It’s hard to count the number of downtown Ocala revitalization plans that have been undertaken over the years. Most have been trotted out amid much fanfare. But after some sprucing up here and there, they invariably have found their way onto some obscure shelf in City Hall unfulfilled. The latest plan for downtown does not…
The long-discussed, unrealized redevelopment of two former subsidized housing properties is among the Gainesville Community Redevelopment Agency’s slimmed down set of priorities. Beginning with the upcoming budget year, CRA staff intends to focus more narrowly on projects and initiatives that spur economic development and have ripple effects in the city’s four community redevelopment districts. Those…
Terri Bailey and her family were the first homeowners living in the 5th Avenue/Pleasant Street neighborhood to get the exterior of their home painted for free as part of a program sponsored by the city of Gainesville Community Redevelopment Agency. Known as the Fifth Avenue Pleasant Street Residential Paint Voucher Program, the program was created…
An ambitious plan to develop the City of Milton’s riverfront and link it with the picturesque Village of Bagdad a few miles downstream is on Mayor Guy Thompson’s desk, ready to launch. Authored by the Buffalo, N.Y., urban design firm of Peter J. Smith & Co., the $15 million to $20 million plan has five…
Panama City Commission Approves Port Authority and CRA Budgets The Panama City Community Redevelopment Agency was met with opposition once again as those from the Downtown North Community, namely Glenwood, were not happy with how the CRA plans to spend funds. Specifically, more than $500,000 for more sidewalks down 9th Street in Panama City. “I would…
Florida Trend Unveils Special Section in July About CRAs Cities throughout Florida are rediscovering their roles as crossroads for commerce, as magnets for culture and entertainment, and as stimulating places to live. It’s time to spread the word. Florida Trend CRAs
Developers and Redevelopment Professionals Meet to Discuss Future Projects Tampa, October 29, 2013 What DO Developers Want? For anyone who has a parcel or two of land in an urban area that is in need of redevelopment, this is an event for you. A “Dinner with Developers” will be hosted on Tuesday, October 29 at…
Ocala OKs $100K for CRA grant program The Ocala City Council has approved $100,000 for the Community Redevelopment Area building revitalization grant program that begins with the new fiscal year on Oct. 1 for property owners and businesses in the downtown and North Magnolia Avenue areas. The council also approved several changes to the criteria.…
The future of the Marianna’s Russ House It’s somewhat sad to see Marianna’s iconic Russ House, the stately mansion that housed the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and, currently, the Jackson County Tourist Development Council, with a For Sale sign out. The antebellum structure is perhaps the most stunning example of period architecture in the…
Broadway project a ‘start’ in revitalization of west Ocala West Broadway has a new look. The city of Ocala recently completed a project to upgrade the street from the State Road 40 bridge bypass to Pine Avenue. “It makes it more pedestrian friendly,” said Catherine Cameron, assistant city manager of public services. “People can walk…
Downtown North CRA in Panama City installs new leadership PANAMA CITY — The Downtown North Community Redevelopment Agency has reconfigured the way it prioritizes grants with an advisory committee. The Downtown North Advisory Committee will consist of seven members representing the different interests within the massive district. The paramount requirement would be that members either…
Port St. Lucie’s Civic Center could become financial burden on city The Civic Center in Port St. Lucie sits mostly alone on land off U.S. 1 and Walton Road in an area once envisioned as a bustling downtown. Read more about what could save the project. Read full story
