At the forefront of the meeting, the council deliberated the Triangle Development project, with Luna Development Corp. presenting updated financials and a revised site layout. The proposed changes sparked board member concerns about the height of buildings along Railroad Avenue and the maintenance of the project’s aesthetic integrity. The council requested that the developer provide a new presentation to address these issues and revisit the redesigned layout. This project, aimed at transforming a key city area, is a cornerstone of Homestead’s development agenda.

Simultaneously, the Chrome Marketplace development proposal, a venture by Society 8 Hospitality, was discussed. Envisioned as a combination of a food hall, entertainment, and nightlife venue, the project is expected to bolster downtown Homestead’s economy. The agreement includes substantial financial input from the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) for construction and environmental remediation. While the council weighed the potential economic benefits, such as job creation and downtown revitalization, they also scrutinized the financial return on the CRA’s investment and debated the project’s alignment with the downtown area’s overarching vision.

Affordable housing emerged as another significant topic, with the council considering a new home ownership initiative in the Southwest neighborhood. The initiative involves constructing single-family homes on CRA-owned lots, with discussions revolving around the merits of partnering with a contractor versus the CRA undertaking the development role. The council emphasized the need to collaborate with developers to foster affordable housing within the city and deliberated on the best approach to achieve tangible progress in this sector.

Public transit amenities also captured the council’s attention, with members discussing the placement, design, and potential impacts of bus shelters and trolley stops. The suitability of advertising panels on shelters, visibility concerns, and the integration of amenities into the city’s aesthetic were subjects of debate. Members considered various shelter options, with or without advertising panels, and discussed preferences for trash receptacles, benches, and bike racks.

The council also entertained the idea of a pro bono agreement with contractors or developers to construct affordable homes, potentially utilizing modular construction. Additionally, they examined the need for enhanced lighting in public areas, opting for historically accurate options for downtown Homestead, and reviewed proposed landscape designs, which included raised planting beds and tree species selections. A “Sunshine session” was scheduled to allow council members to visually assess the proposed streetscape changes firsthand.

In the sphere of cultural enrichment, the council approved a professional artist services agreement with Kenny Maguire for a public art-funded mural on the Seminole Theater’s rear wall, with a fiscal impact of $68,000. Another mural agreement with AJ Davis for the theater’s north wall, with an additional workload, was approved at $151,000. These artistic endeavors are part of a broader effort to enhance Homestead’s cultural landscape and community identity.

The council also ratified a services agreement with the Florida Department of Corrections for a trustee squad to support the city police department, a practical measure aimed at leveraging resources for designated services. Additionally, the adoption of the Seminole Theater’s Quincentennial logo was confirmed, with plans to unveil and integrate the logo across city assets over the next two years.

City management updates rounded out the session, with reports on a citywide inspection of streets, illegal dumping sites, the establishment of a new code compliance department, and progress on a proposed Turnpike interchange. Council members and the city attorney also addressed concerns and updates on miscellaneous issues, including lighting improvements, illegal parking, and signalization challenges.