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Main Street survey: downtown residents favor green space and improved parking for City Hall site
Summary
Stuart Main Street reported results of a 202‑response survey showing residents prefer public green space, streetscape improvements and more parking for the City Hall waterfront site; board members discussed parking options, a possible two‑story height preference and next steps for workshops and outreach.
Stuart Main Street presented the results of a community survey about the future of the City Hall site during the Community Redevelopment Agency meeting, reporting 202 responses and broad support for preserving green space and improving pedestrian connections and parking.
"65% of them were actual residents of the downtown area," said Candace Callahan, executive director of Stuart Main Street, who led the presentation. She said respondents prioritized green space and better pedestrian and streetscape design; when asked about reuse of the current City Hall building, many favored renovated public uses and an indoor market or food hall.
The survey found 51% of respondents would support revenue‑driven redevelopment if the waterfront remained publicly accessible. Callahan recommended additional outreach — including working with the city’s business lists, water‑bill inserts and event attendee mailings — and a follow‑up workshop and charrette to translate survey preferences into design options.
Jim Kowalski, the city’s community services director, gave historical context tracing decades of waterfront planning and noted a 2006 city charter amendment that, by voter canvass, requires a public referendum before the city may convey or lease waterfront property for 10 years or more. Kowalski quoted the canvass numbers cited in the presentation: 3,506 yes and 772 no.
Board members debated parking strategies, including whether to pursue a small garage, seek funding options, or retain a two‑story height limit to protect downtown character. Chair Collins said she favored renovating the existing City Hall to keep public access and civic functions downtown: “I would love to see this particular building renovated... and let the public continue to have access to this very valuable property,” Collins said.
Next steps agreed by the board included another round of public outreach, coordination with the incoming city manager, and scheduling a workshop or charrette to develop design options for the commission and the public to review.
