Homestead CRA asks staff to open public process for downtown 'Chrome Marketplace' food‑hall
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Summary
After a developer presentation for a proposed "Chrome Marketplace" food‑hall and entertainment district, the CRA directed staff to issue a 30‑day Section 163 notice to solicit proposals for retail, food, service and bar uses on three downtown parcels.
The Homestead Community Redevelopment Agency on Wednesday heard an unsolicited proposal to turn three vacant downtown parcels into "Chrome Marketplace," a food‑hall and entertainment district, and voted to open the property to competing proposals.
The Bear Atlantic Group team presented a plan for a multi‑vendor food hall anchored by a signature bar, live programming and vendor incubation for Homestead‑area entrepreneurs. "Pleased to be in attendance tonight and bring your attention to the development project that we hope to bring to bear for the city of Homestead," the presenter said during the pitch, stressing the project's focus on local chefs and community programming.
Staff told the board the presentation was introductory and that no sale or lease would be finalized that night. Board members discussed procurement options, including a Section 163 notice and a full request‑for‑proposals. "This is an introduction to their concept, not a full decision tonight," staff said, describing both procedures and the public‑notice requirements the CRA would follow.
After questions about parking, deed restrictions and the proposer's track record, the board voted to direct staff to issue a Section 163 notice with a 30‑day response period to solicit proposals for sale or lease of the property for "restaurant, bar, entertainment, retail and related ancillary uses." The roll call recorded six votes in favor and one opposed.
What happens next: the 163 notice opens the property to competing offers and gives the CRA staff authority to collect and evaluate proposals. Staff said the notice language can restrict uses (for example, to commercial only) and will list the desired activities and evaluation criteria. The CRA earlier procured the three parcels and recently invested in roof repairs, undergrounding and site cleanup, staff added.
The board's action does not award the property to any party; it starts a public process that allows other proposers to submit bids and for the CRA to compare offers and return to the board with recommendations.
The CRA's motion and the 30‑day notice were recorded on the public minutes and followed by a formal roll‑call vote.