As Phase I of constructions in Port Sardina draws to an end, the Land & Zoning Section of the Serres Bay Development and Transit Agency (SBDTA) awarded a small property strategically located near the inlet pier to the Funky Fish Café. The selection surprised many as the small café competed against major business interests and powerhouse investors for one of the smallest properties in the new section of the town.

“It is unusual for such as small property to attract so many bids” states Beya Maccaca, Manager of the SBDTA Land & Zoning Section. Beya is responsible for awarding almost all property in Serres Bay, a process that occasionally leads the stiff and contentious competition. According to Ms. Maccaca, the location of the property attracted bids from such icons as Sarss, a wealthy venture capitalist and Cap Calamari Seafood Co. founder, Meliss.

Beya believes that the Funky Fish Café is a better fit due to the building being too small for other proposed uses, such as a restaurant or convenience shop. “A small Café would be able to better serve customers given the limited space of the building and offers better value to generate revenue for the town from tourism.” Beya notes that there were several proposals to use the space for a bar, but explains the larger property under construction across the street has already been granted a license to serve alcohol.

Funky Fish Cafe, Port Sardina | Click Photo to Enlarge |

The Zoning Process

The SBDTA Land & Zoning Section oversees both the sale of property and approval of necessary licenses for commercial use of the land after construction the building(s) is completed. For business properties, the government of Serres Bay typically offers a property for sale on a lease-to-buy basis with taxes automatically included in the mortgage payment. Once the property is fully paid, it is fully transferred to the owner, who is then only liable for a reduced annual tax on revenue generated business.

Although the Land & Zone Section selects finalists among bids collected for property, the final selection must be certified by SBDTA Director Salmussi and by the Mayor of Serres Bay.

Funky Fish Cafe owner Andrea Meersen (left) and SBDT Land & Zoning Manager Ms. Maccaca

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