Apopka
The 1998 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Commercial Revitalization program began with an award of $750,000 for the downtown CRA District. This grant provided funding for new sidewalks, underground utilities, trees and facade renovations. More than 14,436 lineal feet of new sidewalks were installed, which included brick stamp inlay on 5′ of every 15 LF. Underground utilities (electric, cable & phone) was also completed, thus eliminating overhead lines, and the underground electric provided service to 253 new decorative light fixtures. Landscape improvements consisted of 72 new trees, shrubs and grass throughout the project area. As part of the CDBG application process, the Facade Renovation Grant Program (FRGP) was established to give assistance to existing businesses. The FRGP grants were available for up to $5,000 per store front, which resulted in nine business renovations. In addition, seven businesses were funded by the CRA.
The CDBG program leveraged improvements by the State DOT which included three new intersections, traffic lights, pedestrian cross walks. In addition, street repaving included portions of Main Street, Central Ave., 4th Street and 5th Street. The 1998 CDBG program resulted in more than 2.4 million dollars in improvements. The 2001 CDBG program was awarded $750,000. This program has resulted in 13,379 lineal feet of new sidewalks with brick stamp inlays; underground utilities which supply electric for 215 new decorative lights; two facade renovations using the FRGP; and, more than 50 new Washintonia Palms were installed on Central Ave., 6th Street and 7th Street. In addition, more than 13 overhead lines are also planned to be placed underground on Park Ave. and Main Street. The 2001 CDBG program has resulted in more than 1.2 million dollars in improvements.Total improvements resulting from Apopka’s CDBG programs: $3,600,000
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