Vero Beach voters to make decisions on downtown's future; 2 referendums on Nov. 5 ballot

VERO BEACH — The ease of improving downtown hinges on two referendums, both of which will be on the Nov. 5 ballot.

One would more than double the density of housing downtown, from 17 units per acre to 36 units per acre; another, more technical issue, would allow transfer of development rights.

Transfer of development rights allows one property owner the ability to buy already-approved but unbuilt units from another property owner and develop at a higher density.

"As we try to make the city more attractive to young people, you have to give them incentive to be here," said Mayor John Cotugno. "The referendums lay the foundation for creating those incentives."

Duany's plan for downtown

Both referendums are the first step in realizing urban planner Andres Duany's master plan for downtown — particularly the four blocks of 14th Avenue between 19th and 23rd Street.

The master plan envisions affordable studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, which require higher density. More housing drives walkability and nightlife, such as upscale bars and restaurants.

To successfully revitalize downtown, Duany has said, density must be increased to 60 units per acre. However, the city opted for a more conservative 36 units per acre, still a 112% increase.

The two-story Pocahontas Park Building, for example, permits 70 units per acre.

"The feeling was that 60 units per acre would be too large of an increase to pass," said Cotugno. "Thirty six units per acre is easier to digest, but is not restrictive."

The City Council voted 4-1 Tuesday to place the referendums on the ballot. Tracey Zudans — the lone dissenter — stressed patience.

"I think waiting and educating the public is a better option. Residents only have a few months to understand what a density change is," she said. "The No. 1 thing on voters' minds is traffic, infrastructure and overdevelopment.

"I am worried that the referendum will fail and we might miss out on something beneficial," she said.

Cotugno disagrees.

"We've got many residents who are onboard, and the city has done its due-diligence," said the mayor. "This is not out of the blue.

"It is time to present this to the voters," said Cotugno. "The future of this project is now in the hands of the people."

If voters pass one referendum and not the other, it would make it more challenging for the city to execute the downtown-redevelopment plan, said Jason Jeffries, city planning and development director. Nick Slater is TCPalm's Indian River County Watchdog reporter. You can reach him at Nick.Slater@tcpalm.com and 224-830-2875 .

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Vero Beach voters to make decisions on downtown's future; 2 referendums on Nov. 5 ballot