Dunedin Officials Look To Close Gateway Deal

The proposed retail and 124-unit apartment complex planned for a prime downtown parcel may get the official stamp of approval from Dunedin leaders Thursday.

Leaders cast their final vote on the long-awaited, amended development deal for the Gateway project during the regular Sept. 12 commission meeting at City Hall.

City leaders were originally slated to to finalize the deal for Pizzuti Companies to build a trend-setting, mixed retail and 124-unit apartment complex on the 4.1-acre site on Aug. 15, but the second public hearing was postponed so city staff could continue work on the lease's option to purchase.

At the first public hearing on the deal, city leaders had some concerns about parking and the financial effects of a proposed incentive package packed with unprecedented discounts meant to help Pizzuti get the $15 million project moving.

An extended economic downturn caused Pizzuti to stall the second half of its purchase of the prime downtown parcel since 2007. The property, located at the corner of Main Street and Milwaukee Avenue, remained vacant during that time as officials and developers waited for an upturn in the real estate market.

City officials believe once the project is constructed could bring an estimated $952,000 to city coffers in its first year, according to city documents. The project would also create 82 temporary construction jobs and 120 permanent jobs, according to city estimates.