[{"_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",6080169,"mediaKeyId","2951168-3c02c1271f1b0183140cf5ea429491b4","parentId",2951168,"title","CRA hears downtown CRP presentation; approves $30,000 toward wayfinding and digital-signage guidelines and several administrative measures","audioSeconds",1368,"startMs",4988000,"endMs",6356000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2951168-3c02c1271f1b0183140cf5ea429491b4&start=4988&end=6356","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2951168-3c02c1271f1b0183140cf5ea429491b4/thumbnail_4988000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6080169/Tampa/Hillsborough-County/Florida/CRA-hears-downtown-CRP-presentation-approves-30000-toward-wayfinding-and-digital-signage-guidelines-and-several-administrative-measures","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6080169-7772876454baa3d000ece2cd7b23182c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146674&Signature=mn616Sua215fMvTTVLV1sGhZDzKGTrAX2btiO-27eV1IyKD6cuXBXSy596NH2sDirLS1XfwK3VOh~VUeBvxtKvZX4r3bmUTrcAoJlZc87hBVQYBgTK-7pEaCxWGuteEXcF2a-q3lyb-NnUPYSVo1XaEbWunLTo7MceKhkqd0pKhWo59tlFWF5xJ3ovrTji3S1ZywtmmCqBedhCaQhvQAMaH7X2vAv-0Kg-IhLINMaNmngGSaQm5H5enH59ED~Fvbh68AMYB1dUA-YHHp9trLtNESRO4X6PKCb0XlcdOKmxo3R-Ff2QcRqXEihcNIuZ~LwolF8GikJsa7HL4mpTz4Ig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Tampa, FL","date","2025-04-10T20:04:09.7Z","article","Consultants working on the downtown Community Redevelopment Plan (CRP) presented an update to the Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency at a meeting (date not specified), and the board approved a set of administrative measures including a contribution toward design guidelines for wayfinding and digital signage.

Reva (Reba) Heinrich of Kittelson and Associates summarized the CRP work: seven focus areas (affordable and attainable housing; public safety and quality of life; transportation; land use and economic development; historic preservation; urban design; and environmental infrastructure). Heinrich said the consultant analyzed data, conducted about 50 stakeholder interviews and public drop-in sessions, and had reorganized the plan’s goals, policies and strategic actions to give the board flexibility in prioritizing projects rather than a rigid scoring matrix.

After the presentation, the board debated a staff request to fund a downtown design-guideline effort. Chair Lynn Henderson moved and board member Hirtak seconded a motion “that the Community Redevelopment Agency approve a contribution not to exceed $30,000 toward the creation of a comprehensive design guideline to support the future digital signage and identify gateway elements throughout the downtown area.” The motion passed (vote recorded in the transcript as 6–1). Board discussion stressed place-making over ad-style billboards and the need to avoid precedent that would permit purely commercial digital advertising in downtown public spaces.

The board also approved additional items and administrative steps during the meeting: a short-term amendment to an existing PR/marketing contract to provide communications coverage until a permanent communications hire is filled (motion by Board member Carlson, seconded by Board member Maniscalco); a scheduling motion to return on June 12, 2025 for a funding discussion on the Ashley Drive Unite project (motion by Board member Herter; second by Miranda); and a procedural change to require that required approvals valued at $1 million or more be processed as staff reports rather than left to required-approvals (motion by Board member Herter; second by Board member Viera). All motions were approved by vote as recorded in the meeting transcript.

Votes at a glance:
- $30,000 contribution for downtown digital-signage/gateway design guideline — motion by Chair Lynn Henderson, second by Board member Hirtak; outcome: approved (recorded vote 6–1).
- Short-term amendment to HCP contract for CRA PR/marketing until communications position filled — motion by Board member Carlson, second by Board member Maniscalco; outcome: approved (unanimous as recorded).
- Schedule funding discussion for Ashley Drive Unite project at June 12, 2025 CRA meeting — motion by Board member Herter; second by Miranda; outcome: approved (recorded as passed).
- Policy change: required approvals of $1,000,000 or more must be processed as staff reports — motion by Board member Herter; second by Board member Viera; outcome: approved (recorded as passed).

