CRA Board Advances Sankofa Grocery Project at MLK and Fifteenth Street

A significant discussion unfolded during the City of Panama City's Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) virtual workshop on July 16, 2025, focusing on the future of a proposed grocery store project at the intersection of MLK and Fifteenth Street. The meeting highlighted the need for clarity in financial planning and community engagement as the city navigates its development strategies.

Commissioner Street raised concerns about the financial discrepancies in the proposals received, noting that initial estimates for the project had ballooned from around $300,000 to $800,000. He emphasized the importance of having a solid financial plan before moving forward, suggesting that the city should consider engaging with the next respondent to the Request for Proposals (RFP) if the current negotiations do not yield satisfactory results. "If we would have known that on the front side, we would have never wasted everybody's time getting to this point," he stated, underscoring the need for transparency and preparedness in the bidding process.

The discussion also touched on the Sankofa Group's proposal, which aims to establish a full-service grocery store along with rental apartments and townhomes. This initiative has been in the works for nearly two decades, evolving through various community plans and consultations. The CRA board voted unanimously to begin negotiations with Sankofa after a positive community meeting where concerns about affordability were raised. The developer has committed to addressing these issues, indicating a willingness to adapt the project to better meet community needs.

However, opposition has emerged from members of the Amarin Group, who previously submitted a competing proposal. They have expressed concerns that the Sankofa project could lead to gentrification and have urged the city to reconsider the bidding process. Despite this, the CRA staff remains optimistic, having held biweekly meetings with Sankofa to refine the project and explore additional retail opportunities.

As the city moves forward, the CRA is working to finalize agreements and ensure that the project aligns with community interests and financial viability. The outcome of these negotiations could significantly impact the revitalization efforts in the area, making it a focal point for future developments in Panama City.