Special Committee on the Future of Downtown Meeting - May 11, 2026

The Special Committee on the Future of Downtown met on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 9:00 AM to receive updates on downtown governance, parks, economic development, and pending legislation. Discussions focused on the state of downtown, park activations, DIA projects, and a proposed report on an entertainment district.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Leslie, owner of Jax Yacht Charter (Royal Princess), requested assistance with a haul-out cost of $50,000–$100,000 anticipated in August. She noted the business is private and pays the city docking fees, and she asked for access to downtown small business funding.

State of Downtown Report (Laura Edgecomb)

• Edgecomb reviewed the committee's charge to strengthen downtown planning, governance, and investment. She reported ongoing interagency working sessions facilitated by a third party, addressing role clarity and CRA boundary alignment.
• The JRA contract is being finalized with OGC; a draft is expected back early this week.
• The 2026 State of Downtown report (released by Downtown Vision) shows over 9,000 residents and approximately 20,000 monthly visitors to the public realm who do not live or work downtown.
• Councilmember Salem expressed concern about office vacancy rates and the perception of safety. Edgecomb noted DIA and Downtown Vision are conducting a vacant storefront survey and coordinating on streetscape improvements and activation strategies.
• Councilmember Joe Carlucci asked about the JRA timeline and resident counting methodology. Edgecomb said residency data comes from property managers, voter registration, and census counts.

Parks & Riverfront Updates (Daryl Joseph)

• Riverfront Plaza phase 2 construction is underway. An open house is scheduled for Wednesday, May 13 (4:00–6:30 PM).
• Shipyards West (phase 1) will start construction this summer; Met Park construction will begin this year, with completion by end of 2027 and Shipyards West by 2028.
• North Bank Riverwalk (McCoy’s Creek section) and the Riverfront Music Garden will open Wednesday, May 13 at 11 AM.
• Easter event at Riverfront Plaza: 32,000 eggs distributed, over 10,000 visitors, 20 community partners.
• Saturday Sounds at Friendship Fountain and monthly movie nights continue to attract crowds.
• Joseph confirmed that the Riverfront Plaza café vendor contract will be awarded later this week, with opening expected in fall 2026.
• Councilmember Salem asked about budget: Joseph confirmed parks projects are on time and on budget.
• Councilmember Peluso inquired about a unified riverwalk plan; Joseph said a riverwalk continuity plan is being developed and will be available later this year.

Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) Update (Colin Tarbert)

• Legislation: Two bills filed:
  • Allocation of $1.1 million in interest earnings from the Downtown Economic Development Fund to be used for completion grants.
  • Fee framework authorizing DIA to charge administrative fees for developer-specific work (e.g., third-party underwriting costs).
• Upcoming DIA board items (May 20):
  • Riverfront Plaza restaurant parcel: Atlas Restaurant Group (upscale seafood) scored 90/100 vs. Prohibition Kitchen (gastro pub) at 71/100. Recommendation is to proceed with Atlas. City would fund the core and shell (~$4M); tenant would invest additional $4M+. Opening targeted for end of 2027.
  • Hotel Merydale (Ambassador Hotel) historic redevelopment: 109 keys, $50M total cost. Requesting $10.1M DPRP (20% repayable loan, 80% forgivable). ROI estimated at 1.8 (above typical 0.5). Third-party underwriting used.
• Completion grant funding status: DIA has requests for three projects requiring general funds: N7 Publix project (~$28.5M), Baptist Health Hotel (~$8M), and Hotel Merydale (~$10.1M), totaling about $46.6M. Other projects (Snyder, Mags Cafe) are funded through DIA.
• Councilmembers discussed the need for an updated completion grant tracking spreadsheet, concerns about general fund requests, and the value of historic preservation and grocery store margins justifying completion grants.

Parking Rate Update (Colin Tarbert)

• DIA board approved parking rate tweaks effective June 30, 2026: event rates ($10 regular, $20 large events), Yates garage evening/weekend flat $5, Ed Ball garage simplified rates (hourly $4 first 4 hours, max $30 instead of $50). Councilmember Salem asked about city fleet vehicles parking; Peter Sherwell (Office of Public Parking) reported issuing citations since January after a warning period, resulting in fewer fleet vehicles on meters.

Entertainment District Report Legislation (Councilmember Johnson)

• Councilmember Johnson introduced Ordinance 2026-377, requiring a report on the downtown entertainment district (including data on public safety, economic impact, and stakeholder input) to be presented to Council. The ordinance will be introduced on May 12. Councilmembers Salem and Peluso expressed support; Councilmember Salem emphasized that any future expansion to 5 AM should be restricted to a defined core area.

Small Business Permitting Concerns (Councilmember Peluso)

• Peluso raised the case of Real Tin Cafe, which has faced delays obtaining permits for outdoor music. Councilmember Johnson stated the issue is expected to be resolved by Friday. Colin Tarbert noted DIA is working with the business and described efforts to improve process clarity.

Key Outcomes

• DIA legislation (interest earnings allocation and fee framework) will proceed to Council.
• DIA board to vote on Atlas restaurant and Hotel Merydale DPRP on May 20, 2026.
• JRA contract is with OGC; a draft is expected early this week.
• Councilmember Johnson’s entertainment district report ordinance introduced May 12, 2026.
• Parks’ North Bank Riverwalk and Music Garden to open May 13, 2026.
• Riverfront Plaza café vendor to be announced later this week.
• Completion grant tracking spreadsheet to be updated and shared with the committee.
• Next meeting date not set; further updates expected at the June meeting of the special committee.