What will go on the Vero Beach power-plant site? City again is asking for community input

VERO BEACH — Now that the city is out of the electric business, it can refocus attention to the waterfront site that housed the municipal power plant.

What to do with that lhas been discussed for years, as the city tried to sell the electric system to Florida Power & Light Co. The $185 million deal finalized Dec. 17, prompting renewed discussion on what to do with the 13 acres off Indian River Boulevard, just north of the Alma Lee Loy Bridge. 

"Now we can start working on this project," said City Manager Jim O'Connor.

The city has asked for community input before, O'Connor said, but this time, the city wants the entire community to be heard.

More:City of Vero Beach, FPL sign papers finalizing sale of Vero Beach electric system

There's about 37 acres of public property — including the former Post Office annex, wastewater treatment facility and power plant — available for new uses.up for consideration. All three parcels are at 17th Street and Indian River Boulevard, sometimes referred to as the Three Corners.

The wastewater treatment plant likely will be unavailable for the next three to five years. Part of the former Post Office site will be used for an FPL substation. 

More:Vero Beach considering consultant to develop plan for the electric plant property

Nothing can be done for at least a year while FPL continues uses the substation in front of the power plant. When FPL builds its new substation at the former post office annex, the city can dismantle the power plant building and substation, O'Connor. said.

Mayor Harry Howle said he expects it to take years for the city to decide what to do with the property. 

The city plans to hire a consultant, who would poll the community on what it wants on the site.

In 2016, the city sought community input through a series of workshops. Some 300 people attended, offering about 30 suggestions, from a waterfront restaurant and an Old Vero Man exhibit museum to an expansion of the city marina and a park. Suggestions favored a mixed-use plan rather than using the property for a single purpose. 

More:As Vero Beach electric sale is finalized, city considers future of the power plant site

Future of the is likely to dominate Tuesday evening's public workshop, whose intent is to discuss a master recreation plan, said Recreation Director Rob Slezak. 

The city likely will have to restart the process over how to use the property, he said. 

The City Charter requires that the wastewater treatment site and the power plant be used only public use. Any change requires voter approval. 

Howle envisions development similar to the  Fort Pierce waterfront district, with a marina and restaurants that attract visitors and generate tax revenue for the city. 

"What we don't need is another park," he said. "We have 36 of those."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: A public workshop to solicit input on the recreation master plan, which would include future use of the former power-pant land and the former Dodgertown golf course. 

WHEN: 6 p.m. Tuesday

WHERE: Vero Beach City Hall, 1053 20th Place

MORE INFORMATION: Call 772-978-4700