Developers pitch retail and medical tenants for city-owned parcel; council recalls prior decision not to sell

Mark Veloxby and his partner Torry presented to the Mentor on the Lake City Council seeking feedback on a vacant city-owned parcel between Holly and Miami. The developers described decades of retail and commercial experience and said they had circulated a written proposal in advance.

Veloxby said the team had been approached by KeyBank to expand branch networks and, while that specific location did not proceed, they discovered a nearby city-owned lot they believe could suit smaller retail, medical or quick-service concepts. "We are here really just to express ... an interest in putting that property under control, the two of us, and see if we can secure a tenant," Veloxby said during his presentation.

Council members responded that the parcel had been discussed in a November meeting and that the prevailing council consensus then was not to sell the Andrews property. A council speaker listed three reasons for that prior stance: uncertainty about future municipal uses for the parcel, concern that selling would add to retail vacancy risk, and reluctance to convey public land for private developments such as Manor On The Lake.

Veloxby and Torry said they would consider adjacent parcels and other opportunities, including Munson Road, and left their contact information for staff follow-up. City staff did not make a commitment to sell or convey the property during the meeting.

The council later moved to go into executive session to consider public-property acquisition in a separate agenda action, indicating follow-up discussions on property matters would continue in closed session where permitted by law. The council took no final public action on a sale during this meeting.

Next steps: staff will follow up with the developers and report back to council; any formal proposal to sell or lease city property would require further public discussion and specific action by the council.