Pineapple Square Decision Time? - or - Has the Decision Already Been Made?

In response to our questions about Pineapple Square, Dale Parks sent the following:

Hi Richard,

Your questions are very valid, and I commend your group for taking the time to articulate them. Process in my opinion, continues to suffer in the "hurry up, this deal may not last" mentality. The Isaacs have never presented their proposed development to the CRA Advisory Board, and I believe the process- as you've pointed out- needs to include input such as this prior to the City Commission committing City land- and most assuredly- City TIF dollars to a deal such as this. Certain Commissioners have already expressed their opinions that their minds are made up- including the issue of vacating a section of State Street. This in my opinion is deplorable, I hope better minds prevail. City Staff and their Developer partners should not be driving this car.

Dale Parks

We too have cautioned against hasty decisions. Our City is blessed to have many well informed residents that serve in various capacities on boards and organizations whose primary goal is to improve our quality of life. We must take advantage of all the input available.

Recent examples of pushing forward in response to developers claims of "time is of the essence" and "if we don't get this property all could be lost" have shown the pitfalls of a "fast-forward" mentality.

Even Abrahmson and Associates, the consultant the City hired to review this proposal says: “further evaluation and negotiation” are needed before that step is taken, despite the developer saying the parcel is essential for his project to go forward.

Apparently planning staff has made up their mind and wishes to move forward - as the Pelican Press noted : city planning staff is asking the commission to give 60 days to negotiate a development agreement – technically called a “term sheet” – with John Simon of Isaac Group Holdings, the developer.

We strongly believe that the City Commissioners needs to proceed with caution and understand all the issues and ramifications before doing another "fast-forward" with the Pineapple Square decision.