Urban Core board backs recommendation to sell 101 West Main, earmark proceeds for affordable housing

A board member moved and the Urban Core Redevelopment Board approved a recommendation that the CRA seek to sell 101 West Main at fair market value with contractual timelines for permitting and construction and clawback provisions if the developer fails to meet milestones. The motion includes a stated preference for first-floor retail or restaurant space with multifamily, office or condos above, and an explicit provision that sale proceeds be earmarked for affordable housing within the CRA.

The motion was introduced by a board member who proposed: "I make a motion that the CRA considers selling the piece of land at fair market value. The money, provided would be earmarked for affordable housing within the CRA... 1st Floor, retail restaurant use, and anything above the 1st Floor could be used for office multifamily condos... And, but there is a provision for a timeline for this development to take place. And if a developer does not do that, then the property would revert back to the CRA, at some substantial penalty." The full motion text appears on the record.

Staff previously briefed the board on background and consultant feedback for the site. CRA staff said the parcel is 0.62 acres, near Maritime Park and Palafox Street, and that an initial 2024 request for letters of intent produced three proposals that did not "pencil out." Consultants recommended completing project readiness steps (historic and environmental reviews), clarifying desired uses to respondents and using a two-step procurement to attract higher-quality proposals; they also advised multifamily (for-sale condos) with ground-floor activation while advising against hotel or office uses for this lot based on size and location.

Board members asked about site constraints that would affect feasibility. Members raised concerns about parking access: staff said a nearby parking garage has been coordinated with current owners but that the arrangement is informal and not memorialized by deed or easement, which could leave future access uncertain unless formalized. Board members also requested clarification on stormwater retention and whether on-site retention requirements would reduce the buildable area.

Board members debated sale versus long-term lease. Staff reported their city attorney raised no objections to selling the parcel provided the sale includes tight contractual terms to ensure the intended use; members suggested clawbacks tied to permitting and construction timelines so the city retains control if development does not proceed. Several board members said they prefer retail activation on the first floor and were open to offices or multifamily above.

The board then took the motion and the chair called for a voice vote. The record contains multiple "Aye" responses and the chair declared the motion approved. The transcript does not name a seconder and does not record a precise numerical tally, only numerous audible affirmations on the record.

Next steps: staff said the final selection of any developer would return to the CRA board for approval following solicitation and the two-step procurement; staff also noted an appraisal exists though the most recent appraisal was not included in the packet at the meeting.