[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,75,87,99],{"_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",6244184,"mediaKeyId","3233255-43f09285a75e00a7faa4f346d79cf4f8","parentId",3233255,"title","CRA board asks staff to study permitting support and grant-tier options for applicants without upfront capital","audioSeconds",1721,"startMs",3558000,"endMs",5279000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3233255-43f09285a75e00a7faa4f346d79cf4f8&start=3558&end=5279","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3233255-43f09285a75e00a7faa4f346d79cf4f8/thumbnail_3558000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6244184/Tampa/Hillsborough-County/Florida/CRA-board-asks-staff-to-study-permitting-support-and-grant-tier-options-for-applicants-without-upfront-capital","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6244184-056b34133edab888d466bdf47150ffdb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771200654&Signature=F3sWfUCsbLaHcExtA8yqhzswgT3~DxpWs5aChOZXkeaBZ-2IjFUiid6JrvU1olkIXP803P0f9D-Khf4-3uwfPTLNQ0AYj5SJJrKhEgAe4XjsXdTmwQ0szwUN3EQJJoPE5-ULQ8zPBGBSGagfOL-yKknjHMG5QVLbAEyBLAv2t5Eixt6OK0R2h1KmN0ARglelP6Hr62hpV4ltbxGJ0NIOrHMGoaHA5TPTpmrM~FhK0c3avnZquJ-7psDd4iwJ6BVF5SuBVwxDrOg9956xnaR-Osmt57KxnH47BBCqVfivXJOIyseIi6oF8hm8fh0M9G-rFt6Snxud3AY5gmpYo3ScBQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Tampa, FL","date","2025-04-25T14:13:33Z","article","The Tampa CRA board voted May 8 to instruct staff to examine two operational changes: (1) whether CRA funds can be used to provide permitting support in CRA districts to reduce permit backlogs, and (2) whether the grant program can create special categories or tiers for applicants who lack capital to start projects and therefore cannot meet current match requirements.

Board member Carlson proposed a motion to ask CRA staff to consult with city permitting staff and return with a report by July 24 on the feasibility of using CRA resources to support permitting in CRA districts. The motion carried on a voice vote.

Separately, the board directed staff to consult with the community and review grant rules to determine whether a special category should exist for businesses or residents that cannot self-fund initial costs and to return with recommendations on July 24. CRA staff described the current standard as primarily a 50/50 matching grant and said applicants typically must demonstrate financing in place; staff also noted that the CRA has sometimes issued letters of award that applicants use to obtain further financing.

Board members emphasized they were not pre-committing funding but wanted staff to present potential models, risk assessments and the business model for administering any new tiers. \"We want more information,\" said one board member who supported the motion while urging careful program design to avoid crowding staff with ad hoc requests.

Staff confirmed they will gather input from community stakeholders and report back at the July meeting with options, including potential tiers or underwriting approaches, and whether CRA funds could temporarily underwrite permitting-related staffing in CRA districts to clear backlog.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Community Redevelopment Agency - 05/08/25","oneSentenceSummary","The board directed CRA staff to report back on July 24 about whether CRA districts can fund permitting support in CRA areas and whether grant categories should be adjusted to help applicants who lack upfront capital.","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},6244188,"Ybor City CAC chair reports development projects, drainage study and slow grant processes",494,2816000,3310000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3233255-43f09285a75e00a7faa4f346d79cf4f8&start=2816&end=3310","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3233255-43f09285a75e00a7faa4f346d79cf4f8/thumbnail_2816000.jpg","/articles/6244188/Tampa/Hillsborough-County/Florida/Ybor-City-CAC-chair-reports-development-projects-drainage-study-and-slow-grant-processes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6244188-62374ba43445d2eec014b4e7b25adb37/orig.mp4?Expires=1771200654&Signature=hXpZ8VpCdjgzGCUm7K~MzI9LV4Duc--cQvdCdkMF5AxnG~~o5ObODsy43YTndvrqeVtECnjjQ6eP2H40DW01pqlsghdvD0nve-nO9l35QToOL2uxWNc0C3pzBZU3ok80kcf2A7llNaqQrGd6Brs0kBxQ7MS4xqBRtuBjIBLMxfyt4A8B5jIZQioq7fDQ9XyeuJ-5N~NLXrxavqxcX2qFcAuwuFzWaZ5drbo3u~aZXBiJDJAF82TfteI55YMgIrEm7fQJdmBY4mLWc3MhvHReMD09yU4YWf19jcIQeI8pbq800jxEJDVKasXjTKvzDrHZxhTtbZpvK0ZkZVM9Cq~Xow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rich Simmons, chair of the Ybor City Community Advisory Committee, gave a broad update to the Tampa CRA board on May 8 covering streetscape projects, flood mitigation, grants and affordable housing planning in Ybor City.