Ending: Consultants will continue CRP work and return with final recommendations; staff will draft the digital-signage design-guideline scope and report back as required. Board members emphasized the guideline must prioritize community place-making and not simply expand commercial billboard-style advertising.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Community Redevelopment Agency - 04/10/25","oneSentenceSummary","Consultants presented a draft downtown Community Redevelopment Plan update. The board approved a contribution (not to exceed $30,000) toward a comprehensive design guideline for digital signage and gateways, amended a PR contract to cover communications until a staff hire is made, and scheduled further funding discussion for Ashley Drive.","taxTitle","Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida","taxId",2914,"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},6080174,"East Tampa CAC chair outlines CRP progress, land assembly and housing programs",1609,2734000,4343000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2951168-3c02c1271f1b0183140cf5ea429491b4&start=2734&end=4343","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2951168-3c02c1271f1b0183140cf5ea429491b4/thumbnail_2734000.jpg","/articles/6080174/Tampa/Hillsborough-County/Florida/East-Tampa-CAC-chair-outlines-CRP-progress-land-assembly-and-housing-programs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6080174-b8f5bd35fbcb89c3fc65e4bc8d80cb01/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146674&Signature=AwtiUPNTTncxYwzWWrNsuOJ9itPD2HQoJoqixzW6cNkCzaoT4sQ-VGDYcQ8r6gjILiKK3H8LPXCZ3qYgsTnMZZ-fHUG2vLT73E1ybsiLf2YSA09-Q9oB0CuStqDDqW85zNIY49xqbFbDQQ~FblqG-pIc9qpeJ7L~a9oW1NTF9aDlgz98xundBykrbG6YHf1SrPYwMrLWTjGEaYxcyzqpcb9zknFIH8fGHHZimcXXjYpjFPtLnzeDj5qQLsE7X3HsAqDIGiwS7IPt9kNk-szQdSWVRQbhWROidsraLi9fAW2zPiySs0E07wMa8AnCcCmuDe3Eur-jkT66gXr9EH1ASA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At a Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency meeting (date not specified), Reverend Dr. Jeffrey Johnson, newly selected chair of the East Tampa Community Advisory Committee, reported on the CAC’s work and priorities for East Tampa, highlighting consultant progress on a Community Redevelopment Plan update and multiple housing programs.

Dr. Johnson told the CRA board the CRP consultant is roughly 60% complete and will present to the East Tampa CAC at its next meeting; listening sessions were held at C. Blythe Andrews Library and a March 4 vision session solicited community feedback on the Gator Building vision. The CAC chair said land assembly around the Gator Building is underway and an RFP and scope of work are being drafted to guide redevelopment.

Cedric McCray, Tampa CRA director, provided additional program details. He said the East Tampa emergency roofing program has assisted 90 residents to date. McCray also reported the CRA has spent “close to, almost a million dollars” on down-payment assistance in East Tampa this year and that the board previously committed a 30% set-aside for affordable housing in East Tampa. “We have probably spent close to, almost a million dollars in down payment assistance in East Tampa this year,” McCray said.

Board members pressed for clearer timelines and more visible street-level progress at the Gator Building. Dr. Johnson and several board members said they want a firm project timeline and more frequent community updates; Johnson suggested a one- to 1.5-year target for visible progress once site assembly is complete.

Staff and directors also described uptake for owner-occupied rehab programs, said scope-of-work development is underway with contractors, and noted the county or city housing department had helped with down-payment funds. McCray said some program features — such as placing a lien on properties for deferred loans — are designed to let residents keep homes while preventing speculative resale that could accelerate displacement.

