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Staff updates CRA on St. Johns streetscape, splash pad work and a finding‑of‑necessity for CRA boundary expansion
Summary
Staff reported progress on the St. Johns Avenue streetscape (FDOT review pending), said bump‑outs remain under cost review, and described a consultant’s finding‑of‑necessity study to assess a potential CRA boundary expansion and possible consolidation of existing TIF districts.
CRA staff provided updates on two redevelopment initiatives: the St. Johns Avenue Streetscape project and a consultant‑led finding‑of‑necessity to assess a CRA boundary expansion and an update to the community redevelopment plan.
For St. Johns Avenue Streetscape, staff said the architect is finishing 100% plans and that those plans will be submitted to the Florida Department of Transportation for review; FDOT review was expected to take several months. The project’s current cost estimate as discussed in the meeting was roughly $1.4 million, with approximately $1.0 million available from an FDOT grant and about $400,000 in local match funds. Staff said bump‑outs (sidewalk extensions that create outdoor seating and traffic‑calming opportunities) are not included in the current quote and that the architect is preparing additional pricing to determine whether bump‑outs can be added within budget or through other funds.
Staff also said they are researching maintenance needs and asking public works to address known sidewalk hazards that pose liability risks prior to construction. Commissioners asked staff to provide documented lists of safety risks and follow up with the risk manager and public works.
On CRA boundary work, staff said GAI (consultant) was under contract to prepare a finding of necessity under Florida Statute 163. That study will evaluate feasibility for expanding the CRA and will report whether combining existing TIF districts (and adding a new district) could accelerate revenue capture for the new area versus the new district waiting a decade to generate meaningful TIF revenue. Staff said consultant kickoff work is underway and that staff will supply requested data to complete the study.
No formal votes were taken on these items; staff will return with the finalized FDOT submission timeline, any bump‑out cost proposals, a list of sidewalk hazards and the consultant’s finding of necessity when completed.
