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Advisory board backs pursuing purchase of parcel 106 to anchor Park Avenue 'main street'
Summary
The Edgewater Economic Development Advisory Board voted to pursue purchase of parcel 106 and to commission three appraisals for key downtown parcels as staff advances a CRA update aimed at creating a Park Avenue main-street area.
The City of Edgewater Economic Development Advisory Board on Monday recommended that the city pursue acquisition of parcel 106 as a first step toward creating a Park Avenue main street, and approved seeking three independent appraisals for targeted downtown parcels.
Ryan, the interim economic development director, told the board that the CRA plan update includes stronger language to facilitate a Park Avenue downtown and that the CRA budget includes about $750,000 for property acquisition. "The CRA plan is going well," he said, adding that one center parcel is currently valued at roughly $450,000 and a northwest corner parcel at about $650,000.
Board members debated whether to consolidate many small, contiguous lots on Park Avenue or to target larger corner parcels near US 1 and Lamont. Ryan warned that larger corner purchases could remove acreage from the tax roll for several budget cycles. He also noted a city charter height limit east of Ridgewood/US 1 — 35 feet — that will substantially limit mixed‑use, multi‑story housing in the area and likely push the downtown’s character toward tourism, retail and waterfront activities.
Bliss Jamieson moved to "recommend to purchase 106 for the future," and the motion was seconded. Chair confirmed the motion and a roll-call vote recorded a majority in favor. The board also approved a staff recommendation to obtain three appraisals for the parcels under consideration; Ryan agreed to arrange the appraisals.
The decision sets a formal path for staff to negotiate with property owners and to return to the city council with appraisal results and any purchase terms. Board members emphasized that acquisition will be only one phase of a multiyear process that should include design guidelines, stormwater planning and parking solutions to support the envisioned main street.
Next steps: staff will order three appraisals, report back to the board with appraisal results and prepare any recommended purchase terms for council consideration.