Simmons said Phase 1 of the Seventh Avenue bricking between Fifteenth and Seventeenth streets finished ahead of schedule and on budget, and phase 2 planning (Seventeenth to Nineteenth) is moving to consultant design to resolve ADA and intersection issues. \"Our overall goal is to complete all 14 blocks of Seventh Avenue over the next several years,\" Simmons said.

He noted a drainage and flood mitigation study completed last April for the South Central section of Ybor that showed serious flooding at El Porto and areas south of the parking garage. That zone, he said, \"really floods really bad\" during major storms; the issue extends beyond CRA boundaries and will require broader city coordination.

Simmons described new district signage, ongoing community activation and a planned update of the CRA community redevelopment plans (CRPs) this summer using a consultant to reset priorities. He said 30% of CRA budgets are set aside for affordable housing, but so far no housing applications have been received for those funds within the district. He also reported frustration from small-business applicants about a slow and redundant grant administration process.

Board members pressed for more specific, actionable feedback. Several members suggested the CRA should take more control of communications for CRA-funded projects to ensure accurate public messaging and reduce social-media backlash about projects such as the Seventh Avenue bricks. Board member Carlson urged the CRA to post CRA announcements first so the city can share them, noting past negative reaction when project funding or purpose was unclear.

Parking and transportation were raised repeatedly. Simmons and board members discussed possible Brightline and streetcar connectivity and longer-term solutions for funding the streetcar, which the CAC and several CRAs have supported. Simmons also thanked the board for past additional streetcar funding and emphasized the importance of a sustainable funding strategy.

Simmons closed by urging the board to visit Ybor and review the district's activity; the CAC plans further public survey work to inform CRP updates, including interviewing visitors in addition to residents and workers.","Ybor City CAC chair Rich Simmons updated the CRA board on capital projects including Seventh Avenue brick phases, drainage and flood mitigation study, district signage, and slow-moving grant processes and affordable housing efforts.",{"_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},6244193,"CRA board approves disaster-relief measures, reallocates $100,000 to East Tampa tree-trimming",383,4565000,4948000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3233255-43f09285a75e00a7faa4f346d79cf4f8&start=4565&end=4948","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3233255-43f09285a75e00a7faa4f346d79cf4f8/thumbnail_4565000.jpg","/articles/6244193/Tampa/Hillsborough-County/Florida/CRA-board-approves-disaster-relief-measures-reallocates-100000-to-East-Tampa-tree-trimming","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6244193-3ab5d680441b15f43fbf2ece7a211ac9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771200654&Signature=ivYX8JePEqenVvBVLUnHs-sU3Tbq93u~0jFGHkufK6h7PV2GiNdmuTNk8JOD8Ho-M0OIJ3mhbB4UxEhP3YcFGnxPCrixIuwbxQSlacDB~XMe9VH3ukt1IpR2Qn1bOboSPSHkZj8I-s~icKDH6OWuxJpMT0B2k78JdKPGog7M0GsY2yzmkcrAKaHLArx0ySiMENCBBy9OG5iSuTp7S~pcZ88YkLs-h6EDxCWm7A~doxkLcKJm1ON~lyXDxYUDkgixPU7B3ZpORGodTwK7ZtMAGJoTmfLd-WFETvKSG8etFSGD~Gz~lS4NXeCNg9BfhQ6DxLD16dWXRRrjWO3e9iBWfw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Tampa CRA board on May 8 approved a package of measures intended to speed post-disaster recovery and accepted a $100,000 reallocation to replenish the East Tampa tree-trimming program.

Director Cedric McCray said the post-disaster item is designed to reduce barriers for businesses and residents after storm damage. One example he gave: a West Tampa business with roof damage that would be penalized under the current grant rules if it pulled a repair permit before formal grant approval. The proposed relief allows limited permit waivers so repairs can proceed without jeopardizing later grant eligibility.

McCray also described expanding tree-trimming assistance in emergencies. The East Tampa tree-trimming program had exhausted its funds; board member Hertek moved to reallocate $100,000 from neighborhood infrastructure and improvements in the East Tampa CRA to replenish the program and to prioritize tree-trimming ahead of hurricane season. The motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.

Board members framed the tree-trimming investment as both preventive and cost-effective: trimming hazardous limbs prevents more expensive roof and property damage after storms and lowers household risk. \"Tree trimming is cheap, fixing a roof more expensive,\" Council member Hertek said while moving the allocation.

