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Board backs Altier Jewelers IDA amendment to convert former bank to retail downtown
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Summary
The Planning & Zoning Board recommended approval (7–0) of an IDA amendment allowing Altier Jewelers to convert a vacant 4,960 sq ft bank/office at 641 South Federal Highway into a retail medium use and add about 575 sq ft, removing a drive‑through and consolidating vehicular access to Southeast 7th Street.
The Planning & Zoning Board on Feb. 19 recommended that the Community Redevelopment Agency approve an individual development approval (IDA) amendment permitting Altier Jewelers to convert an existing two‑story bank/office at 641 South Federal Highway into retail use and add approximately 575 square feet.
Senior planner Jacob Gherman summarized the request for the CRA IDA numbers CRP9605 and CRP9605 R1, saying the site (about 0.43 acres) would change from office to retail medium and expand the building from roughly 4,960 square feet to about 5,535 square feet. The proposal removes an existing exit‑only driveway onto South Federal Highway and consolidates access through Southeast 7th Street, and staff recommended approval, noting the Community Appearance Board had supported the design with conditions.
Petitioner representative David Millage called the project a "great repurposing of this previously used bank," saying the plan reduces conflict onto South Federal Highway, preserves nearly all existing trees (relocating three), and provides additional green space where the drive‑through and exit driveway are removed.
There were no public speakers. Board members favored the safety improvement from closing the Federal Highway driveway and noted an extra parking space was added beyond the requirement. The motion to recommend the IDA amendment to the CRA carried on a 7–0 roll call vote.
What happens next: The recommendation will be forwarded to the Community Redevelopment Agency for final action under the CRA's IDA process.
