City Commission to consider Ringling land deal

A topic that generated controversy at the last City Commission meeting will resurface at Monday’s meeting, as Ringling College seeks approval for a land sale and swap with the city.

The deal would clear the way for Ringling College to proceed with its plans for a multimillion-dollar soundstage complex spanning nearly an entire city block along Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way.

At the last meeting, some Newtown residents voiced their opposition to the deal, saying it would negatively impact the neighborhood’s use of an adjacent park property. At that time, the city and Ringling said last-minute changes to the agreement should smooth out any issues.

Per the agreement, the city would sell the property at 2524 Cocoanut Ave. to the college for $20,000. In addition, the city would swap the lot at 1384 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way — currently used for overflow parking at nearby Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park — for a Ringling-owned parcel at 2242 Cocoanut Ave. If the city were to acquire the Ringling land, it would then be converted to replace the lost parking for the park.

Also on the agenda for Monday’s meeting:

• Commissioners will consider adjusting a sale agreement with Floridays Development Company, giving the developer more time to begin construction on the hotel slated for city-owned land northwest of the Palm Avenue parking garage. Per the original agreement, construction was supposed to begin by May 17.
• The commission will discuss a proposed comprehensive plan amendment that, if approved, would waive an affordable housing requirement for a proposed residential development at 1938 Laurel St.

The full agenda for Monday’s meeting can be found on the city website.