Planning board backs temporary waiver of concurrency/mobility fees along core commercial corridors

The Planning Board on Sept. 9 voted to forward a proposed ordinance to the City Commission that would waive concurrency mitigation and mobility fees for development along specified commercial corridors — Lincoln Road, Washington Avenue, 40 First Street and 70 First Street — for a one‑year pilot period.

Staff described the fee as a charge imposed to offset increased impacts of new development on transportation infrastructure. The original draft had proposed an installment plan for small businesses to pay mobility fees over six months; at the sponsor’s request that option was removed and replaced with a temporary fee waiver intended as an incentive to attract new businesses to high‑vacancy commercial corridors. Staff said the waiver would require administrative changes and would include a one‑year sunset to allow the commission and administration to evaluate results.

Board members generally supported the measure as a targeted tool to help fill vacancies in specific corridors. Several members recommended the City Commission consider expanding the pilot to other commercial districts after study; staff said the board’s transmittal could include that recommendation. The board voted to transmit the ordinance to the commission with a favorable recommendation and the suggestion that the commission evaluate adding additional commercial areas if the pilot proves successful.

Next steps: The ordinance will be considered by the City Commission. If approved, departments will need to implement administrative changes and report back after the one‑year sunset period.