Council approves ground-lease amendments for public park; developer says construction to begin in December

Council voted to approve amendments to a ground lease tied to a public-park project and an adjacent private mixed-use development after council members asked for clarification on what portions of the site would remain public, who would maintain different portions, and when rent obligations would begin.

Mike Feegan of Community Development explained the changes reflect a later-stage delineation of what areas will be public parkland and what areas will be private leased space. Feegan said the original ground lease covered the entire property at a conceptual level; subsequent due-diligence and entitlement work produced an assemblage plan that identifies the public improvements and private tenant areas. He described a planned joint maintenance entity that will maintain the property rather than Public Works performing all maintenance.

Council member Fitzpatrick asked whether parking would remain under city control; staff confirmed that parking would be transferred to the city for its use but that the tenant will build the new sidewalks and other improvements as part of the project. On rent timing, staff clarified that rent commencement was being changed from a temporary-occupancy trigger to a certificate-of-occupancy trigger.

Nick Kula Harris of Baron Collier Companies, representing the applicant, said the project was awaiting final approval of its development order and utility permits and that the team intends to break ground in December, finish seawall work by Thanksgiving and complete construction in approximately 18–19 months, with operations anticipated in 2027.

The zoning board had previously approved related variances. After the staff and applicant presentations, the council voted (roll call) to approve the amended ground lease and related agreements as conditioned by staff.