to acquire the Property. Accordingly, on March 13, 2024, the Mayor and City Commission adopted Resolution No. 2024-32945, approving the purchase of the Property utilizing the Building Department Fund.
The Property is adjacent to Altos del Mar Park to the north, bounded by a RM-1 zoning district to the west, the North Shore Library to the south, and Collins Avenue to the east. In contemplating the best possible uses for the Property, consideration should be given to the flexibility in use if rezoned and restrictions due to the funding source associated with the purchase.
The Property was purchased through the Building Department Fund, which would restrict its principal use for Building Department activities. Other departments could utilize portions of the building for ancillary purposes, with the costs covered by rental payments. Secondary uses contemplated for a renovated and repurposed structure includes providing a portion of the building to house a community facility to serve the Altos del Mar Park.
With the City’s acquisition, the single-family residence (currently designated as RS) will need to be rezoned to GU, Government Use District, and the Future Land Use Designation in the Comprehensive Plan will need to be amended to allow for uses other than a single family home. Once the Property is rezoned to GU, the main permitted uses are government buildings and uses, including but not limited to parking lots and garages; parks and associated parking; schools; performing arts and cultural facilities; monuments and memorials. Any use not listed shall only be approved after the City Commission holds a public hearing. If there is a private or joint government/private use proposed, such as a restaurant, it would have to be reviewed by the Planning Board prior to approval by the City Commission.
The options described above are being presented for the PSQNLC’s consideration and discussion for the best and most viable uses of the Property.