The Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency on March 31 authorized staff to obtain an appraisal and to begin negotiation discussions for the property at 1236/1238 Avenue D, a parcel adjacent to the Highwaymen Museum and FPRA-owned plaza. The motion passed by unanimous roll call.

Staff told the board that the property owner had engaged in preliminary discussions with FPRA staff and that the owner expressed interest in selling. FPRA staff said the parcel is important to the agency's Lincoln Park master-plan work and identified parking, connectivity to the museum and the condition of an alleyway behind the parcel as key concerns for redevelopment or acquisition.

Several commissioners urged rapid action. Commissioner Broderick characterized the building as "functionally obsolete" for private redevelopment and recommended a quick appraisal and negotiation so the city could secure the parcel for future public uses such as parking, plaza extension or other museum-supporting amenities. Commissioners also raised concerns about activity in the alley adjacent to the parcel and said securing the site would reduce safety and blight risks.

On a motion and second, the board voted yes (Commissioners Gaines, Johnson, Taylor, Broderick and Chairwoman Hudson) to authorize staff to secure an appraisal and to begin negotiations based on appraisal findings and to return to the board with recommended terms.