Inland Harbor plan delayed for redesign -- Bring us something that makes the pulse rush'. (St. Augustine Report, by former Mayor George Gardner)

Thanks to former Mayor George R. Gardner for his incisive analysis in St. Augustine Report:

Inland Harbor plan delayed for redesign -- Bring us something that makes the pulse rush'. (St. Augustine Report, by former Mayor George Gardner)  

aThis is truly one of the last areas for large development in this area. This is where we can do something special, working together.

City Commissioner Barbara Blonder

aaThe Hilton Garden Inn went through countless hearings for a unique, world class architecture and building that functions extremely well. … I beg you go back to your design staff and bring us something that makes the pulse rush, so to speak.

Commissioner John Valdes

aaThe Sebastian Inland Harbor Planned Unit Development design team will have a month to create excitement in the City Commission after commissioners continued a 1st reading on the project Monday to February 22.

aaCommissioners grilled Planning and Building Director David Birchim for 45 minutes on traffic, lot coverage, parking, recreational space, green space, and more, before another 45 minutes with project attorney Ellen Avery-Smith.

aaOne exchange was between Commissioner Barbara Blonder and Birchim”

aaBlonder - How many hotel rooms can this city support, both economically and with existing infrastructure?

aaBirchim - We have five hotels under construction right now. It is an industry that is very interested in being in St. Augustine.

aaCommissioner Roxanne Horvath made the motion to continue the first reading, while Blonder urged denial of the plan saying there are too many questions. Mayor Tracy Upchurch suggested advancing the plan to 2nd reading with the option of continuing that reading if necessary, but commissioners opted for the 1st reading continuance, Commissioner Valdes noting, “This is going to take more than one hearing.”

aaValdes introduced a new element into project design discussion, suggesting taller buildings can allow greater architectural freedom than low fat buildings.

aaAll of which project designers will be thrashing out until a return to the commission February 22.