In a recent city commission meeting, officials discussed a significant proposal for the annexation of approximately 10.38 acres of land surrounding the existing Cat's Paw Marina on Nix Boat Yard Road. This initiative, which includes two voluntary petitions and annexation agreements, aims to expand the marina's footprint and enhance its operational capabilities.

The first ordinance presented, Ordinance 2024-24, seeks to annex the property contiguous to the city limits, while the second ordinance, 2024-25, proposes a change in land use from St. John's County Mixed Use District to City Marine Industrial. The third ordinance, 2024-26, aims to rezone the property from various county designations to a city planned unit development (PUD). These changes were recommended by the Planning and Zoning Board (PZB) during their meetings in March and June 2024.

Brad Wester, a certified land use planner representing the project, outlined the benefits of the annexation, emphasizing the need for additional dry stack storage for recreational boats in St. Johns County, which has seen a significant increase in boat registrations. The proposed development will include enclosed boat storage, commercial industrial space, pedestrian pathways, and waterfront access, all designed to meet the growing demand for boating facilities in the area.

Wester highlighted the economic impact of the project, estimating a net increase of over $250,000 annually in ad valorem revenue for the city, alongside the potential for job creation and support for local businesses. The project also aims to address existing blighted conditions on the property, which currently houses abandoned vehicles and dilapidated structures.

The proposed PUD is designed to limit uses compared to existing county regulations, ensuring a more controlled development that aligns with community standards. The city commission will need to take action on each ordinance separately, with the first readings marking the beginning of the approval process for this ambitious expansion of the Cat's Paw Marina.