Residents push for public amenities while commission prepares Dover Kohl charrettes for uplands plan
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Summary
Public commenters urged preservation of grassy park space and proposed an aquarium or amphitheater; the commission confirmed Dover Kohl will lead uplands charrettes (4–4.5 month timeline) and asked staff to incorporate stakeholders into the process.
Much of the meeting’s public comment centered on how the uplands — the city‑owned land adjacent to the slips — should be redeveloped. Residents including Judy Stapleton and Frank Pinto urged preserving public green space and protecting viewsheds, arguing against dense residential development on the waterfront. "The marina is the greatest treasure we have," Stapleton said, urging minimal commercial construction.
John (Bill) Schmidt, who runs the nonprofit Emerald Forgotten Coast Adventures, proposed an aquarium/marine science center as an educational anchor and said he had begun collecting conceptual plans and letters of support. Schmidt asked the commission to involve stakeholders and potential operators before the Dover Kohl charrettes so charrette sessions can present concrete concepts rather than a blank slate.
Staff confirmed Dover Kohl (contracted by the city) will begin charrettes in December with a planning timeline of roughly 4 to 4.5 months; PFM will support revenue modeling. Commissioners discussed the Saint Joe lease's right of first use and a proposed "right of second use" for CMP in term sheet drafts; staff explained that the city remains the landowner and retains final land‑use authority.
Outcome: the commission directed staff to ensure Dover Kohl’s public process includes major stakeholders and to return with a timeline and recommended public‑engagement steps. Commissioners asked staff to consider how potential upland uses (amphitheater, aquarium, public parks) would affect infrastructure and financing choices for wet slips.
