Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council confirms EDA can extend Mathis leases through 2030 while master plan proceeds; some members urge restraint on council input before public report
Summary
Council told the Economic Development Authority it is comfortable allowing new leases or extensions through 2030 so the Mathis Shopping Center can continue operating while the EDA develops a master plan; several council members said the EDA should first present a public report of community comments before the council offers detailed direction.
After a joint meeting with the Economic Development Authority (EDA), staff asked council to confirm direction to continue the Mathis Shopping Center operations while producing a redevelopment master plan.
Mr. Burke said staff and the EDA are comfortable with new leases or lease extensions through 2030 so operations can continue while the EDA produces a plan and further public outreach. He said that approach gives the EDA clear direction to proceed with operations in parallel with a redevelopment plan.
Several council members stressed process concerns. Council member Smith said he expects the EDA nd its consultant to compile and present the public comments gathered at two community conversations before the council and public start debating the merits of specific design alternatives. "I'm uncomfortable at this stage saying, yes, public. This is what you told us, but here's what we think you should have told us," Smith said, urging that the public report be made available before council members weigh in on design details.
Other council members and staff said they understood the concern and that the EDA would present a third option that incorporates council feedback in addition to the two concept options already based on public input. Staff confirmed the EDA will hold an open-house presentation of findings and concept plans on Nov. 13 and follow with EDA and council meetings in December and January; staff said the final master-plan documents are expected in early 2026.
Council directed staff to confirm that existing leases and lease timelines would remain in place through 2030 and to proceed with the public engagement schedule. Staff said the MOU with the EDA contemplates leases through 2030 and that allowing continued operation reduces pressure to accelerate demolition or displacement while the master-plan process runs its course.
Council members asked staff to ensure clarity to residents about the process and timeline; staff said the EDA will present findings, including a third, higher-density alternative that evaluates potential parking-garage solutions, at the Nov. 13 public session. No rezoning or redevelopment approvals occurred at the Oct. 20 meeting.
