“Take 5” – 5 Questions with Mark Bennett – Polk County,
FRA Board of Directors
Q: What is your best piece of business advice for a new FRA member?
Mark: Take advantage of the resources offered by the FRA. Use the website, attend the Academy and a certification, go to the conference, reach out to other
members, and participate in the various committees. These are great ways to learn more about redevelopment.
Q: If you had a superpower, what would it be and why?
Mark: My superpower would be to have the ability to see into the future. While I would hopefully see a better future, I could then change to the present to ensure a better future if necessary.
Q: We are going out for dinner/entertainment in your CRA District. Where are we going and why?
Mark: I’m fortunate to be involved with two CRAs. As part of my job, I’m involved with the Eloise CRA, in unincorporated Polk County. As a smaller CRA in a primarily residential area, it does not have any dining/entertainment options. What Eloise does have is a strong sense of community and a desire to make it a better place. I live in the Lake Wales CRA, so we would go to downtown Lake Wales, have dinner at one of the restaurants that has opened in the past few years (thanks in part of grants provided by the CRA). We would also see numerous building renovations and CRA projects underway, such as the Park Avenue streetscape and the Market Plaza renovation.
Q: What do you hope to be remembered for?
Mark: On my resume, I list my Professional Goal as “Create Better Communities.” I would hope to be remembered for helping accomplish that goal.
Q: What is the most exciting part of being in redevelopment?
Mark: Seeing what was once an overgrown lot filled with trash, debris, etc., transformed with a new house with a deserving family cutting the ribbon.
#redevelopmentworks