Nov. 3--PALMETTO -- Two doctors plan to convert an old metal building into medical office space and a possible art gallery, antique shop, or other artisan/craftsman use.

That was the proposal the city commission, acting as the Community Redevelopment Agency board, approved Monday.

Dr. Karen Raimer and Dr. Mark Alkire, of Palmetto, offered to purchase the old 3,600-square-foot CBI Building, 924 Fifth St. W., for $100,000 and add a brick veneer facade with stucco accents.

The exterior architectural design will be similar to the Old Main Street structures, maintaining the 1920s small town character, Mary Marsh Lasseter, the project architect, told the board. The CRA purchased the property for $764,500 several years ago.

The proposal of Raimer and Alkire was the only one received, and the CRA Advisory Board recommended the CRA board accept the proposal.

Commissioner Tambra Varnadore said she supported the proposal and was looking forward to seeing more medical offices in the city. The doctors agreed in principle that if they do not complete the project within two years, the CRA will reclaim the property.

Once a contract for sale has been negotiated, the city commission will hold a public hearing on the proposal.

In other city business, the commissioners, acting as the city commission, heard an update on the realignment of 23rd Street West and the new ballfields.

Public Works Department Director Alan Tusing told commissioners the engineers have 30 percent of the design completed and asked to put the construction of the project out for bid. The commissioners approved Tusing's request. With bid proposals in hand, he said he would have a better idea of the costs. "It doesn't mean we have to build right away," Tusing said. "It can all hinge on funding."

A funding source for the project has not been decided since the city removed it as a federal stimulus project. The federal requirements would have slowed down the road construction, which in turn would have delayed building the ballpark complex. Mayor Shirley Groover-Bryant spoked with state Rep. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, about getting some state funds for the road project, Tusing said. City officials also are working with the county to shift monies around to help pay for the road, he said.

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