The City Commission on Tuesday voted unanimously to authorize the city manager to continue negotiations with the owner of a 1.18‑acre parcel on the south side of May Street next to Hospital Creek rather than immediately approve a purchase at the owner’s asking price.

Staff said the property had been ranked for conservation and that an appraisal had been completed; the property owner offered $1,300,000. Because the conservation program had been structured to buy properties at appraised value, staff brought the parcel forward as a standalone real‑estate purchase for the commission to consider.

Why it matters: The site sits at a key entry point to St. Augustine, offers deep‑water access to Hospital Creek and, if preserved, would protect a marsh vista at one of the city’s gateways. Supporters urged purchase to preserve green space and add potential public access such as a non‑motorized boat launch. Opponents and some commissioners said paying above appraisal risks depleting city reserves and asked staff to try to negotiate the price down or return with additional financial detail.

Public comment and community views
Multiple residents who live near the property or who use Hospital Creek addressed the commission in favor of purchase. Speakers included Scott York, Roger Van Dusen, James Carr, Melinda Ricansaye and Brad Beach; they urged the city to preserve the environmentally fragile parcel, cited recreational benefits (kayak/paddle access and vistas) and noted that the site is a visible entry to the city from Vilano Beach.

Staff presentation and fiscal context
Assistant City Manager Ruben Franklin reviewed the procurement path and told the commission the appraisal had been completed and that Mr. Van Dyke had offered $1,300,000. Franklin said the property had been the highest‑ranked conservation parcel in a prior staff evaluation. He also said the city has roughly $3,000,000 in unrestricted general‑fund reserves that could be used for the purchase; using that balance for this and two other conservation parcels discussed earlier would reduce reserves substantially, though staff noted the city has pursued grant reimbursement in prior conservation purchases and could seek similar reimbursements for eligible properties.

Legal and site issues
Commissioners asked about access and potential development scenarios. Staff said May Street is a Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) facility and any new driveway or vehicle access from May Street would require DOT permitting; the city also controls a south‑side right of way on San Carlos Avenue. Staff noted a pending suit involving the city and some property owners on Hospital Creek related to docks; that litigation did not prevent the commission from considering a purchase.

Owner comment
Property owner Kevin Van Dyke addressed the commission and said he believed the appraisal undervalued the site because it assessed the property as residential and did not account for commercial and entry‑way value; he asked the commission to consider his asking price and argued the parcel’s strategic location justified the figure.

Commission action and outcome
Commissioners expressed a range of views. Several said they support acquiring the property for conservation and city entryway purposes but cautioned against paying significantly above an appraisal without further negotiation or a clearer long‑term stewardship plan (maintenance, access, staffing and potential costs for a park or launch). After discussion the commission voted to authorize the city manager to continue negotiations with the owner rather than adopt the purchase resolution as presented. The motion carried unanimously.

Next steps
Staff were directed to continue discussions with the property owner and return with updated terms and financial details if negotiations produce an offer acceptable to the city. Commissioners and staff said they will also evaluate grant opportunities and stewardship obligations before a final purchase decision.