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Dunedin OKs Revised Gateway Development Timetable

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By Mark  Schantz | The Suncoast News

Published: December 29, 2007

DUNEDIN, Fla. - DUNEDIN, Fla. - Timing is everything when it comes to constructing a major retail-office-apartment complex center at the eastern end of Main Street.

Last week city commissioners approved a request by Pizzuti Solutions for an extension of the timetable to close on its purchase of 4.1 acres of city-owned land.

The parcel, at the eastern entrance to the city's downtown retail and entertainment district, would be the site of the Ohio-based developer's proposed Gateway project.

Under the change Pizzuti requested the closing date on the property purchase would be extended from March 1, 2008, to July 21, 2008.

Under the revised time table Pizzuti would submit its preliminary site plan for the project by Jan. 28. The final site plan would be in the hands of city officials by June 5.

That would be about six months later than Pizzuti initially proposed.

The project, designed to create a signature commercial hub on the eastern end of downtown Main Street, envisions 40,000 square feet of medical office space, 40,000 square feet of retail shops and about 40 affordable rental apartments.

City Manager Robert DiSpirito said the developer has already undertaken many tasks required in acquiring such a large property.

The architectural style and conceptual site plan has been refined to coincide with comments made by city commissioners, DiSpirito said. In addition, a geotechnical analysis, environmental review, parking study and marketing study have been completed, he said.

The extension the developer requested would actually enhance the Gateway project, the city manager said. Pizzuti needs the extension to acquire additional parcels to the west of the property on Main Street and S.R. 580.

The Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council has declared the $35 million gateway project has the potential to be a "major catalyst" for downtown development and enterprise and could create as many as 220 jobs, DiSpirito noted.

Tom Harmer, Pizzuti senior director, said about one additional acre is being acquired. The addition will allow for the project to have more of a retail presence along Main Street and provide affordable rental housing within the project.

Construction should begin by the end of 2008 with the project completed in about 12 to 18 months, Harmer said in an interview following a recent City Commission meeting.

Given the widespread slump in the construction industry and falling interest rates, the slight delay in the project could give Pizzuti more attractive financing rates for the Gateway development, Harmer said.

DiSpirito said the developer also has plans to realign and extend Milwaukee Avenue so motorists can travel from Main Street to Skinner Boulevard.

The city is applying for a $1.55 million state economic development and transportation grant to make Gateway-related improvements to Main Street and Milwaukee Avenue. The city would match the state grant with $250,000 from its community redevelopment fund.

The $1.8 million would be used to:

• Construct an extension to Milwaukee Avenue.

• Streetscape the adjacent area of Main Street with brick sidewalks.

• Improved downtown parking.

• Move overhead utility wires underground.

• Construct a safer crosswalk at Main Street and S.R. 580.

Commissioner Dave Eggers said the Gateway project is an extremely important component of downtown development and would further enhance the Main Street district.

Commissioner Julie Ward Bujalski said the projected 200-plus increase in jobs would be a boon to the city as well.

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