Summary
The Community Redevelopment Agency reviewed the proposed FY2026 operating and community investment plan, showing an increase in incremental taxable value and funding for Riverwalk stabilization, holiday events and a Love Street sidewalk project. Commissioners pressed staff on easement status and grant reliance for Piatt Place Park.
The Community Redevelopment Agency of the Town of Jupiter reviewed its proposed fiscal year 2026 operating budget and five‑year community investment plan, highlighting Riverwalk stabilization, park improvements and events funding.
The proposed CRA increment increased to about $555,000,000, staff said, from a base taxable value of roughly $165,167,000, producing an incremental taxable base of about $555,000,000 and a total CRA taxable value cited around $722,000,000. The town’s proposed ad valorem contribution to operate the CRA for FY2026 was presented as about $3,600,000, driven by a townwide millage rate shown at 2.3894 and a county TRIM figure noted in the presentation for planning purposes.
Why it matters: The CRA plan steers tax increment revenues into a mix of capital and program spending concentrated in the town center: shoreline stabilization along the Riverwalk, an Events Plaza and marine habitat project, continued holiday events and art funding, and small‑scale pedestrian improvements intended to boost safety and access in Inlet Village.
Staff presentation and highlights Staff said operations funding will continue event support (holiday boat parade, fireworks, Riverwalk events), art funding and roundabout maintenance. Capital items in the CRA CIP included: ongoing Riverwalk gravity wall stabilization and living shoreline projects, an Events Plaza riprap installation to protect a repaired wall, and the Love Street sidewalk project — about 600 linear feet of infill sidewalk on the East side of Love Street to improve nighttime pedestrian safety.
Piat(t) Place Park (shown in the materials as Piaut/Piatt Place) was presented as a strategic initiative tied to a new fire station at the site; the concept includes a Riverwalk overlook, shade structures, pedestrian amenities, additional parking and mangrove restoration. Staff showed carry‑forward balances for projects of roughly $757,000 and a five‑year CRA funding window totaling about $3,200,000 for the items presented.
Commission questions and clarifications Commissioners asked staff for implementation details. Planning staff reported they have secured most required private easements for the Love Street sidewalk: three or four easements had been obtained, the Castaways property owner was in the process of signing, and three remaining small property easements would be requested door‑to‑door.
On Riverwalk and kayak access, staff said a conceptual plan and site plan for kayak launches — previously approved at a conceptual level in 2024 with the fire station project — will return for more detailed review before year‑end. Staff clarified that “parking and other revenues” line items included interest earnings.
Commissioners pressed for clearer funding signals on Piatt Place Park. Several members urged that when staff expects to pursue a grant for construction funding, the CIP line should mark the grant as “TBD” and the town’s local contribution reduced accordingly so the commission understands whether the project is grant‑reliant. Staff said a Phase I feasibility grant application to the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) had been submitted for a 50% match; the town would not learn award status until October. If awarded, the Phase II implementation grant would be pursued after permitting and design.
Staff emphasized project phasing and permitting timelines for shoreline work: permitting and environmental reviews can take a year or more, and engineering teams commonly bundle nearby projects into larger solicitations to attract contractors. Staff reported a planning horizon for the CRA that ends in February 2034 and cited about $23,000,000 in projected CRA cash at that time under the current plan.
Action recorded The CRA meeting adopted the 04/15/2025 CRA meeting minutes by voice vote; the motion carried unanimously. (The FY2026 operating and community investment plan presentation generated discussion but no final CRA budget vote at this meeting.)
What’s next Staff said they will return with additional details on easements, permit schedules, kayak launch site plans and grant outcomes. Commissioners asked staff to show TBD grant lines and to bring policy guidance back on how the commission wants to treat grant‑reliant projects in future CIP and CRA presentations.
Ending The CRA presentation closed after questions; commissioners signaled continued interest in the Riverwalk stabilization and in clearer grant‑dependent budgeting for new park projects.
