The Palmetto Community Redevelopment Agency is marking 40 years of service, having been established in 1985.
Rowenda Young, executive director of the Palmetto CRA, discussed the agency’s work and future plans. Redevelopment work can involve taking a property that is contaminated, vacant or underutilized and finding a way to make it useful to the community again.
Connor Park is one example. A former railroad property with contaminated soil was transformed into a public park that also plays a role in improving water flowing toward the Manatee River. The CRA has also helped encourage private investment in Palmetto, including the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa, through incentives designed to generate economic activity and bring new investment into the area.
Brownfield cleanup is another part of redevelopment. Addressing environmental issues can open properties to new possibilities that otherwise may not have been viable.
CRA programs can also directly support local businesses and property owners who want to reinvest in their properties.After 40 years, the CRA is continuing to look at how redevelopment can respond to Palmetto’s current needs while making investments intended to have a lasting benefit for the community.