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CRA approves multiple facade-grant actions; trims camera funding, defers mural and large-awning requests
Summary
The Jacksonville Beach CRA approved a facade grant amendment and several grant requests, removed camera funding from two applications so those costs can be considered under the new safety-grant program, and deferred a large patio-cover application pending site plans.
The Jacksonville Beach Community Redevelopment Agency on Jan. 15 approved a series of facade-grant items, including an amendment to a previously approved storefront grant and new awards and procedural changes for pending applications.
In unfinished business, the board approved an amendment to an October façade grant to allow tempered safety glass for a storefront. Staff said the change raises the CRA portion by about $68,100 to cover higher-cost tempered glazing. The board approved the amendment in a roll-call vote.
Staff reported a separate applicant reduced its overall project scope and cost from $156,887 to $147,534; that change lowered the CRA portion and netted the agency about $1,600 in savings.
Three new façade applications drew the most discussion. For the Ritz restaurant and bar, the agency approved exterior repairs including replacement fencing, roof and permanently affixed exterior lighting but excluded the camera line item from the CRA award so the business can apply to the new safety-grant program. Staff said the camera portion of the Ritz submittal was $12,690; the CRA award after removing cameras was $87,394.
Ocean Crown’s application was split: landscaping funding of $18,853 was approved, while the proposed mural was deferred so staff can seek review from the city’s art advisory committee and confirm sight-lines and public benefit. Board members raised concerns that the proposed mural's placement in a narrow alley would make most of the artwork invisible to passersby.
A large patio-cover application from Bricks/BRICS (owner/applicant name in packet) was deferred and the board requested a site plan and rendering to determine whether the structure constitutes a replacement or new construction; members said the project appears to be a substantial expansion and asked staff to return with more details.
Motions on façade items were largely unanimous. Board members asked staff to work with the police department on camera siting for any security-related lighting, and to bring safety-camera requests under the new safety-grant program once it is finalized.
