Board member raises private fundraising idea for Mary Pier rebuild as pier and shuffleboard remain storm-damaged

During the March 6 meeting, a Historic Preservation Board member urged the community and potential private donors to consider funding repairs to the Mary Pier, which was heavily damaged during recent hurricanes.

Member Danielle (transcript: Dashiell/Dashiel) described the pier as an iconic symbol of historic Pass-a-Grille and said city priorities and budgets could delay repairs for two to three years. She said she would contact the Pass-a-Grille Association and others to explore private donations and events to raise funds. Staff and other board members cautioned about Sunshine Law risks should board members coordinate privately on matters that could become official board business.

Staff and the member reported preliminary city figures: the transcript referenced a demolition estimate of $45,000 for the Mary Pier (it was unclear in the meeting record whether that amount covered the pier building alone or included demolition of the adjacent shuffleboard court). Staff said the pier building had been condemned, but the pilings and dock structure appeared to be intact; visible interior flooring was severely damaged. A demolition permit for the shuffleboard court is already in place, and the applicant for the pier demolition later described extensive flooding and loss at 1807 Pass-a-Grille Way as part of other agenda items.

Board counsel advised that if board members intend to organize private fundraising that could lead to an official board role or a decision about city-owned property, they should avoid ex parte coordination; the board requested staff supply the current Mary Pier lease and related city documents so the group could consider options publicly at a future meeting.

Member Danielle asked staff to place a discussion of city-owned historic resources (Mary Pier, shuffleboard court, ballpark, other facilities) on future agendas so the board can monitor status publicly and consider next steps.