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Apopka staff propose buying Duke Energy lot near Loaves and Fishes for a resource center; CRA rules, funding and site constraints discussed
Summary
City staff outlined a preliminary plan to acquire a 0.45‑acre Duke Energy lot at 205 E. 8th St. (appraised $137,000) to assemble a downtown resource center for people experiencing homelessness, noting CRA disposition rules and several site constraints; council asked staff to explore an option contract and funding sources.
City planning staff presented a preliminary discussion on Feb. 7 about purchasing a 0.45‑acre parcel at 205 East 8th Street owned by Duke Energy that sits adjacent to city‑owned parcels and across from Loaves and Fishes. Planning manager Bobby Howell described an appraisal at $137,000 and said the city could combine the parcel with adjacent city property — and possibly a paper right‑of‑way — to create a resource center operated by a third party.
Howell and other staff emphasized the early stage of the idea. Because the site is inside the CRA footprint, the community redevelopment statute (statute 163.380 was cited in the discussion) prescribes a minimum public notice period and a disposition process that can allow transfer at fair value or other terms to meet CRA objectives. Staff outlined two disposition approaches: (1) issue a notice and competitive proposal process resembling an RFP after acquisition, or (2) engage in preliminary talks with a qualified provider before formal disposition to shape the notice.
Council members explored alternatives, including using a larger city‑owned parcel at 308 East 8th Street to host a resource center or to pursue an option/letter of intent with Duke Energy to hold the parcel while the city conducts outreach and an RFP. City staff and the city administrator confirmed the $150,000 set aside for a resource center could be used toward acquisition, and finance staff said the purchase could be funded from general reserves or CRA funds depending on the final approach.
Several commissioners stressed the need to balance homeless services with other priorities such as affordable housing; one commissioner noted the constrained shape of the Duke Energy lot and suggested the city should evaluate alternatives before spending acquisition funds. The mayor and others directed staff to further research an option contract, to coordinate CRA statutory steps if acquisition proceeds, and to return with recommended next steps.
