Main Street Exchange

Praised city staff for a thorough presentation on sanitary sewer capacity for the Exchange project after he raised concerns — said staff 'knocked it out of the park.'

Spoke for First United Methodist Church next door — excited about the responsive design changes and the added traffic and vitality, willing to endure construction pain for the gain.

Owner of the Sandpiper Cafe across the street gave his vote of approval, excited the long-vacant site is finally being redeveloped.

A downtown resident and Chamber of Commerce member said the project would give residents options so they never have to leave the city, and the Chamber is already seeing positive buzz.

Speaking for the Sierra Club, expressed disappointment that this and other signature downtown projects lack solar power and offered the club's solar professionals to help developers, citing the city's 2050 clean-energy commitment.

Called the project transformation of Dunedin's most underutilized real estate; asked about the 966 Douglas construction and suggested planning for about 50 bicycle racks.

Warned that with the new garage and marina, downtown's main intersection will get very busy in three years and suggested considering diagonal 'barn dance' crossings and traffic management.

Asked whether any engineering analysis has been done on HVAC noise levels from the hotel and restaurants.

Longtime Dunedin restaurateur (Bon Appetit) gave strong support, calling it exactly the kind of thoughtful mixed-use project a healthy downtown needs.

Representing the Dunedin Public Theater Foundation, he worried the theater marquee is misleading — the space is a multipurpose event room, not a performing arts facility, and it could compete with the foundation's mission.

The St. Francis of Assisi pastor called the project exciting for the community's youth and strongly recommended favorable approval.

A Palmetto Street resident opposed the project, citing Austin's Rainey Street as a cautionary tale, questioning the need for another hotel when Grant Street sits empty most of the year.

A former downtown resident supported the project, liking the colors, the family-friendly theater, and the added parking — while urging that parking fees stay affordable.