Commission approves amended River Race development agreement and consultant scope to address flooding; consultant work priced at $23,500

The Redevelopment Commission on May 12 approved two related actions for the River Race residential project: an amended development agreement updating exhibits, pricing expectations and milestones, and a separate, revised consultant agreement to compile public‑right‑of‑way design documents and prepare construction bid packages.

Becky (Redevelopment staff) summarized the amended development agreement: the project is three residential structures with six units each (18 townhomes) and staff updated the anticipated private investment to approximately $9 million. Prior sales pricing presented to the commission had aimed at $700–800,000 per unit; developers have shifted pricing toward a lower entry point to make units more affordable, and staff indicated $500,000 is a realistic starting price. The amendment extends the closing deadline to Aug. 1 and incorporates finalized site construction plans, plats and renderings. Staff said they are awaiting brownfield closure documents before certain milestones can be completed.

Separately, staff presented a revised engineering/consultant scope with Avanar/Abiden Marsh Consultants to assemble the public‑right‑of‑way design elements into bid‑ready specifications. The scope was expanded to add alley survey work and reinstate an abandoned storm‑sewer connection where recent development reportedly created new flooding onto an adjacent property. Becky said the additional scope is to ensure sewer and water taps are correctly configured before occupancy; staff reported the consultant scope of services at $23,500.

Commissioners confirmed the amendment does not add obligations to the city and clarified that the city will maintain native landscaping in a pocket green space between the roadway and the canal. The commission approved the amended development agreement and the revised consultant agreement by unanimous vote (5‑0).

Outcome: amended development agreement approved (updates to pricing, exhibits and schedule); consultant agreement for public infrastructure design and bidding authorized at a reported fee of $23,500.