Manager Ed Silva and I met on Thursday, 3/16/2017, with an FPL representative for an update on this property. We were advised that a contract is to be awarded by the middle of next week. The identify of the proposed buyer has not been disclosed.
The issue for Palmetto Bay is whether we missed an opportunity or is a more realistic opportunity waiting to present itself on the FPL "Cutler Plantation" property? Palmetto Bay officials have been monitoring and working through various contacts to determine our best opportunities.
As Palmetto Bay buying this land outright, the Village Council agreed that the $60 Million asking price is far too large a number for Palmetto Bay to carry on its own and partnering with the County and/or neighboring municipalities may open our village residents up to shouldering noise and traffic from a large regional park. The grant opportunities are not available in Tallahassee as they once were when I worked with the original council for over $3.6 million from The Trust for Public Land and Florida Communities Trust to purchase Thalatta Estate.
I brought this matter before the Village Council at the most recent Committee of the Whole meeting (Monday, March 13, 2017) as this is a matter that requires discussion by the full council in full public view. Council Member David Singer advised of his discussions with FPL officials on opportunities relating to this property. I, along with other council members, provided additional updates. You can expect that I will continue to have updates announced at public meetings or important interim announcements posted here on my blog.
This is consistent with set policy of the Village Council - as reflected in the Palmetto Bay Resolution 2016-77 sponsored by councilman Tim Schaffer and approved 9/19/2016:
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND VILLAGE COUNCIL OF
THE VILLAGE OF PALMETTO BAY, FLORIDA, RELATING TO
CREATING A PUBLIC PARK ON THE PROPERTY PREVIOUSLY
USED FOR THE OLD CUTLER ELECTRIC POWER PLANT;
ENCOURAGING THE FLORIDA POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY
TO WORK WITH THE VILLAGE TOWARD THE GOAL OF
CREATING A PALMETTO BAY PUBLIC PARK ON THE FORMER
OLD CUTLER POWER PLANT SITE
The 'awarding' of a contract is far from the last word. Also "contract" is far from a final step for a new owner to actually close on this property. Prior contacts have fallen through.
A prospective buyer/developer may also look to work with the Village of Palmetto Bay. This may provide an opportunity to partner, extract, or even purchase a portion of the property in order to reduce density/create a park. The question is whether Palmetto Bay is the financial resources or the ability to partner with others to buy (and operate) part of this property for a park.
Thank you for those who have contacted me concerning this property. This property has raised significant speculation and discussion. Should/can the Village purchase the property to create another park in the community. The discussion is far from over. I ask that everyone stay informed and engaged on this and other issues that are important to you. I can be reached at eflinn@palmettobay-fl.gov or (305) 302-3713.
CLICK HERE to view the actual online property listing
PRIOR / RELATED POSTS: I advised that the FPL property was for sale in a December 19, 2013, post - FPL | Cutler Plantation - Opening price - $40 Million- and have continued to keep our residents informed, including: "Cutler Plantation" property was back on the market in a prior post of November 25, 2016, FPL property - "Cutler Plantation" property is now back on the market - seeking $60 million.
Stay tuned in for further updates as they become available.
