[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6400121,"mediaKeyId","2083410-35a7cf33622cee530486e268833161a1","parentId",2083410,"title","CRA and city advance $10 million to close Curry Park funding gap after bids exceed budget","audioSeconds",2113,"startMs",1425000,"endMs",3538000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2083410-35a7cf33622cee530486e268833161a1&start=1425&end=3538","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2083410-35a7cf33622cee530486e268833161a1/thumbnail_1425000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6400121/West-Palm-Beach/Palm-Beach-County/Florida/CRA-and-city-advance-10-million-to-close-Curry-Park-funding-gap-after-bids-exceed-budget","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6400121-38c21d6a6c71983b670710fcbb5b962b/orig.mp4?Expires=1776567469&Signature=CEuI4DfiWLFneCN4eBiCTpA1RIWSw9AZP2V7LlA3a9JWza4mvu6BRf3tbaLXzVov1Sq6raPyfBwXC7I088rNF~8uBew7ZjbUeHCs5YSz6An10i~lXzJPZu~Hz7rd5RfjcNfro1WTi52I3XYQFV~k2fbDAqLB7vSYBvn3tBHaCHwVI~fr7YXO-R4wgMyLDz2H9u9n0zSoH6JgIsangfirBb~QLBA23kHk-5WEIHRoAqg84kPJboXuRBWZSJgY34~cQNTeUTqaKtNDEZAvzTFpxAYU~g3jF~Cl2DjTIzUWWSLnlnyCuESxp-zLIDA8o4SFFlnG44i3ye6xY6uruXi88A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of West Palm Beach, FL","date","2025-01-07T09:45:58Z","article","The West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) board voted unanimously to approve Resolution No. 25-3 and Resolution No. 25-2F, authorizing a combined CRA contribution and budget appropriation to close a $10 million shortfall for the Curry Park redevelopment project.

The move was driven by bids that came in well above the project's original budget. \"The lowest responsive bid came in at $35,500,000, which exceeded the budgeted $27,700,000,\" said Chris Rugg, executive director of the CRA. Rugg told the board staff recommended a funding plan that, together with city advances and contingency dollars, will fully fund the recommended contractor and allow work to proceed.

The nut graph: Curry Park is a roughly 12-acre redevelopment in the city's north end that was included in the 2020 Parks Bond. Its concept — approved previously by the board — includes multiuse paths, a large playground, pickleball courts, kayak launches, event spaces, a resiliency hub and possible future café. Bids exceeded the budget, creating an immediate need for supplemental funding to preserve grant eligibility and move into construction.

City administrator Faye Johnson outlined the staff plan to close the shortfall. Johnson said the city will advance $8.1 million from a property-restoration/general fund reserve to the CRA and the CRA would contribute about $1.9 million from its FY24–25 budgeted amounts, producing a $10 million total contribution. Engineering recommended a $2.2 million contingency, which staff folded into the funding plan. \"Based on discussion with staff ... we think that there may be some unforeseen work that needs to be done,\" Johnson said.

Staff described the repayment structure as a zero-interest advancement: the CRA would repay the city over three annual payments beginning in fiscal year 2026 and concluding in fiscal year 2028, while the CRA's five-year contribution schedule remains in place. Johnson said the zero-interest approach avoids placing the CRA into private debt service that would strain its operating budget.

Board members pressed staff on procurement and timing. Commissioner John Peduzzi (first reference in transcript as Commissioner Peduzzi) asked whether the board would be locked into the staff-recommended contractor if they approved the funding. City counsel and staff said the CRA funding vote is predicated on the city awarding the construction contract later in the evening to the recommended low bidder; if the city commission chose a different, more expensive bidder, additional funding would be needed before a contract could be executed.

Commissioner Fox said she supported the funding vote to avoid further delay while reserving questions about the contractor for the companion city commission item. \"The neighborhood has waited long enough,\" Fox said. Several other commissioners praised staff coordination to identify the dollars and urged a full discussion of contractor qualifications during the city commission meeting.

