CRA schedules formal discussion of Bait Shop property, receives updates on demo appeals and Pressure Park grants

A board member asked the Port Richey CRA on Tuesday to open a formal discussion about the Bait Shop property and potential uses for CRA involvement; the board agreed to add the item to the agenda for the March 10 meeting so members and the public can prepare.

The city attorney advised that the matter will warrant legal review and thorough preparation before any action because of potential transactional and liability issues. The board asked staff to assemble facts and possible options for that scheduled discussion.

On other old‑business items, staff reported that demolition-related matters are tied up in an appeal process. City counsel said an appeal was expected to be filed imminently and described the procedural schedule mentioned by counsel: the appellant may have about 70 days to prepare an appellate brief and the city then will have time to respond, after which the court will decide on its own schedule. Board members cautioned the public that court timelines can extend the process by many months.

Pressure Park improvements were discussed: staff said a kayak‑launch grant has been submitted and a playground grant is being prepared. Staff reported the restroom can be flood‑proofed and remain on a slab to reduce cost; the board directed staff to continue grant work and preliminary planning for park amenities.

The board did not take a final vote on acquisition or purchase of the Bait Shop property at the meeting; it set a future agenda date to consider options and directed staff to provide legal and development information in advance.