Title
Request for Meeting Regarding St. Augustine's Parking Lot (NB)
Explanation
On several occasions the College Park University Heights Redevelopment Advisory Board has heard citizen comment regarding the parking lot on Northwest 1st Avenue between Northwest 17th Street and Northwest 18th Street. This location is a prime redevelopment site and the Board believes that its redevelopment is key to the long-term success of the College Park area. The citizen comment centered on whether or not the lot should be on the tax rolls and how the CRA might be able to use eminent domain to move this lot into redevelopment.
Several months ago there was a proposed development for this site. The proposal received community support. However, earlier this year the Bishop of the Saint Augustine Diocese declined to support the project and the project has stalled. The Board believes that it would be beneficial if the CRA sent an appropriate delegation to discuss this matter with the Bishop. It is the Board's hope that the delegation will be able to help the Bishop understand the neighborhood benefits of this project and then work with the Diocese to move this site forward without having to take extraordinary action.
Fiscal Note
None at this time
Recommendation
College Park University Heights to the CRA: Request that the CRA Chair and appropriate designees meet with the Bishop of St. Augustine requesting that the Diocese proceed immediately with redevelopment of the Catholic church parking lot.