Commissioners to discuss vacant parcel

During Monday’s City Commission meeting, commissioners will discuss the vacant parcel on Boulevard of the Arts, in the Rosemary District.

In the afternoon portion of the meeting, commissioners will discuss whether they want to list the property for sale or invite developers to develop a project on the land — with the city retaining ownership of the property.

The Rosemary Community Garden was located at 1440 Blvd. of the Arts, in the heart of the Rosemary District, until the gardens were moved to make way for an affordable housing project. That project was halted by the recession. The property has sat vacant for several years.

Nearby business and property owners hope a project on the vacant parcel can help revive struggling businesses and jumpstart a redevelopment effort that began before the recession in the area blocks north of Main Street.

In other business, commissioners will:
• Vote on a locally funded agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation for the design of the U.S. 41 roundabouts from 10th Street to 14th Street.

• Vote on the conditional use application for the Granada Park Subdivision, a 25-home subdivision planned for 3720 Almeria Ave.

• Discuss the city’s proposed 2013 legislative priorities.

• Discuss a lease proposal from MarineMax East, Inc. for the city owner property at 1601 Ken Thompson Parkway.