The Neptune Beach community is now waiting to see what will be done with the old Kmart building after a heated City Council meeting.
Monday evening, the city of Neptune Beach voted against the company, TriBridge Development, which proposed to turn the property into an apartment complex along Atlantic Boulevard.
“We were very pleased that the CDB Board (Community Development Board) denied it in the city meeting,” community advocate Mary Frosio said. “We were also pleased that the City Council also denied it, and we're pleased that the citizens of Neptune Beach were there to support.”
“The citizens of Neptune Beach coming out the way they have and stay vigilant the way they have is heartwarming. It’s democracy at work and I don’t think that’s going to go away anytime soon,” Josh Messinger said. He is running for Neptune Beach City Council Seat 4 and has remained an active member of the group Neptune Strong, whcih opposed the proposal.
Katherine Mosley, principal of TriBridge, released a statement, which said in part, “TriBridge Residential and TLM Realty are disappointed with the vote but remain committed to revitalizing the blighted site of the former Kmart and transforming it into a vibrant mixed-use community that will benefit the entire beaches region. We will be proceeding with options for development that do not require approval from the Community Development Board or the City Council.”
Tribridge now has three options if they choose to move forward with the project. They can appeal the city’s decision and take their case to judicial court, rewrite their current proposal that would fit within the city’s codes and zoning or create an entirely new proposal.
Action News Jax reached out to the company on any future plans and have not heard back yet.
“What I would like to see is a continuation of Neptune Beach character,” Messinger said.
“We’re in the beaches town center, which is really the jewel of Neptune Beach and the Beaches.”
Community members told Action News Jax they would like to see either a movie theater, restaurant or shopping area fill this property.
As long as a proposal stays within regulations, this commercial property can be turned into a wide variety of projects.
Action News Jax reached out to the City Council about any future plans but have not heard back yet.
What do you want to see happen at the old Kmart building down at Neptune Beach? We have the possibilities coming up at 5:15 on @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/ECaInKM14J
— Elizabeth Pace (@PaceAnJax) August 14, 2018
What’s going to happen to the old Kmart building at Neptune beach? Their city council just voted against a special zoning to make it apartments but the company could still move forward and sue the city. Details on what to expect tonight on @ActionNewsJax @WOKVNews pic.twitter.com/lSU4UInQtD
— Elizabeth Pace (@PaceAnJax) August 14, 2018
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