CRA approves 30-day notice to solicit short-term uses for 901 N. Tamarind Ave.; board raises cost and timing concerns

The West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency on Monday voted unanimously to publish a 30‑day notice of intent to dispose of CRA-owned property at 901 North Tamarind Avenue and to seek proposals for a short-term lease for a pop-up roller skating rink or a similar activation.

Gina Baker, Historic Northwest Project Manager for the CRA, told the board the property is boarded and “a very good representation of slum and blight” in the historic northwest; she said state law requires the agency to post a 30‑day notice under Chapter 163 before disposing of CRA property. Baker said the agency acquired adjacent vacant parcels strategically because it intends an eventual affordable housing mixed‑use development covering the assemblage to the north.

Staff described the immediate plan as a time-limited activation: the CRA hopes to publish the notice by Feb. 15, receive proposals by March 15, review them in one week, and return to the board with a recommendation on April 14. The board was told staff will seek short‑term lease terms (staff referenced one- to three‑year lease options with possible extensions) and that final lease terms and tenant-specific build‑outs would be presented for board approval.

On costs, Baker said the CRA must make minimum improvements to avoid building-code enforcement, including a new roof, site cleanup and an ADA-accessible restroom. She said there is a contractor quote for roughly $250,000 in general improvements; staff also said the CRA currently has a budget set aside in the $430,000 range for the overall project and that the board had considered a $450,000 contingency number during discussion. Baker said tenant-specific improvements would be considered after proposals are received.

Commissioners pressed staff on timing and fiscal prudence. President Ward and Commissioner Warren expressed concern about spending several hundred thousand dollars on a structure that may later be demolished as part of the Tamarind corridor redevelopment; staff replied that state and local requirements constrain immediate demolition without a redevelopment plan and foundation permit, so a minimal investment is mandatory to avoid violations. Staff also said Tamarind Avenue phase‑3 streetscape work is still in planning (contamination and utility planning) and tentatively targeted for the third quarter of 2025, subject to change.

Staff said they expect to favor proposals from vendors with event experience and that lease templates will include ramped rent schedules (lower initial rent with scheduled increases) to help startup tenants. The CRA’s real estate and economic‑development managers will present the recommended lease terms and any rent ramping or extension options when proposals are returned to the board.

After questions and discussion, Commissioner Fox moved approval of Resolution 25‑4 and Commissioner Lambert seconded; the motion carried unanimously. Staff will publish the notice, accept proposals and return with recommended terms and updated cost/timing information for the board’s April meeting.