The board also directed staff to examine whether similar emergency tree services could be shared across other CRA districts and to improve public outreach when funds run low. McCray said the CRA has provided about $1.3 million in tree-trimming spending over recent years and that demand can outstrip available funding.

Separately, the board approved moving the post-disaster grant relief item forward; staff will return with implementation details and any required policy language. Board members requested clearer community notifications and an administrative process to issue the limited waivers without bypassing procurement or public-interest safeguards.","The board moved on a post-disaster grant relief policy that includes permit-waiver authority and approved reallocating $100,000 to replenish the East Tampa tree-trimming program ahead of hurricane season.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6244198,"Tampa CRA board approves purchase of East Tampa parcel after CAC concerns",3484,1014000,4498000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3233255-43f09285a75e00a7faa4f346d79cf4f8&start=1014&end=4498","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3233255-43f09285a75e00a7faa4f346d79cf4f8/thumbnail_1014000.jpg","/articles/6244198/Tampa/Hillsborough-County/Florida/Tampa-CRA-board-approves-purchase-of-East-Tampa-parcel-after-CAC-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6244198-a925b1b79d449a26d8602e6ba6b584d3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771200654&Signature=A58lhsJKkOCPufcVHE8HxPWe~wm6nMM2tcKnebbXlRB0RD8l6DlKEmDgH7yX8op7l8ThXpvIYincnSI4CanY7gvQ2B9VoW8XVaR3wocpc2N1trsQbS~x~-JqmJTzahxDex-AmyVtT7eeP9kogfegvwO4uvURoa5pUjkyTPzzkPanLXQEZ0gjTc63a84ptKj1Z6V00FTr38IvAzZxtddZcW0K-6IeR~qEPmJL0Ew2apnWbiyV3znwX9dzWd8hiCJ8JQjNX494wfgigygn9koRfwSpTK3kNwW2w0a4SMp0FO9Bqm35xZVOAFmzcmGx8c0uZEy8MTyzDhP29dB~xZIKEg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency board voted May 8 to move forward on an East Tampa property acquisition tied to a broader assemblage strategy aimed at future housing development.

The item, listed as agenda item 6, drew questions from East Tampa CAC members and residents who asked for more environmental, stormwater and valuation data before a purchase. Fran Tate, Jackson Heights Neighborhood Association president and East Tampa CAC member, urged the board to pull the item earlier and said CAC members had not received requested documentation about potential brownfield or toxic substances on the property. \"We still have not received all the necessary items that we wanted to receive back,\" Tate said during public comment.

Cedric McCray, Tampa CRA director, told the board staff had followed up with real estate and relevant city departments after the CAC raised concerns in March and that the agencies had returned \"inconclusive information\" but no identified impacts. McCray said inquiries to FDEP, stormwater and wastewater returned nothing indicating contamination. He said the parcel sits north of Palafox properties the CRA is assembling and would be considered together with those holdings.

The parcel size was discussed on the record. McCray initially described the site as a \"1.8 acre\" parcel when outlining the assemblage. When asked by a board member for the exact acreage, staff answered \"0.8 acres — so a little under an acre.\" The board proceeded with a motion to move the item; the motion carried after a voice vote.

East Tampa CAC chair Jeffrey Johnson and multiple residents who testified during public comment stressed the need for stronger CAC engagement, earlier distribution of materials, and clearer community processes. Allison Hewitt, a resident and business owner, warned the CRA policies risk accelerating gentrification in East Tampa, saying grant and financing requirements favor businesses that already have capital rather than neighborhood-based owners.

Board members acknowledged those concerns during the discussion. Chair Eileen Henderson and others said the CRA would continue public engagement on assembled parcels; McCray said the staff had held an additional community meeting between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. with no questions raised concerning the parcel that was approved.

The board did not record a roll-call vote in the public transcript; the clerk called for voices and the motion \"carried.\" The file indicates the CRA will include this parcel as part of its East Tampa assemblage and continue public visioning on the block with planning staff and community input.

Board members and residents asked staff to continue sharing project trackers and documentation with CAC members earlier in the cycle so volunteers can take information back to neighborhoods before board votes.","The Tampa CRA board approved moving forward on an East Tampa property assemblage despite earlier Community Advisory Committee (CAC) questions about environmental and stormwater information; the parcel size was clarified during the meeting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

CRA board asks staff to study permitting support and grant-tier options for applicants without upfront capital

Ybor City CAC chair reports development projects, drainage study and slow grant processes

CRA board approves disaster-relief measures, reallocates $100,000 to East Tampa tree-trimming

Tampa CRA board approves purchase of East Tampa parcel after CAC concerns