Ending: The CAC chair and CRA staff signaled continued emphasis on housing rehab, homeowner assistance and land assembly for targeted redevelopment. They also said they will hold a workshop focused on East Tampa budget line items and priorities and will continue community outreach as the CRP consultant completes its report.","East Tampa CAC chair and CRA staff reported progress on the CRP consultant work, land acquisition around the Gator Building, housing rehab and down-payment assistance; the board discussed outreach and measures to protect residents from displacement.",{"_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},6080179,"Residents and nonprofit leaders press Tampa CRA over spending, appointments and potential state changes",1558,521000,2079000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2951168-3c02c1271f1b0183140cf5ea429491b4&start=521&end=2079","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2951168-3c02c1271f1b0183140cf5ea429491b4/thumbnail_521000.jpg","/articles/6080179/Tampa/Hillsborough-County/Florida/Residents-and-nonprofit-leaders-press-Tampa-CRA-over-spending-appointments-and-potential-state-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6080179-c5648352ca1a86963c361732b59e40c2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146674&Signature=eASt8BnqpeA9aFoZbXc6ELqbbjpqx2jASnCYimPNjW4PYgok--2F9~E8UvSn6-5hbVvUXfM7FRxs9oGss~JsuW6OAbF10XSsI8YAHAezqMHh4O50VzxmASzmyHqSupecior23XHoBHGc1Ta894EjmmOfZ9pLFrcYlwlGUdP9XJnVNN9qxf6t18IDViy91OlwazPn0wTv3iyuK-J~TLyTX2dBErWLcozyQSXT9IbhZvj7QW~m67ogUXxdYezQqrZMNVHw48gLVZwARGK6m3LzOrCegWDrQsqFTiX-4NX0gWzZ-12qdAME~JmHTpBPHCq2inhfxcfuVrRswPkRG-lQeA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At a Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency meeting (date not specified), residents, nonprofit leaders and CAC members pressed the board to clarify how tax-increment funds are being used in East and West Tampa and asked the agency to protect locally funded programs if state legislation alters CRA authority.

The public speakers’ comments converged on three concerns: how CRA dollars have been allocated, rules governing citizen advisory committee membership and the need to encumber or reserve funds ahead of a potential change in state law.

The concerns were raised during the meeting’s public-comment period by longtime neighborhood volunteers, CAC members and nonprofit staff. Sandra Diadiego Sanchez, a member of the West Tampa Community Advisory Committee, said she was denied reappointment because she lives “two blocks out of the CRA” and asked the board to review that residency rule. “A rule is a rule,” she said, but asked the board to “review this rule and see if it makes sense.”

Allison Hewitt, identified as an East Tampa resident and business owner, urged the board to prepare for pending legislation she said could restrict CRAs’ ability to begin new projects unless money is already budgeted and encumbered. “So even if they have a phase 2 on the plan, unless that money is encumbered, that money cannot be spent,” Hewitt said, and suggested the CRA issue an RFP for a special-projects and grant administrator to hold encumbered funds for predevelopment and special-projects grants.

Several speakers said they believed CRA money was being diverted to projects that do not benefit long-term homeowners. Daryl Heich cited what he described as misuse tied to “slum and blight” language and referenced “Florida statute 163 … referencing section 7 and 8, slum and blight of the CRA,” saying the funds are not reaching the people they were intended to help. Valerie Bullock, speaking for the Ponce de Leon/College Hill area, said she would “shut it down” if CRA funds are not benefitting homeowners.

Other commenters urged greater consistency in appointment and vetting procedures for CAC members and clearer, more accessible grant outreach. Board members later acknowledged the outreach gap and said staff will try to improve communications and application assistance for grants, particularly microgrants and owner-occupied rehab programs.

The public comments occurred ahead of a series of staff and CAC reports on East Tampa and downtown redevelopment items later in the agenda.

Ending: The record shows persistent neighborhood frustration about how CRA resources are distributed and handled; multiple speakers urged the agency to adopt clearer, more equitable procedures and to preserve funds and programs if state legislation changes CRA authority. The board and staff signaled they would pursue better outreach and consider policy updates in future meetings.","Multiple public commenters at a Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency meeting criticized how CRA money is spent in East and West Tampa, questioned appointment rules for citizen advisory committees and urged the board to encumber funds ahead of pending state legislation.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

CRA hears downtown CRP presentation; approves $30,000 toward wayfinding and digital-signage guidelines and several administrative measures

East Tampa CAC chair outlines CRP progress, land assembly and housing programs

Residents and nonprofit leaders press Tampa CRA over spending, appointments and potential state changes