Here’s the recap, please add your opinion, “take on the meeting”, corrections, etc using the “Discuss” link below.

Explained the request is simply a measure to bring the site into conformity with zoning regulations so the City would have the ability to lease the site to a private operator. Explained it is Parks and Recs intent to explore this option in order to improve the service delivery, reduce costs and generate revenue for the City. Advised the group that to our knowledge “Chicks” is no longer interested in using or leasing the property for their use, and that there is no one in the wings ready to lease the site. As you can imagine this brought forth a wealth of questions:

  1. Concerning the installation of fuel on the site – it is the understanding of some SDCC members that this is regulated by the City Garage, Reggie Padgett, and after the last time there was a problem with fuel leakage into Long Creek the City Garage does not want to allow or regulate fuel distribution or storage on the site. Advised was not aware that the City Garage is responsible for that portion of the request but that we would investigate and report back.

  2. Concerning our reasons for the rezoning (clarifying the zoning and permitted uses, improving service delivery, reducing costs and generating revenue for the City) the following questions were posed:
      1. What is the reason the marina exists?
      2. Is the site making a profit now?
      3. What is the cost to operate the site versus the benefit of the Corps dredging as per the 1981 agreement?
      4. Where is the staff for the site?

  3. The SDCC members are very concerned that the City property currently used as an access from Lynnhaven Drive to Vista Circle remain available to the public and would like a proffer guaranteeing that.

  4. Concerning the existing slips that are leased –
      1. According to their lease they are entitled to 1 parking space and the sharing of an adjacent parking space. Typically they park behind their slip, although parking is not assigned. They are extremely concerned with the proposal to allow for off-site parking for uses within proximity to the marina. They don’t want the excess parking available for lease as they are tired of having to deal with the patrons of adjacent establishments parking on the site now. However if the request moves forward with the off-site parking provision they want to know how many spaces will be leased and where they will be located.
      2. They are concerned with the sale of alcohol from a specialty store or the accessory retail. They state maneuvering in and out of the marina is treacherous and to add alcohol to the mix is an accident looking to happen.
      3. They were not notified by mail or otherwise of the request. They would like a pro / con list of the reasons it is beneficial for the City to rezone the site and offer it for private management.

“SDCC” was asked to provide any additional comments by April 14th. Read on the meeting is “why fix something that is not broken?” In other words what is the real reason we, the City, is doing this. Advised there is no hidden agenda, that no one is waiting in the background to come in and start operation or use a part of the site for parking, and that “Chick’s” has advised us they are no longer pursuing off-site parking on the site.