In this week’s Outtakes, I write about the bad decisions made by politicians and local boards that have had consequences. Read Bad Decisions Hurt.
I mentioned one such decision was the failure of Mayor Ashton Hayward to put his full support behind the downtown YMCA being built at parcel 8 at the Community Maritime Park in March 2012.
After two city council meetings, a CMPA (Community Maritime Park Associates) Audit and Operations meeting, two CMPA meetings and multiple meetings with City Administration, the CMPA board voted to offer another parcel off the water after the Pensacola City Council had approved the project and a draft lease agreement for parcel 8.
The YMCA team began private discussions in December 2012 with CMPA chair Collier Merrill and Mayor Hayward. They then worked through several lease drafts with City Attorney Jim Messer before bringing the matter to the city council.
Some council members took issue with the private meetings, accusing them of violating Florida Sunshine laws. YMCA representatives have maintained that they were following the path suggested by city officials.
After much discussion, the Pensacola City Council approved the Y’s proposed lease in concept and left the details to the CMPA.
However, others used the time between meetings to further derail the lease by complaining about the process. Mayor Hayward failed to put his office’s influence behind the measure.
CMPA board member Fred Gunther made a motion ‘offering up parcels 5 and 6, instead of 8.’ He argued his motion within the bounds of the council’s directive and also contended that the CMPA board was not beholden to the council. He said he made his motion to reflect concerns raised by the CMPA’s Audit and Operations Committee, of which he is a member.
The CMPA board voted 6-4 to instead offer up parcels five or six to the Y.
After the vote, Merrill said, “I think we have made a big mistake doing what we did here.”
The YMCA withdrew its request and built on Intendencia. The Pensacola City Council would further debate the process.
The CMPA would later be dissolved.