Apopka CRA board approves reallocation of redevelopment funds, directs staff to finalize resident grant rules

The Apopka Community Redevelopment Agency voted unanimously to approve a reallocation of CRA funds at a meeting that reviewed a proposed list of park, pedestrian, trail, land-acquisition and residential-improvement projects.

The action, moved by Commissioner Anderson and seconded by Commissioner Smith, adopts the list staff presented and directs staff to return with finalized grant criteria, contractor agreements and a timeline for allocating the funds at future CRA meetings.

Staff said the package is intended to reflect the CRA’s 2017 redevelopment plan and to move money into projects that the board and residents prioritized during recent workshops. Bobby Howell, interim executive director of the CRA, said the list includes a residential façade repair grant program budgeted at $305,000, design work for the Downtown Apopka Trail Central Avenue portion ($125,000), signal and pedestrian upgrades at Fifth Street and Central Avenue (design $77,658; construction at Fifth and Park Avenue $242,760), upgrades at Alonzo Williams Park (pavilion $83,713; basketball court rebuild $135,000), and an Apopka Action Sports (skate/pump-track) package (about $242,600).

Cliff (staff member) told the board the timing of the Legislature could affect the CRA’s ability to spend.…