A developer identified in public comment as Burke presented preliminary plans for a two-phase waterfront redevelopment in Port Richey on the Planning & Zoning Board's agenda, showing renderings for a phase 1 buildout focused on waterfront retail with residential units moved to adjacent US-19 property.

Burke told the board the project aims to concentrate retail and commercial uses along the waterfront with elevated storefronts and public amenity decks, and to reserve a top-floor waterfront restaurant for phase 2. He said phase 1 would include roughly 43,000 square feet of retail storefront and that most occupied spaces would be elevated above ground level to improve flood resilience.

On cost and timing, Burke said phase 1 is budgeted at about $52.5 million and phase 2 at about $78 million. The applicant said the development appears to qualify for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) financing, but that closing a remaining capital gap of approximately $4.5'$5 million is necessary before a formal HUD interview. If financing proceeds on the current timeline, Burke said he hopes to begin work in early spring and target occupancy of phase 1 in 2027.

Board members and attendees questioned parking and public access. Burke said phase 1 parking will be mainly under Building A with additional multi-level parking in phase 2, and that phase 2 parking is intended to include public spaces while designating spots for residents. He said ground-floor retail would be kept clear for safety during storm events.

The presentation also included unit-size guidance (roughly 1,200 to 2,300 square feet) and a market-study-based expectation of rapid post-construction occupancy. Burke told the board the team has retained a local waterfront-capable builder and expects active site work to begin as sediment-control and silt-fencing issues are resolved.

Several board members and attendees voiced support for the scaled-down height and more detailed renderings compared with earlier proposals. An attendee cautioned that "HUD" can be misunderstood by residents as synonymous with subsidized housing; another urged public education and community engagement, including a suggested public naming contest for the development. The applicant confirmed plans to attend the city council meeting that evening for a sponsorship plaque presentation.

No formal land-use decision on the development occurred at the meeting; the board accepted informational handouts from the applicant by motion and vote and invited further feedback as the applicant refines plans and proceeds through site plan and permitting steps.