Council reviews concepts for north river park and driving range; staff seeks direction on P3 vs. sale

Staff asked the Village Council for direction on conceptual plans for roughly 32 acres north of the river and on a proposed driving range that would be part of the Sports Park and Entertainment campus.

For the north‑of‑river site, staff described a block diagram that shows lower‑density "old Florida" residential to the east, mixed‑use retail along US 41, and connectivity along the Burke Trail. Council members discussed whether the residential portion should be gated or open, the desirability of walkable connectivity to the park and surrounding neighborhoods, and whether the village should solicit a single master developer or accept multiple respondents. Staff said solicitation documents can present optional approaches (purchase, P3, master developer) and require respondents to show how they would maintain connectivity and the village’s design goals.

On the driving range, staff said Suffolk will deliver a pad in September as part of current construction and that the village has budgeted $5,000,000 in the CIP as a contribution toward building the driving range. Two alternatives are under consideration: (A) a public‑private partnership (Kemper submitted a proposal to split capital 50/50 and share revenue, with a program that emphasizes an on‑site food and beverage operation), or (B) the village builds and owns the facility and contracts professional management. Council members discussed capital allocation, the implications of the kitchen/food operation inside a P3, operating risk and public perception if the village owns the business, and an estimated 4–6 month build timeline after pad availability.

Staff recommended pursuing both paths in parallel to better quantify the transaction points and to proceed with early design work so the village can be ready when the pad is transferred. Council did not take a formal vote but supported moving forward with solicitation and deeper financial analysis.