On May 9, 2025 the City’s Community Redevelopment Agency closed on the purchase of the Riverside Inn located at 7631 US Hwy 19 on the southwest corner of the US Hwy 19 Bridge.   As the CRA Directors are aware, the Community Redevelopment Plan and the Downtown and Highway 19 Corridor Master Plan identify the property as one of the community’s most important opportunities for redevelopment.  Subsequent to the assemblage of the property, important concepts include redeveloping the existing  motel and surrounding area into a mix of commercial and recreational uses, and marine uses, and/ or water-oriented residential development or possibility, a visually distinctive, walkable district that enhances the gateway and takes advantage of the waterfront location, incorporating a mix of uses, internal streets, public gathering places on the River, landscaping enhancements, and boat launch.

The first step in the redevelopment process is to secure the property from potential vandalism, material theft, criminal activity, unauthorized occupancy, and potential fire hazards.  All of which are a threat to public safety and an increase liability to the City.  Subsequent to a review from City Administrative staff, it has been determined that to effectively reduce the City’s liability, demolition of the structures should proceed as soon as possible.  As part of the demolition of the structures an asbestos analysis of the site will be conducted.