CRA and city advance $10 million to close Curry Park funding gap after bids exceed budget

The West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) board voted unanimously to approve Resolution No. 25-3 and Resolution No. 25-2F, authorizing a combined CRA contribution and budget appropriation to close a $10 million shortfall for the Curry Park redevelopment project.

The move was driven by bids that came in well above the project's original budget. "The lowest responsive bid came in at $35,500,000, which exceeded the budgeted $27,700,000," said Chris Rugg, executive director of the CRA. Rugg told the board staff recommended a funding plan that, together with city advances and contingency dollars, will fully fund the recommended contractor and allow work to proceed.

The nut graph: Curry Park is a roughly 12-acre redevelopment in the city's north end that was included in the 2020 Parks Bond. Its concept — approved previously by the board — includes multiuse paths, a large playground, pickleball courts, kayak launches, event spaces, a resiliency hub and possible future café. Bids exceeded the budget, creating an…