City staff gives update on Raleigh Park African American cultural center art installations, $75,000 budget and community input

Paul (Paul Babbel) updated the board on the Raleigh Park African American cultural center project and associated public‑art installations, describing artist selections, community outreach and funding. Staff told the board the project is funded by a cultural‑history grant; total budget for the art components is approximately $75,000. "All this is $75,000," Paul said. He described how the original plan shifted from new construction to renovation when COVID‑era construction costs rose, and how the grant and project scope were adjusted to focus on interior renovation plus an exterior cultural art program. The project includes multiple artist commissions and components: a rotating set of up to 12 drawings by artist Wanda Granville (committee selected subjects including local small‑business owners and community founders), an 8' x 12' community mosaic tile wall that will involve public participation, and a roughly 42" x 42" bronze sculpture concept currently described as a spherical form with multiple hands joined around an African symbol of hope. Staff said they used renderings from artists as discussion starters but do not intend to replicate earlier works exactly. Staff described community outreach this summer that included an input meeting, electronic surveys and some paper submissions. The committee used the input to develop storylines and portrait subjects, naming local figures and institutions suggested repeatedly by residents, including founding community members, business owners and Jackson Heights‑area school history. Paul said some families and individuals were repeatedly nominated by residents for inclusion in the artwork, and that artists will interview community members as part of the process. Paul said the project team intends to rotate artwork on a quarterly basis in public spaces (City Hall and other locations) and to provide educational programming for nearby Jackson Heights Middle School students to view and learn from the installations. He noted some artwork may be moved to other city facilities so more pieces can be exhibited over time. On procurement and approvals, staff said the board recommended artists to city council, which must formally award agreements; staff can use contingency funds in the grant for change orders if needed. The board asked about conservation, durability and maintenance of the outdoor elements; members noted Florida's climate and public exposure will affect sculptural detailing and long‑term upkeep. Staff gave a project timeline with a goal to finish by December 2026 and said some contingency funding remains in the grant. Paul said the team will present final renderings to the board as they are developed and will invite board members to a community dedication when the work is complete. Other ongoing public art items discussed with staff included the "Wings of Joy" installation (site work, ADA‑accessible walkway and plantings under review), and a forthcoming series of items that will go to the city council and the CRA for funding approval; staff said they may seek additional CRA funding if needed. The board was advised that a recent state "senate bill" affecting local land‑use rules has restricted some municipalities' ability to create new mandatory developer fees, so the board's public‑art program remains reliant on voluntary developer contributions, CRA funds and grants.