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Newberry CRA approves FY2026 budget; facade grants, murals and park upgrades highlighted
Summary
The Community Redevelopment Agency adopted its FY2026 budget and reviewed recent downtown work — facade grant, mural installations, tree removal and demolition — and budgeted funds for infrastructure and grants to continue downtown revitalization.
The City of Newberry Community Redevelopment Agency approved its FY2026 budget on Sept. 22 and reviewed recent downtown projects that agency staff and commissioners said are part of a renewed focus on downtown revitalization.
Dallas Lee, who presented the municipal budget earlier, was joined in CRA remarks by CRA executive staff who summarized recent facade grant activity, downtown cleanups and murals. CRA staff highlighted a facade grant that remodeled a storefront used by Quick Care Medical Spa, a code-enforcement removal of a collapsing trailer, and a tree removal at a residence in financial need. The CRA also recently completed murals — with partial Alachua County funding — and installed a bench and sidewalk paid for by a donation from Quickrete, staff said.
The FY2026 CRA budget presented to the board shows total revenue of about $610,000 (city and county contributions plus interest), and line-item spending that includes roughly $127,050 for grant programs (facade, vibrancy and event grants), about $62,000 for professional services/contract work, and approximately $800,000 for infrastructure projects including upgrades at Lewis Fortè Park, downtown stormwater basins, streetlight and sidewalk improvements and landscaping. Staff noted the budget relies on fund balance to cover the difference between planned expenses and revenue.
A public speaker, Technical Sergeant Anthony Tepen of the U.S. Air Force, thanked the board for the recent Veterans Memorial at Lewis Fortè Park. Commissioners and staff praised CRA staff, singled out Chelsea (CRA program staff) and noted continuing downtown work and partnerships with Main Street and the Chamber of Commerce.
Ending: The CRA budget envisions continued grant programs and infrastructure work in the downtown redevelopment area. Board members urged promotion of grant programs and said the agency intends to support additional façade, cleaning and vibrancy projects in the coming year.
