PORT RICHEY, Fla. — The Port Richey waterfront’s potential to boost the city’s economy has been talked about for more than 25 years.
Now, leaders are asking the public what they want to see when it comes to new development in the Cotee River Landing area.
An open house will take place at Port Richey City Hall from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday. A survey can also be filled out until June 6.
What You Need To Know
- The city of Port Richey is holding an open house on May 30 to get the public’s input on the future of the Cotee River Landing area
- People can let city leaders know what businesses, activities, and amenities they’d like to see in the waterfront district at the meeting or by filling out an online survey
- Learn more about the Imagine Cotee River Landing project here
“Probably the heart and soul of the city,” City Manager Matthew Coppler said of the area along the Pithlachascotee River and Miller’s Bayou that includes landmarks like Gil Dawg’s, Nick’s Park, and Whiskey Joe’s. “It’s where a lot of the activity that residents participate in, on the weekends especially, will be found.”
The city is looking to the waterfront’s future with its “Imagine Cotee River Landing” project.
A planning framework report released earlier this month says leaders came up with the Waterfront District Intermodal Master Plan Part I in 1998, with Part II following in 2001. They envisioned the district as a “vibrant local and regional destination for commerce, recreation, and entertainment.”
“The community, for the last 20-plus years, has been planning for something big to happen there. We’re at the point now where that hasn’t happened, and we want to refocus and decide what the future looks like for the Cotee River Landing,” Coppler said.
The city of #PortRichey is holding an open house meeting tomorrow from 4-7:30 to hear what people want to see as far as development and public spaces in the Cotee River Landing. The economic impact this area could have on the city has long been talked about. @BN9 #bn9pasco pic.twitter.com/gDTvtNHcKb
— Sarah Blazonis (@SarahBlazonis) May 29, 2024
Coppler confirmed a local developer has come forward with ideas to redevelop land near Gil Dawg’s. Building condos was one possibility mentioned, but Coppler said talks are in very early stages.
“Really hasn’t stepped forward with any concrete plans yet, which is a good thing for our community because it gives us an opportunity to understand what our residents want to see in this very important area,” he said.
The report the developer’s early concepts don’t align with current city policies and standards.
An open house planned for Thursday is meant to give residents a chance to weigh in on the types of businesses, activities, and amenities they’d like to see.
“Do they want to keep it the slow, kind of fishing village concept like is already started? Or do they want something a little bit more, you know, have more density, higher buildings?” Coppler said.
Some said they’re concerned about what development could bring. One business owner and resident told Spectrum News he’d be in favor of projects like revamping Nick’s Park and its boat ramp, but said when it comes to larger undertakings, like a potential condo building, he doesn’t think the area is large enough or has enough parking to support it.
Coppler said development will eventually come to the waterfront.
“What we’re saying is, why just let it happen?” he said. “Let’s let it happen in a way that benefits us as residents and provides us those amenities that we want.”
