Sebastian still considering 1.3-acre waterfront land purchase, but the price may be too high

Janet Begley, Treasure Coast Newspapers
·3 min read

SEBASTIAN — It will take another appraisal before the City Council can decide whether to make an offer to purchase 1.3 acres next to Fisherman’s Landing along the working waterfront.

The council Wednesday voted 4-1 to get another appraisal. Councilman Bob McPartland voted no.

“I’m a big fat no on this,” said McPartlan. “I don’t think we need to be in the real estate business.”

The waterfront property spans both sides of Indian River Drive and is on the market for $2.9 million. The first appraisal obtained by the city came in significantly below the asking price, prompting council members to ask for the second appraisal.

State law prohibits the city from revealing that appraisal since it's already in negotiations and has an option to buy the property.

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It’s the prime location of the land that has the city interested in the property since it's are trying to preserve as much of the waterfront as possible to save it from investors.  Many are concerned that the land could be developed into homes or condominiums that could ruin the waterfront view along the riverfront.

There’s also concerns about the fate of the Hurricane Harbor building that houses the Crab-E-Bill's fish market. The council already has put a halt to any more repairs on the city-owned structure, and said it will not renew the fish market’s lease when it expires in 2024.

If the city is able to purchase the adjacent property, it would have additional land if it decides to raze the old building and replace it with a new one. It would also expand the working waterfront, which is in need of additional dock space to support the fishing and aquaculture businesses along the river.

The two parcels are located on the east and west sides of Indian River Drive and are offered for $2.9 million.
The two parcels are located on the east and west sides of Indian River Drive and are offered for $2.9 million.

Vice Mayor Fred Jones said he believes the city should purchase the land if the price is right.

“People come to Sebastian because of the view we have on the waterfront,” said Jones. “And this is right next to Fisherman’s Landing and it will enhance the city if the price is right.”

Councilman Ed Dodd said the property’s location next to the working waterfront is beneficial and the lot on the other side of Indian River Drive could be resold to offset the purchase price.

“I think there’s an advantage to the city of Sebastian in purchasing this property,” said Dodd. But if the appraisal still comes in below the asking price, the city can try to negotiate. It always can walk away, he said.

It’s not the only piece of property the city may try to sell. Several years ago, the city bought the decaying Harbor Lights Motel on the south end of Indian River Drive near the boat ramp on Main Street.

The east side of the property has riverfront views while the old motel on the west side will be used for police training. When training is complete, the city will tear it down, City Manager Paul Carlisle said. But it will be several more months before the property can be put up for sale.

Janet Begley is a local freelance writer for TCPalm.com. If you like articles like this and other TCPalm coverage of Treasure Coast news, please support our journalism and subscribe now.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Sebastian council members weighing purchase of acres along waterfront