CRA hears downtown CRP presentation; approves $30,000 toward wayfinding and digital-signage guidelines and several administrative measures

Consultants working on the downtown Community Redevelopment Plan (CRP) presented an update to the Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency at a meeting (date not specified), and the board approved a set of administrative measures including a contribution toward design guidelines for wayfinding and digital signage.

Reva (Reba) Heinrich of Kittelson and Associates summarized the CRP work: seven focus areas (affordable and attainable housing; public safety and quality of life; transportation; land use and economic development; historic preservation; urban design; and environmental infrastructure). Heinrich said the consultant analyzed data, conducted about 50 stakeholder interviews and public drop-in sessions, and had reorganized the plan’s goals, policies and strategic actions to give the board flexibility in prioritizing projects rather than a rigid scoring matrix.

After the presentation, the board debated a staff request to fund a downtown design-guideline effort. Chair Lynn Henderson moved and board member Hirtak seconded a motion “that the Community Redevelopment Agency approve a contribution not to exceed $30,000 toward the creation of a comprehensive design guideline to support the future digital signage and identify gateway elements throughout the downtown area.” The motion passed (vote recorded in the transcript as 6–1). Board discussion stressed place-making over ad-style billboards and the need to avoid precedent that would permit purely commercial digital advertising in downtown public spaces.

The board also approved additional items and administrative steps during the meeting: a short-term amendment to an existing PR/marketing contract to provide communications coverage until a permanent communications hire is filled (motion by Board member Carlson, seconded by Board member Maniscalco); a scheduling motion to return on June 12, 2025 for a funding discussion on the Ashley Drive Unite project (motion by Board member Herter; second by Miranda); and a procedural change to require that required approvals valued at $1 million or more be processed as staff reports rather than left to required-approvals (motion by Board member Herter; second by Board member Viera). All motions were approved by vote as recorded in the meeting transcript.

Votes at a glance: - $30,000 contribution for downtown digital-signage/gateway design guideline — motion by Chair Lynn Henderson, second by Board member Hirtak; outcome: approved (recorded vote 6–1). - Short-term amendment to HCP contract for CRA PR/marketing until communications position filled — motion by Board member Carlson, second by Board member Maniscalco; outcome: approved (unanimous as recorded). - Schedule funding discussion for Ashley Drive Unite project at June 12, 2025 CRA meeting — motion by Board member Herter; second by Miranda; outcome: approved (recorded as passed). - Policy change: required approvals of $1,000,000 or more must be processed as staff reports — motion by Board member Herter; second by Board member Viera; outcome: approved (recorded as passed).

Ending: Consultants will continue CRP work and return with final recommendations; staff will draft the digital-signage design-guideline scope and report back as required. Board members emphasized the guideline must prioritize community place-making and not simply expand commercial billboard-style advertising.