East Tampa CRA criticized for misallocating funds amid community concerns

Community members voiced strong concerns during the recent Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting regarding the allocation of funds and the direction of projects in East Tampa. The meeting highlighted ongoing frustrations about perceived neglect and mismanagement of resources intended for the community.

One speaker, who has attended meetings for over a decade, criticized the CRA for prioritizing "pet projects" over the pressing needs of East Tampa residents. They pointed to specific instances, such as the funding for Salida House, which aimed to help low-income individuals learn budgeting skills for homeownership, yet required significant CRA dollars to complete. The speaker expressed disappointment that the CRA board had not actively promoted initiatives that directly benefit local youth, questioning whether the 72 children identified for a career choice program would receive the necessary support.

Another contentious point raised was the CRA's decision to allocate $5 million to JC Newman, despite the board's initial recommendation of only $500,000. This move was perceived as a lack of transparency and respect for the board's leadership, further fueling community distrust.

Additionally, the speaker criticized the appointment process for the East Tampa Community Advisory Committee (CAC), suggesting that it lacked democratic principles and resulted in members who do not represent the interests of the community's low-income residents.

Valerie Bullock, another attendee, echoed these sentiments, arguing that the funds designated for East Tampa are not being utilized effectively for homeowners. She expressed frustration over the potential sunset of the CRA, suggesting that if the agency cannot serve its intended purpose, it should be shut down.

The discussions at the meeting underscore a critical need for the CRA to reassess its priorities and engage more meaningfully with the East Tampa community to ensure that redevelopment efforts align with the needs and aspirations of its residents. As the agency moves forward, the call for transparency and community involvement remains paramount.