Leesburg commissioners have voted to begin the $1.5 million renovation of the Venetian Cove Marina.
Recreation Department Director Travis Rima at Monday’s commission meeting outlined the project which includes the demolition of the existing structure and repair of existing wet slips which are currently rented out. The existing marina building would be replaced by a new building which would include offices, a reception area and public restrooms. The restrooms will be accessible from both inside the building and, when the offices are closed, from the outside.
The commissioners discussed the two proposals presented by Rima for the exterior of the building. One proposal includes a cupola extension on the marina building to complement the Venetian Center building while the other has no cupola. The cupola added to the building would increase the cost from $587,190 to $633,190.
Commissioner Jay Connell pointed out that the marina building would be some distance away from the Venetian Center and that the cupola would add $40,000 to the projects costs. He was said it was a “waste of money.” He was in favor of the project without the cupola. The other four commissioners supported the building with the cupola.
The plan also calls for repair of some of the existing 44 wet slips and the addition of 42 new wet slips. Commissioner Mike Pederson said there has been a waiting list for the existing wet slips for a long time. Connell noted that the projected cost of the demolition of the old building and the construction of the new building along with the repair and additional new slips would be $1.5 million. Connell said that the projected wet slip revenue of $158,412 would pay for the total project after 10 years. City Manager Al Minner said there are 50 persons on the waiting list and suggested that the city establish a $150 waiting list fee to ensure that the all slips would be rented at the conclusion of the project. The commissioners approved of that idea unanimously .
The city will start the design phase and will seek bids for the construction of the improvements after the design is finalized.
