The Anna Maria City Pier tenant is changing his tune.
City Pier Restaurant owner Mario Schoenfelder previously told the city he had no intention of helping with rehabilitation work on the city pier. Now he’s offering to chip in.
On March 20, Schoenfelder wrote to the city stating he would not pay for rehab work proposed by the city.
City hall received a second letter May 9 from Schoenfelder offering to pay up to $500,000 of the rehab cost if the city extends the lease 10 years.
Schoenfelder also is asking that if the pier is closed during the rehab, then his lease should be extended to compensate for the time lost.
Schoenfelder said in his letter, “In exchange for my offer, I am asking for a renewal of the lease for 10 more years plus the time of closure.” He wants two rent-free years then a lease payment of $12,000 a month for five years, finishing with $13,000 a month for the remainder of the lease.
Schoenfelder’s current lease with the city expires Dec. 15, 2020. He pays the city $10,080 a month.
The original lease was signed Dec. 16, 2000, for payments of $5,000 a month. The lease rate has increased by 10 percent at one- to three-year intervals.
Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said he’s considering the proposal, but needs direction the city commission before acting.
The city is currently looking for funding sources, such as grants from the federal government and Manatee County to pay for the proposed rehab work that would extend the life of the pier 20-25 years.
Anna Maria City Pier index
• The pier is owned by the city of Anna Maria.
• The pier, restaurant and parking lot are leased by Mario Schoenfelder dba TCPR Inc.
• The pier was built in 1911 and has been repaired multiple times.
• The current rehabilitation project is estimated to cost $1.4 million-$1.7 million.
• Rehab will extend the life of the pier by 20-25 years.
— Tal Reeve