Boca Raton CRA amends downtown plan to add community policing policy, adjust projects, and reserve TIF funds

The Boca Raton Community Redevelopment Agency on Sept. 8 approved Resolution Number 2025‑05 recommending adoption of Ordinance 5,748 to amend the amended downtown plan. The amendments update marketing policy 1.2, add a community policing policy (1.4), revise Section 11 (services and infrastructure improvements), remove completed projects from the list and add a project for Misena Park Amphitheater improvements and a project for the relocation of a historic public building.

Arlene Shees Nelson, DDRI planning analyst, told the agency that staff proposed removing downtown walkability enhancements and metered parking projects from the plan’s list because those projects have been completed, and that the update removes fiscal‑year references from project entries. Shees Nelson said the ordinance was introduced at the Aug. 26 City Council meeting and was scheduled for City Council consideration on Sept. 9, 2025.

John Perlman of 498 Northeast Eighth Street spoke during public comment and asked for more detailed line‑item expense information for CRA capital outlays across fiscal years 2024–26. Perlman said a staff presentation on Aug. 25 showed capital outlay rising from roughly $1 million in 2024 to more than $40 million in fiscal 2026 and that roughly $80–$90 million was being appropriated for redevelopment projects over the next three years. “We need a specific list, a specific expense list, an expense budget list of all projects between fiscal years ’24, ’25, and ’26,” Perlman said. He asked staff to send an email with line items.

Chair Wachter and staff responded that the information request would be provided. Mr. Brown and Mr. Zervis noted the CRA is an audited entity and annual audited financials and budget materials are available; Zervis said funds can be reallocated by subsequent plan amendment or through the budgeting process if a reserved project (for example, relocation of the Singing Pines building) does not proceed.

During the director’s report, CRA leadership reiterated that tax increment financing (TIF) funds are intended to finance specific downtown infrastructure and that the CRA is scheduled to terminate in about 16 years (around 2042), at which point TIF receipts would revert to the general taxing authorities. The director emphasized continued planning and budgeting to preserve the CRA’s redevelopment tool and to prioritize infrastructure projects.

Vice Chair Thompson moved approval of Resolution 2025‑05; the motion carried 5‑0 on roll call (Singer, Drucker, Thompson, Nacklis, Wigter voting yes). Staff recommended endorsement and will forward the ordinance to City Council for final action on Sept. 9.