Staff noted that several grants support the project and carry deadlines. The largest single grant cited was $16,700,000 with a June 2, 2026 substantive-completion requirement; staff said meeting grant timelines made securing full funding now time-critical. \"Time is of the essence,\" Rugg said.

The board approved both resolutions unanimously. Staff listed next steps as completing the funding agreement, moving the companion appropriation and proceeding with contractor selection and contract execution at the city commission meeting that followed.

Less-critical details: project partners mentioned include Chen Moore & Associates (design consultant) and Biederman Redevelopment Ventures (programming/activation). Dan Biederman was noted as consultant leadership for park programming. The recommended contractor named in staff materials was West (listed as West Construction), and staff reported West submitted the lowest responsive bid.

Ending: With the funding in place, staff moved to schedule contract award and construction administration tasks; the board and staff emphasized that the city commission will review and vote on the recommended construction contract at a companion agenda item.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","CRA Meeting - January 6, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) board voted unanimously to approve Resolution No. 25-3 and Resolution No. 25-2F, authorizing a combined $10 million contribution plan to close a funding gap so the Curry Park redevelopment can proceed.","taxTitle","West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County, Florida","taxId",4250,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6400112,"CRA reports 'Winter in Paradise' drew estimated 1,500 attendees; staff highlight outreach and small-business participation",377,23000,400000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2083410-35a7cf33622cee530486e268833161a1&start=23&end=400","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2083410-35a7cf33622cee530486e268833161a1/thumbnail_23000.jpg","/articles/6400112/West-Palm-Beach/Palm-Beach-County/Florida/CRA-reports-Winter-in-Paradise-drew-estimated-1500-attendees-staff-highlight-outreach-and-small-business-participation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6400112-61efdcb8a7a13a1b5161616feeb0191b/orig.mp4?Expires=1776567469&Signature=JsVcSlsCmZwFM0hIM6CFBufhzw-1J36XqlwqxsULpRL1fZr7S4H-JDRepSFn2ymCjaKUZ0BuP0SjLgF0t2BiFnk5Dntsf~dAm9RaqHaYi0XVjCujNWGZh9GIcdN1HN1w31bXrnSpFTpzYwp3DZjJd6gk-T7EuMV29mbGoiLU~OMgPID-1tF-vLI6jTnrzjEnpswRxa6iYWtDZf5gP7OP50TTrs6Cy3oUZ3koKCzbm8FCHnpocJ6tm3DtAEDEWfVnCnI0fBTVb8l7L1hZtJ5U0albZJTTK02lA2Ud0gvazio5ocRZd-ZTn~ToZdONBfof8JzsrBwaRf1i2v5EZ7BwPw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ansley Lacey, a CRA presenter, delivered a recap of the December Winter in Paradise event, telling the board the event took place Dec. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Heart and Soul Park in the Historic Northwest and that the CRA's objectives included publicizing CRA redevelopment efforts while providing community activities.

Lacey said the event supports five goals in the CRA strategic finance plan, including protecting historic fabric, promoting Tamarind Avenue redevelopment, restoring the Sunset Lounge and Heart and Soul Park, developing cultural tourism and enhancing safety. She said the team rebranded event marketing, launched a website and mailed direct mailers to the 33401 ZIP code area; the mayor's newsletter reached about 36,000 subscribers.

Lacey reported attendance estimates increased over recent years: 350 (2022), 900 (2023) and an estimated 1,500 this year. Surveys and tracking data indicated many first-time attendees, with a majority of adult attendees in their 30s. Rose Trolley provided 178 rides for the event, Lacey said, and staff distributed surveys and swag bags with information on grants and CRA projects.

\"This will be a really quick recap presentation ... this year's event was held on December 6th, from 6 to 9 PM at Heart and Soul Park in the historic Northwest,\" Lacey said in her presentation. She thanked the mayor, the CRA team, partner organizations and the Historic Northwest Business Alliance for support.

Commissioners praised the event. Commissioner Lambert said the marketing showed measurable results and encouraged replicating the approach across the city. Commissioner Fox said she found the event \"outstanding\" and praised staff and small businesses for their participation. The mayor also praised the event for activating Heart and Soul Park and hosting members of the African American Mayors Association.

