Graceville Commission Moves Forward With Commercial Development, Road and Park Projects

The Graceville City Commission addressed several major projects during its August meeting, including a proposed new Hobo Pantry convenience store and fueling facility, ongoing road and bridge improvements, future work at Tiger Park, stormwater planning and preparations for the upcoming budget and fall community events.

One of the most significant items of the evening involved plans for a new Hobo Pantry development in Graceville. The commission held a public hearing regarding the proposed closure of a portion of Spears Avenue, located just east of Alabama Street and extending approximately 225 feet to Cotton Street. Representatives of the Shirley family explained that closing the section of roadway is necessary to provide enough space for the footprint of the proposed development. The family, which has conducted wholesale business in Graceville for years, plans to construct a larger company- operated Hobo Pantry convenience store featuring a hot-food deli, traditional convenience-store merchandise and multiple fuel options, including gasoline, diesel and non-ethanol fuel.

The proposed development would require approximately three-and-a-half to four acres and would involve redevelopment of the existing property. The larger site would also be designed to accommodate tractor-trailers, which officials said could help keep more fuel purchases and other spending associated with truck traffic within Graceville and Jackson County. Representatives said the company plans to retain its current local employees, continue wholesale operations in Graceville and create additional employment opportunities through the new store. The company also hopes to operate the location 24 hours a day if traffic and business levels support it.

Traffic and road conditions surrounding the proposed development generated considerable discussion. The City Administration said it has been looking into possible grant funding for improvements to roads that would carry the additional commercial truck traffic. Safety at nearby intersections was also discussed because of the existing volume of tractor-trailers associated with local industries. Officials said the city would continue working with the Florida Department of Transportation and other parties as plans develop. Following the public hearing, the commission unanimously approved the resolution vacating the specified portion of Spears Avenue.

The commission also considered a variance request involving property on Washington Avenue. The request would allow a storage building to be placed on a vacant residential lot even though a primary residence is not located on that particular parcel. The Planning Commission had previously reviewed the request and recommended approval. Commissioners unanimously approved the variance, with the storage building required to meet residential setback requirements and remain for private storage rather than residential occupancy. A separate matter involving the possibility of future commercial use of the property was tabled for up to 12 months. If specific commercial plans move forward, the proposal will have to return through the appropriate Planning Commission process before coming back to the City Commission.

Commissioners also received an update on the Cliff Street and Second Avenue improvement project, which includes repaving Second Avenue and Cliff Street from Peanut Road to Prim Avenue as well as work at the bridge. Jake Mathis of David Melvin Engineering, who is working with the project, requested a 30-day extension after an AT&T aerial line interfered with crane operations and had to be relocated. Commissioners were told the extension would not increase the cost of the project. Much of the work so far has focused on the bridge, including driving piles and installing structural components to stabilize the area, with road work expected to follow. The commission approved the 30-day extension, which remained subject to approval from the Florida Department of Transportation.

Another infrastructure item involved a stormwater revitalization vulnerability study that will examine Graceville's existing stormwater system and identify areas needing improvement. The administration explained that stormwater projects have traditionally been difficult to fund, and the study will provide the city with a comprehensive plan that can be used to pursue funding for future improvements. Dewberry Engineering was the only firm responding to the city's request for engineering services. The commission authorized city administration to move forward with negotiations with the firm and funding agency, with a final contract to return to commissioners for approval.

Several ongoing and potential grant projects were also discussed, including additional improvements at Tiger Park. City officials said they are exploring a grant opportunity through the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program that could be used to continue improving the park. The potential funding would be separate from the grant already associated with the planned splash pad and playground improvements and could be used for additional needs such as bridges and pavilion improvements.

The Administration acknowledged that progress on the splash pad has taken longer than many residents had hoped. The environmental review process has been complicated by portions of Tiger Park being located within the 100-year floodplain, along with archaeological and other requirements associated with the funding. However, city administration reported that another round of information has been submitted for review and expressed hope that the city could soon be released to begin moving further into the design phase of the project.

Commercial growth remained a recurring theme throughout the meeting. Officials emphasized the importance of attracting new businesses and increasing the city's commercial tax base, particularly amid uncertainty surrounding the future of property tax revenues. New commercial developments can provide additional sales and fuel tax revenue while also adding millions of dollars in new development to local property tax rolls. Officials said projects currently being discussed could represent several million dollars each in new commercial investment and stressed the importance of continuing to pursue economic development opportunities for Graceville.

The city is also preparing for the upcoming budget process. Staff reported that preliminary work had been completed on the expense side of the budget and meetings had been held with department heads, although the city was still awaiting several state revenue estimates, including revenue sharing, gas tax and communications tax figures.

Preparations are also underway for Graceville's busy fall event season. City Administration reported that vendor spaces for the Graceville Harvest Festival have already filled and registrations are coming in for the car show. The Harvest Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17. Plans are also being developed for Autumnfest in October, with officials discussing holding the event on the Thursday evening before Halloween to make setup and staffing easier while allowing traditional trick-or-treating to remain on Halloween night.

Code enforcement efforts were also discussed, with officials reporting noticeable improvements at several properties throughout the city. Sanders Avenue was specifically mentioned as an area where cleanup efforts have resulted in significant improvements and positive feedback from nearby residents. Officials also reported major improvements to the former trailer park property at the corner of Highway 77 and Pelham Avenue, where old trailers and deteriorated fencing have been removed and renovation work is underway on the remaining house. Several other properties needing attention were discussed, with staff agreeing to continue following up on overgrown lots, drainage and other concerns.

The commission also recognized continued growth at Baptist University of Florida and the university's economic impact on Graceville. Commissioners noted additional development taking place at the university, including new athletic facilities, and encouraged the community to continue welcoming students and supporting the institution.

During public comments, Regina Wolfgang praised recent communication with city staff and reported continued progress on improvements to property in the downtown area. Possible plans were also discussed for adding food trucks and other activities during community events to provide additional attractions for visitors.

Commissioners concluded the meeting by highlighting positive developments taking place throughout Graceville and thanking city employees, law enforcement officers, local businesses and residents for their efforts. Residents were reminded that school is back in session and were urged to watch for children walking to and from school, obey speed limits and stop when school buses have their stop signs extended. Commissioners also encouraged residents to support Graceville High School athletics as the Tigers celebrate 100 years of Graceville football and continue efforts to rebuild the program.

The meeting ended with an emphasis on community involvement and the importance of supporting local businesses, schools, city employees and efforts to bring new investment to Graceville as several projects continue moving forward.