The proposed parking garage, to be located at Third Street and Avenue C, is designed to alleviate parking shortages in downtown Winter Haven. The project, estimated to cost $10,217,496, aims to provide 292 parking spaces across four stories. The proposal, characterized as a “turnkey” project, promises to deliver the completed structure to the city without construction risks. Financing is planned through a combination of equity and a construction loan.

Public input highlighted several concerns, notably from local business owners and residents. Jesse Scubna questioned the rapid progression of the project. Scubna raised funding concerns, specifically querying whether the project would draw from the city’s general fund. He was informed that the funds were earmarked for a parking structure, utilizing savings from other transportation-related projects. Scubna urged the commission to reconsider alternative parking sites and allow more time for public input, emphasizing the need for transparency.

Steve Caligus, representing Silver Properties of Winter Haven LLC, argued for the urgency of the parking garage to support downtown developments, highlighting substantial investments made by his group. He noted that private investors could not afford to leave properties unused for free parking indefinitely, stressing the risk of future parking shortages impacting businesses.

Other business owners echoed the necessity of the parking garage, citing current parking challenges. Beth Spew raised accessibility concerns, emphasizing the need for accommodations for individuals with mobility impairments. She proposed implementing a shuttle service to improve access to downtown businesses.

In addition to parking-related discussions, the meeting addressed land use changes concerning a city-owned property on Buckeye Loop Road. This parcel is earmarked for a water department facility, but residents expressed concerns over the development’s impact on their quality of life, particularly regarding noise, traffic, and water supply implications. Residents voiced apprehensions about potential decreases in property values and the project’s impact on local water resources, with assurances offered that city water would be accessible and the development aimed to provide environmental benefits such as wetland restoration.

Further discussions detailed the process behind the selection of the site for the water department facility, with city staff explaining the strategic choice based on service area needs and previous negotiations with property owners. Proposals for enhanced noise barriers and landscaping were considered to address resident concerns about visual and auditory impacts.

The commission also addressed the rezoning of a parcel at the northeast corner of Thompson Nursery Road and Cunningham Road to facilitate commercial development. While staff concluded the proposed changes aligned with city planning goals, public concerns included traffic, flooding, and crime potential associated with commercial development.

Amidst these discussions, the commission navigated procedural elements related to structural inspections for condominium and cooperative buildings, following state legislation enacted in response to the Surfside condominium collapse. Ordinances recognizing significant donations to the Winter Haven Public Library and budget amendments for fiscal accountability were also advanced.