City plans for Lincolnville property

St. Augustine Public Information Coordinator Cathy DuPont informed local Historic City News reporters today that Planning and Building Director Mark Knight will address the city commission at their Monday night meeting regarding the future of the M&M Market.

The property, located at 102 Bridge Street, was the source of 608 various citizen complaint calls handled by the St Augustine Police Department in the 24 months prior to its seizure last November.

The owners of the property were being prosecuted under Florida’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act. The Act prohibits the acquisition or maintenance of an enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity and gave police authority to seize assets used in that illegal activity.

In order to settle legal arguments, the city made the controversial decision to spend $300,000 to buy the Market; thereby having some control over whom the next owner or occupant will be.

Knight will outline plans for a “Request for Proposals” for the renovation and use of the property.

The city has urged Lincolnville residents to voice their ideas for the building’s future use; with some ideas ranging from restaurant and grocery to a civil rights museum.

If you are planning to attend — the regular St. Augustine City Commission meeting will begin at 5:00 p.m. Monday and will be held in the Alcazar Room; on the first floor of City Hall, located at 75 King Street in St. Augustine. It will be broadcast live on Comcast Government TV (Cable Channel 3) and is streamed over the Internet.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News staff photographer