The council’s deliberations on the redevelopment of Time Square emerged as a central topic. The area, historically significant and beloved by locals, faces a potential transformation as part of the town’s recovery efforts. The council explored various options for redevelopment, considering resilience, public accessibility, and the diversity of food and retail offerings. The most resilient proposal featured a beachfront park and movable structures on the landlord side of Time Square, with a comparative analysis of these options suggesting different implementation paths.

There was an emphasis on the necessity of ongoing public engagement to ensure the community’s needs are met. The council acknowledged the complexities involved in working with numerous small business owners in Time Square, in contrast to properties owned by single entities. It was suggested that a middle ground be found, incorporating low-cost, interim uses such as food trucks, which could revitalize the area. However, concerns were raised about the long-term viability of food trucks, with feedback indicating a preference for permanent “brick and mortar” establishments to attract repeat visitors.

In parallel, the council discussed Newton Beach Park’s redevelopment, which was noted as having consensus support and existing funding, making it a feasible project. The plan for the park includes a looped walking path and educational signage about native plants, alongside flexible event spaces and ADA-accessible beach access. The council was encouraged to take decisive action to advance these initiatives, while also considering interim solutions to support displaced businesses during the redevelopment process, such as temporary storage solutions like containers.

The leasing of town right-of-way for private property use was another point of discussion. The existing policy allows for leasing right-of-way portions to private property owners, a practice originating from when the county managed the town. However, the council faced new considerations due to changing property ownership and redevelopment projects, specifically regarding a proposal to maintain leasing arrangements for parking spots along Ohio Street. Financial aspects of the leasing agreement, particularly the historical rate of $100 per parking space per year, were scrutinized, with suggestions to reassess the pricing structure in light of current market conditions.

The meeting also addressed the regulatory environment affecting potential development, including federal floodplain regulations and the high costs associated with redevelopment in vulnerable areas. The council contemplated changes to land development codes to support small and medium-sized businesses, recognizing the need for regulatory reform to promote economic growth.

Additionally, the council discussed the potential introduction of mobile medical marijuana services. While there was some openness to considering such services, a preference was expressed for businesses to invest in the community properly, with the need for appropriate licensing and permitting highlighted.

Finally, the council considered the town’s code of ethics policy, with discussions about its applicability to various committees and the implications of potential changes. The importance of establishing a coherent and comprehensive ethical framework that accommodates modern communication practices while ensuring accountability among public officials was emphasized.