Selby Gardens presents plans to residents

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens leaders are eager to implement changes outlined in a new master plan for the property — but first, they’ll need the city’s approval.

On Oct. 16, Selby began the process of seeking adjustments to city regulations to accommodate the master plan. Proposed additions to the Selby campus include a parking garage, restaurant, welcome center and greenhouse complex. In total, the changes are expected to cost $67 million.

Selby needs a comprehensive plan amendment to change the zoning of its 14-acre bayfront property. The land is zoned for residential development. Selby is asking the city to change the land to an urban edge classification, designed for mixed-use projects.

The city typically processes comprehensive plan amendments on an annual basis in May. But on Oct. 16, the City Commission approved a request to fast-track that process. If Selby files plans in January, it could be approved as soon as October 2018.

Before officially filing a proposal with the city, Selby is meeting with neighboring residents to gather feedback on the master plan. On Saturday, Selby representatives attended the Hudson Bayou Neighborhood Association meeting. On Friday, Oct. 27, Selby will give a presentation to the Hudson Harbour condominium.

These targeted meetings are a prelude to a formal community workshop at City Hall, scheduled for Nov. 7. Chris Cianfaglione, a landscape production designer with Kimley-Horn working on the Selby master plan, said resident input would help guide the final product submitted to the city.

Selby intends to implement the master plan in a three-phase process over the course of a decade, according to President and CEO Jennifer Rominecki.