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CRA approves reimbursement to SHIP and authorizes negotiations with Ameren group to advance Glenwood redevelopment
Summary
The CRA approved reimbursing SHIP funds for parcels in Glenwood, and the board authorized staff to begin negotiations with the Ameren Design Group and related investors while running the 30-day statutory notice required for disposition of CRA property.
The Panama City CRA on Jan. 27 approved reimbursing State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) funds used to acquire parcels at the southwest corner of East 15th Street and MLK Boulevard and authorized staff to begin negotiating with the Ameren Design Group and its associates to pursue redevelopment of the Downtown North / Glenwood site.
Staff recommended transferring $373,489.59 (as presented) from the Downtown North CRA to SHIP to reimburse its share of the acquisitions that date to 2016–2020 and free the CRA to pursue a mixed-use public-private redevelopment. Board member Lucas described the reimbursement as a first step toward assembling land to attract a grocery anchor and other retail and residential development.
The board also considered an unsolicited offer from Ameren Design Group and heard from Retail Strategies, a consultant the CRA contracted to market the site. Retail Strategies recommended engaging in conversations with parties that express an ability to bring an anchor grocer to the site rather than waiting for proposals through an RFP. Other board members urged issuing an RFP as a way to test the market and compare proposals. Retail Strategies advised that large grocers often require confidentiality and lengthy negotiations.
After discussion, the board voted to authorize staff to immediately begin negotiations with Ameren Design Group and associates and to run the 30-day notice required under Florida law for CRA property disposition; staff may not conclude negotiations until the 30-day notice period has expired. The roll-call vote was unanimous. Staff noted the site assembly and development will take time and stressed the need for patient private capital to assemble parcels.
Board members also heard from community members, including Patty Sunday, who described market analysis and private developer interest and said housing construction could begin quickly if legal steps and contracts are in place. Staff will return to the board with negotiation updates.
