Commission authorizes staff to continue negotiations on May Street marshland after public support and questions over appraisal

The City Commission on Tuesday voted unanimously to authorize the city manager to continue negotiations with the owner of a 1.18‑acre parcel on the south side of May Street next to Hospital Creek rather than immediately approve a purchase at the owner’s asking price.

Staff said the property had been ranked for conservation and that an appraisal had been completed; the property owner offered $1,300,000. Because the conservation program had been structured to buy properties at appraised value, staff brought the parcel forward as a standalone real‑estate purchase for the commission to consider.

Why it matters: The site sits at a key entry point to St. Augustine, offers deep‑water access to Hospital Creek and, if preserved, would protect a marsh vista at one of the city’s gateways. Supporters urged purchase to preserve green space and add potential public access such as a non‑motorized boat launch. Opponents and some commissioners said paying above appraisal risks depleting city…