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Eustis To Further Consider Selling Community Building, Park Property

    A divided Eustis City Commission has advanced discussions that could lead to the city selling the Eustis Community Center and adjoining property to a private developer.  By consensus, the commission has agreed to enter formal sale discussions with representatives of the proposed Aquilo Resort and Residences, which is a proposed commercial and residential development at the site.
    AQ Mixed Use Lake Eustis, LLC is the official developer of the project.
    The two parties are expected to spend the next three months negotiating details of the proposal, with the commission to consider a formal sale contract at that time.
    Describing a ‘complete waterfront destination’, the development proposes an 83-room hotel, multiple restaurants, a rooftop bar and grill, a wellness center, event venue, 40-50 apartments, 10 lakefront townhomes, 6,500 square feet of office space, and a 342 space parking garage.
    In all, a $70 million investment is envisioned for the site that was donated to the city years ago for public use.
    “It’s been 20 years since the hospital left, we need to get started,” said commissioner Gary Ashcraft in support of the project.
    “It’s a privilege to have the city considered,” said commissioner George Asbate, another proponent.  He was joined by Mayor Emily Lee and commissioner Mike Holland in agreeing that negotiations should continue.
    Only commissioner Willie Hawkins voiced significant opposition to the plan. Hawkins said staff proposals that could see community building functions shifted to the city’s smaller senior center would result is some events not able to be held due to size constrictions.  He also wondered why the city was moving forward with a single developer instead of marketing the properties on the open market if they are to be sold.
    “Is that fair to a citizen,” he asked.
    In response, it was opined that large events could seek private settings for events, with LifePointe Church being specifically mentioned as a potential place to hold large events.
    During the meeting it was stated the city’s previous management team had approached the developer about its interest in the site. With representatives on hand, the developer sated the company had spent months and ‘several million dollars’ on the project, and deserved to be able to move forward.
    It was agreed there would be a 30-day period for other potential land suitors to come forward.
    During the meeting’s public comment period, several people spoke on the issue.  Area developer Daniel Divenanzo and Bay Pharmacy owner George Warren spoke in favor of least continuing discussion, while several more spoke in clear opposition.  Concerns raised included not having a broad solicitation of the property to get the best deal possible and feeling the loss of the community center would be a detriment to the community.