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Downtown Kissimmee CRA updates redevelopment plan to add public‑safety strategies and refresh action plan
Summary
The Downtown Kissimmee Community Redevelopment Agency voted to adopt an updated master redevelopment plan that adds a public‑safety action point, revises opportunity sites and updates maps and TIF projections; consultants said updates reflect community input and include funding and design recommendations.
The Downtown Kissimmee Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) on Aug. 20 presented and adopted an update to the Downtown Kissimmee CRA Redevelopment Plan that adds a new action point focused on enhanced public safety and revises opportunity‑site priorities and implementation strategies.
Inspire Placemaking, the consultant team, summarized the update and said the process included a site tour, a public open house on July 15, staff workshops and analysis of demographic and transportation data. The revised plan merges public‑realm and mobility objectives into a single action area, adds an explicit action point on enhanced public safety and updates maps, figures and TIF (tax increment financing) projections.
Why this matters: The CRA plan is the legal blueprint that authorizes the CRA to collect and spend funds. Consultants and staff said updating the plan clarifies priorities and allows the CRA to pursue projects for parks, lighting, signage, pedestrian improvements, vacant‑lot redevelopment and community policing strategies.
Public input: The consultant reported public requests for enhanced park amenities (including a dog park), improved lighting and sidewalks, stronger wayfinding and more retail/dining to support a full‑day visitor experience. Several commenters asked for a stronger focus on community policing, training for mental‑health and addiction response, and secure storage options near the library.
Board action: The CRA board voted to recommend the City Commission approve the draft; the City Commission, sitting as the CRA board and then reconvening as the commission, adopted the redevelopment plan update by roll call vote (motion by Commissioner Ortiz; second by Vice Mayor Angela Eady). Staff indicated the plan will return for finalization after a revision period and after presentation to the Planning Advisory Board.
Next steps: Staff said the consultant will incorporate revisions, update the plan graphics and return to the Planning Advisory Board, then to the CRA board and City Commission for final adoption on Sept. 2. The plan update also includes an implementation table and revised timelines and TIF forecasts.
Speakers included staff from Inspire Placemaking (Laura Martinez and project team), CRA staff and commissioners. The commission directed staff to proceed with the plan update process and noted the emphasis on public safety.
