Online city portal
The City of Plant City recently rolled out a new software system that allows applying for permits to be done remotely.
MaintStar is an online portal that grants convenient access to business related to engineering as well as building and zoning with the click of a button.
The California-based company not only offers permit application, but users can schedule inspections, track permit status, and upload documents to and from the portal.
Kent Andrel is the director of the Plant City Information Technology Department. He and his team have overseen the new implementation.
“This will allow portal users to select any type of permit or application they would like to apply for,” he said. “It’ll also allow portal users to make payments for permits.”
When an application is submitted, its designated department will review it to make sure that the information is correct, and that any required documents are included.
If any information is not included or needs to be changed, the applicant will be notified by email about what needs to be addressed.
The Plant City City Commission had initially approved its installment to the city’s website in October 2018.
However, training and on-site assistance were stalled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the software now available, property owners, contractors, and agents, among others, can skip traveling directly to city departments for these services.
Creating a profile and logging on are free, and users can check any notifications that have been sent to them.
“Once logged in, the user has the opportunity to click on ‘My Profile,’ which will show the user’s account information and any credentials that apply to that user,” Andrel explained.
One feature that does not require log in, is a map of Plant City. Red dots indicate where different properties are located and describes whether it falls under operations such as engineering, planning or code enforcement.
The online portal can be accessed by visiting the Building, Engineering, or Planning and Zoning Department pages on the City of Plant City website: PlantCityGov.com.
It can also be found by visiting: https://H8.MaintStar.co/PlantCityPortal/#/.
Mixed-use development
Plant City City Manager Bill McDaniel is in continuous negotiations with the Plant City Development Group LLC on constructing a commercial-residential development. It will be situated on the former post office property off Reynolds Street and across from city hall in downtown Plant City.
As it currently stands, the five-floor structure will have 123 apartment units, with the option of one, two or three-bedroom units.
The apartments will range from 700 square feet to 1,440 square feet, depending on the number of rooms. Rent for a one bedroom is approximately $1,750. A two bedroom is $1,950, and a three bedroom is $2,250. However, the monthly costs are subject to change.
The first floor, spanning 4,736 square feet, will be for commercial use and will be accommodated with at least one restaurant.
The 3,000 square-foot rooftop will also provide a social atmosphere as it will hold a bar and grill.
Other amenities include a pool on the second floor, a gym, cabanas, and conference rooms.
There are plans to make the development similar to 1940s and 1950s architecture.
This includes a clock tower, brick façade, arched windows, and cast-iron overhangs.
“We’re doing a first-floor parking level, it’s not structured parking,” said Sandy Marks of Plant City Development Group LLC. “There’s 91 spaces beneath the building.”
However, Plant City Development would like to acquire additional property to build parking spaces.
The company has requested to lease the vacant lot at 404 W. Mahoney St., from the city, for $2,000 a month. It also is willing to fund repaving the land into a parking lot and adding a landscape buffer.
Marks estimates that it might be enough land for 22 parking spaces.
What’s more, the company wants to partner with the city to lease all 28 parking spaces on Northwest Drane Street, with a lease of $600 a month.
He stated that, “We’re talking to the city about possibly leasing 22 additional parking spaces for residential tenants. We’re in negotiations with two to three individuals that have lots that could lead to anywhere between 20 and 30 additional spaces. We’re striving to get closer to 180. That’s our goal.”
The city commission praised the proposed project and passed it by a vote of 5-0.
The Plant City Development Group LLC. will go before the commission at a later date to seek approval for its financing plan. This also comes as City Manager Bill McDaniel has been authorized to secure the purchase of a parcel of land.
The land is located at the southwest corner of South Wheeler Street and West Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
This property could potentially be used as a parking lot as well. This purchase would be for $350,000, plus closing costs.
The city has until March 15 to move forward.