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Commission weighs developer request for stormwater help as potential sale of downtown parcel looms
Summary
Commissioners discussed options for a developer’s Burren property proposal that would require new stormwater infrastructure; Florida Forever restrictions and the value of a nearby city parcel complicate negotiations over a possible $2 million sale of land for parking.
Port St. Joe commissioners spent substantial time on June 17 discussing a private proposal to develop a property (referred to as the Burren proposal) that would require a stormwater pond. Staff and the developer’s engineers explored options including use of an existing city retention area, but staff said Florida Forever acquisition terms prohibit using one of the retention ponds for private stormwater needs.
Staff told commissioners the developer had proposed using a lowland strip behind church property and on city-owned vacant parcels, but the Florida Forever restrictions and grant-binding conditions block some of those options. Commissioners said one of the parcels the developer is offering to purchase is listed under contract for about $2,000,000; commissioners debated whether the city should sell that lot, which could be used for public parking, or insist the developer provide on‑site stormwater solutions.
Commissioners and staff asked the developer’s engineers to seek alternative stormwater designs to minimize the size of detention needed and to evaluate permeable surfaces that might reduce pond footprint. Commissioners expressed interest in preserving city-owned parcels that could be valuable for future public parking if they are not required to serve a private development’s stormwater needs.
The matter remains under negotiation; commissioners did not approve any sale or stormwater commitment at the meeting and directed staff to continue working with the developer and the engineer to find alternatives that do not encumber restricted city property.
