After nearly two hours of discussion the Gulfport City Council approved the first reading of the PACE Ordinance 4 to 1. Council member David Hastings cast the only no vote citing concerns over “tainting” the community and asking “how can we really do this under the cloud of questions,” during the discussion.

Council member Hastings asked the council, “Is it beneficial to the city? ... Any new business that comes into the city is going to be requesting to borrow money. They’re gonna try and get a loan. Don’t you think that commercial lender will be just as smart as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac? It could only benefit ... existing commercial properties ... I just think it’s premature for us to vote on this.”

Council member Jennifer Salmon expressed that the PACE program is a two part process and that, “It’s a big deal in some ways, and it’s a small deal because it’ll help a small amount of people.”

Several citizens, business owners and possible third party administrators approached the council with concerns and praise over the PACE program prior to the vote.

President of the 49^th Street South Business Association Jeri Reed said, “The PACE program can help stimulate businesses in Gulfport, especially the 49^th street corridor. There have been some green businesses looking at the 49^th street area. If they don’t come here, they’re gonna go somewhere. I really don’t see a reason to wait.”

One of those companies interested in Gulfport and the PACE program is Brian Betancourt with Bentancourt Construction.

“We have 8100 49^th street, we are bidding on a property right on the water by the Irish Pub. Our plans there is to make all types of stores and a restaurant on top. Why we’re so interested in Pace, we’re a green building (company),” Betancourt said.

But others disagreed about moving forward with unanswered questions. Gulfport citizen Cindy Davis said, “I support green issues and becoming more green, (but) I have a real concern as a citizen ... I see no harm in researching further. I think we don’t have all the information, and to stick our neck out ... we’re a pretty small city, we have a lot to lose here.”

Citizen Bob Newcomb asked several questions about the feasibility and execution of the program, “Is there any market for this program here? If outside financing can’t be found, what is the city’s responsibility? If grant money is not availability, where will start up money come from?” Newcomb asked the city to wait on the decision citing, “It’s always the pioneer that is most likely to get scalped.”

A total of 17 people stood in front of the council during the PACE Ordinance discussion Tuesday night. After everyone had their chance to speak, City Council members took a vote. Mayor Mike Yakes, Vice Mayor Michele King and Council members Jennifer Salmon and Sam Henderson voted yes and Council member David Hastings voted no.

The PACE Ordinance will be up for a second reading on Tuesday February First at Gulfport City Hall beginning at 7:00 p.m.

The PACE Program stands for Property Assessed Clean Energy. If passed, the program would offer loans to business property owners specifically for energy efficient retrofits and upgrades to their properties. It’s a voluntary program that originally was designed for residential and commercial property owners. But concerns over redlining by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac forced council members to exempt residential property owners from PACE for now.

PACE allows property owners to borrow up to 20% of the value of the property and have up to 20 years to pay off the loan at a low interest rate. If the program goes through, the city would use a third party administrator to supply the loans and run the program. The city has not determined a third party administrator at this time.

For more information about the PACE program you may contact Gulfport City Manger Jim O’Reilly at joreilly@mygulfport.us or call (727) 893-1009.

You may read the ordinance online and view Tuesday night's City Council meeting on the City's website.