Ending: Staff said they will continue to expand marketing and set an ambitious attendance goal of 2,000 for next year; staff opened the presentation to board questions and reported they had fresh data to inform future event planning.","CRA staff presented a recap of the December 'Winter in Paradise' event at Heart and Soul Park detailing attendance growth, marketing efforts, vendor participation and transit usage; commissioners praised the event and encouraged expansion.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6400117,"CRA approves consent calendar and property transactions including 610 Douglas conveyance and purchase of 925 7th Street",638,744000,1382000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2083410-35a7cf33622cee530486e268833161a1&start=744&end=1382","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2083410-35a7cf33622cee530486e268833161a1/thumbnail_744000.jpg","/articles/6400117/West-Palm-Beach/Palm-Beach-County/Florida/CRA-approves-consent-calendar-and-property-transactions-including-610-Douglas-conveyance-and-purchase-of-925-7th-Street","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6400117-ee766091ad038511bf4fc8258e22a581/orig.mp4?Expires=1776567469&Signature=gx9hdcye~PVncVqnzg9R4-8a2Ke8Fs4Tyqbbd1YNabY9I0mMatzUlCBIL9nB39kBUKcg1rVoCQuWxzH2N22WB7dy~XfaXKavQEhyMhGTKGbtY3wUEubFZUlUWu0niGlM0D4a-Y030p0f4Buaejr8ollVMs9SkSgf60x385kznY0x-ym0Q2kfIMDYp-ngD~rjhPpQRZb15llCcxoLBShuRf2yIly6xTXfoZhsRxSS56nvHtbkJ8oHY60euyO1zHo2lEW1AYuBFn9~j2zZKORZlqtlLJ0hHmb~cvY6Sf14dkm~QaOuy~yQ5M7lV8dcTXV0gnjrXzhQTJNQjjm9aSaUhw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency board approved its consent calendar and two real-estate resolutions on the agenda.

Resolution No. 24-65: The board approved the conveyance of the property at 610 Douglas Avenue to Neighborhood Renaissance Inc. for the construction and historic rehabilitation of six frame-vernacular houses as affordable housing. Elise Lifton, CRA real estate manager, said the transaction includes a sale price not to exceed $160,000 based on 80% area median income and a development subsidy from the CRA of $467,153; CRA staff also indicated the agency will donate the land upon certificate of completion. Lifton presented an estimated project cost and timeline; construction completion was projected at roughly 24 months from closing. The motion carried unanimously.

Resolution No. 25-1: The board approved the purchase of the parcel at 925 7th Street from Venita H. Roberts for $200,000. Lifton said the sale and purchase agreement included a $10,000 down payment with the balance due at closing; staff anticipated a January 30, 2025 closing date. Jade Green, deputy director with the CRA, said the parcel is immediately adjacent to CRA-owned land and could be used for circulation or parking to support the Rose Trolley project. A project manager from Historic Northwest described the lot as a standard residential parcel roughly 50 by 140 feet (about 7,000 square feet). The motion carried unanimously.

Consent calendar: The board approved the consent calendar as moved and seconded; the motion carried unanimously. Individual roll-call votes were not read in the transcript excerpt.

Ending: Board members asked clarifying questions about market comps for the 925 7th Street price and about Neighborhood Renaissance's status as a nonprofit provider of historic rehabilitation; staff confirmed the nonprofit status. All listed motions passed unanimously in the CRA meeting excerpt.","At the CRA meeting the board approved the consent calendar and two property transactions: conveyance of 610 Douglas Avenue to Neighborhood Renaissance for six rehabilitated historic houses, and acquisition of 925 7th Street for $200,000 to support Tamarind Avenue redevelopment.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

CRA and city advance $10 million to close Curry Park funding gap after bids exceed budget

CRA reports 'Winter in Paradise' drew estimated 1,500 attendees; staff highlight outreach and small-business participation

CRA approves consent calendar and property transactions including 610 Douglas conveyance and purchase of 925 7th Street