PALM BAY -- City leaders have to decide whether to renovate
or raze a municipal building on Main Street that lost its roof to Hurricane Jeanne.
The 3,800-square-foot building housed the community development and code compliance division, which have moved permanently
to the second floor a bank building at 5240 Babcock St.
The city's insurance carrier and engineering division staff are reviewing the damage. An outside engineering firm is studying
the structure, with a recommendation expected next month.
Chris Norton, community development director, has three options for the city officials to consider:
Tear the building down and leave green space.
Salvage the building and renovate it as a public meeting place.
Take requests to renovate the building for another use.
City officials have no estimates yet on how much any of the options might cost.
Norton asked members of the Bayfront Community Redevelopment Agency for opinions on the building at 1575 Main St., which
is within that group's area.
Chairman Charles Christy said the site could provide much-needed parking in the area, for those walking to the Bayfront
for recreation.
"There is also the possibility of restrooms there, too," he said.
Commissioner Michael McGarry said the site also could offer a green space with trees.
"I think we need to hold off a decision until we know whether there will be a roundabout in the roadway there and whether
we need more space for that," he said. A plan to renovate a sector of Palm Bay Road in that area includes preliminary consideration
of a circular area, possibly with fountain or clock tower, to slow down traffic.
Commissioner James Ritter said parking is a good idea, and he doesn't think the city needs more meeting rooms. He suggested
an area for visitors to the Bayfront district, too.
Contact Jump at 409-1423 or ljump@flatoday.net
