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Commission introduces development agreement for 299 Atlantic Boulevard; $162,595 payment in‑lieu of landscaping proposed
Summary
On first reading commissioners introduced a development agreement for a renovation at 299 Atlantic Boulevard (the former Ragtime site) that would allow the developer to pay $162,595 in lieu of on‑site landscaping; the ordinance requires a second reading and details about fund use were discussed.
The City Commission introduced, on first reading, a development agreement for 299 Atlantic Boulevard and 0 Ahern (the former Ragtime building). Neighborhood director Amanda Askew explained the developer triggered the city's landscaping requirements by exceeding the 25% improvement threshold; complying on‑site would cause loss of parking spaces, so the developer proposed an in‑lieu payment instead.
Askew told commissioners the estimated cost to meet the required landscaping standard was $162,595. The proposed agreement would require the developer to commence construction within 12 months and complete work within 36 months; the ordinance specifies the in‑lieu funds be deposited into the city’s Beaches Town Center fund, tree fund or a designated account to be used exclusively for off‑site landscaping or environmental enhancements within the Beaches Town Center area of Atlantic Beach. Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance on first reading; a public hearing and second reading will follow before final passage.
Several commissioners stressed that the funds should be spent on Atlantic Beach‑side Beaches Town Center improvements and not in neighboring jurisdictions; staff agreed they would confirm the account and coding so funds remain restricted absent future commission action.
