RH Development Group updates CRA on grocery proposal; developer says store relocation to NW 800 block may be feasible

Executive Director Renee Jison updated the CRA board on an unsolicited proposal from RH Development Group LLC for parcels the CRA owns on West Atlantic Avenue, saying the firm initially proposed a full-service grocery with commercial space, parking and green space.

"So on February 10th, RH Development Group LLC submitted an unsolicited proposal to develop parcels that the CRA owns on the southwest 8600 block of West Atlantic Avenue," Jison said, summarizing the timeline of submissions, public comment and RH's follow-up responses. Staff said RH submitted additional materials through July and requested time in August for due diligence to explore relocating the store.

Jison told the board that on Sept. 15 RH indicated the store could be relocated from the Southwest 600 block to the Northwest 800 block and that RH is finalizing updated responses for a formal filing. Staff plans a second statutorily required public meeting (per Florida unsolicited-proposal statute) at the CRA's Oct. 27 meeting, at which the board will evaluate the five statutory factors and determine whether to proceed and issue a 30-day notice of intent to dispose of property.

Board members and public commenters had urged publicity and additional notice; staff clarified that concurrent proposals received under the required notice are subject to the procurement cone of silence and will not be disclosed publicly until the statutory window and procedure permit it. The update was presented for information and preparation ahead of the Oct. 27 meeting.