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Historic‑district panel continues decision on temporary waterfront ticket booth amid ADA and design concerns
Summary
A request to place a temporary prefabricated ticket booth for Amelia Pirate Voyages on city waterfront land was continued to the Sept. 18 HDC meeting after commissioners flagged ADA access, electrical metering, signage and design‑cohesiveness issues and asked staff and the applicant to provide revised plans.
Staff presented an application to place a temporary ticket booth at 1 North Front Street to support Amelia Pirate Voyages. Planner Mia Sadder said the booth would be on city land and, if approved by HDC, would require City Commission action for final approval. The staff recommendation found the structure compliant with applicable guidelines at the HDC level but noted the waterfront redevelopment plan will ultimately govern permanent arrangements.
Applicant Eric Anderson said the booth is intended to reduce confusion for customers and requested limited electrical service for lighting and potential climate control; he said he would accept either submetering or a fixed‑fee arrangement for utilities. Deputy City Manager Jeremiah Glisson told the board the waterfront redevelopment is expected to begin demolition in roughly six months and that the city anticipates a more permanent solution during a later phase; he estimated two years as a reasonable upper bound for how long temporary kiosks might remain in place.
Board concerns centered on ADA access to the ticket window, how 'temporary' should be defined in permit language, visual compatibility with nearby kiosks, signage compliance, and lease/utility reimbursement terms. One commissioner suggested defining a specific time limit (18 months or two years) and requiring any extension to trigger review; another asked for a design that mirrors the existing gabled ticket booth. Staff and the applicant agreed to return with revisions; the board voted to continue the item to the Sept. 18 HDC meeting.
Key quotes: "It's all one unit... we would if it's necessary, we would [install a meter]," applicant Eric Anderson said when asked about utilities. "We would say definitely around the 2 year mark, we would know more about what... where these facilities would go," Deputy City Manager Jeremiah Glisson told commissioners about redevelopment timing.
Next steps: the applicant will consult with staff on ADA details, signage and a more congruent roofline; staff will add a date‑certain continuance and advise whether a lease or submeter arrangement is required at the commission level.
