Largo’s long-sought downtown redevelopment is progressing, thanks to a mix of public and private projects along the West Bay Drive and Clearwater-Largo Road corridors. “I think we are at that critical point where we are starting to get both the city’s public investment and the private investment that will create a critical mass,” says Community Development…
Michael Simon Palm Beach Post March 17, 2019 Last year, a lack of public understanding surrounding Florida’s community redevelopment agencies (CRAs) – combined with some negative publicity and a grab for funding – led some state lawmakers in Tallahassee to believe all of these agencies should be completely eliminated. Thanks to the many residents, business…
Orlando, Fla. — Orlando, Florida’s City Council has approved the retail redevelopment and repositioning of One South Orange Building, which was built in the early 1900s. One Orange Development will lead efforts on the redesign, which will focus on 7,000 square feet of the ground floor retail space and deliver an updated canopy, glass wall system…
This article covers the activities of two South Florida Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRAs) to use PPP to alleviate slums and blight and provide affordable housing. CRAs are special governmental districts that operate using tax increment financing (TIF) to fund programs and projects outlined in a redevelopment plan prepared with Community input. TIF is the increment…
Kokolakis Contracting’s Artisan Apartment Home project won first place in the “FGBC Certified Green High-Rise Residential” category. This is an annual award given by the Florida Green Building Coalition for the highest scoring project in the entire State. This success starts with a community, and its leaders, who value and support sustainable development. It requires…
On August 23, 2018, the Florida Municipal Loan Council announced the closing of its 27th series of fixed-rate bonds, issuing $7.595 million of bonds. Using the FMLC’s bond program, the Series 2018A bonds were issued on behalf of the City of Bradenton to finance the construction of a public parking garage. Located in downtown Bradenton,…
Letter from Richard J. Reade, Village Manager of the Village of Palm Springs, to the House Local, Federal and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee of the House State Affairs Committee on HB 9 (LaMarca) / March 5, 2019: Good Afternoon Chariman Payne, Vice-Chairman Rommel and Representative Silvers and Members of the House Local, Federal and Veteran’s Affairs Subcommittee, On behalf…
Letter from Kim Glas-Castro, AICP LEED AP, Planning, Zoning & Building Director for the Village of Palm Springs, to the House Local, Federal and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee of the House State Affairs Committee on HB 9 (LaMarca) / March 5, 2019: As a professional planner who works for a municipality, in addition to serving as Vice Mayor…
Letter from Cheri Donohue, Temple Terrace City Council Member, to the House Local, Federal and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee of the House State Affairs Committee on HB 9 (LaMarca) / March 4, 2019: My City is undergoing a transformation due to the benefits and structure of a CRA. A blighted shopping center will soon become a mecca for…
Florida Politics – Sixty Days for 3.4.19 March 4, 2019 Lawmakers are taking another stab at overhauling community redevelopment agencies (CRAs). Republican state Rep. Chip LaMarca, of Lighthouse Point, and Thonotosassa Republican state Sen. Tom Lee have filed legislation that would bring more accountability and transparency to CRAs, which target slum and blight at the local level. The Florida League…
On Tuesday, March 5, the House Local, Federal and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee of the House State Affairs Committee (scheduled for 1 PM at the Capitol) will consider HB 9 (LaMarca). The way this bill is currently drafted, it would significantly limit the formation and continuation of Florida Community Redevelopment Agencies. Please email or call the…
Last November, Boynton Beach city officials held a watch party to demolish its city hall building to call attention to their ambitious $250 million Town Square project, which includes a new City Hall, along with a library, hotel, cultural center, amphitheater, apartments, parking garages and a fire station. The big project is proof of a…
