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CRA advisory committee recommends $25,000 facade grant for 722 Orange Avenue
Summary
The Fort Pierce CRA Advisory Committee voted to recommend a commercial façade grant for 722 Orange Avenue (Botanical Sanctuary LLC), advising that the two remaining storefront doors be replaced for a uniform appearance before FPRA approval.
FORT PIERCE, Fla. — The Fort Pierce CRA Advisory Committee on May 28 recommended that the Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency (FPRA) approve a commercial façade grant application for 722 Orange Avenue, a property owned by Botanical Sanctuary LLC.
Sarah, a CRA staff member who presented the application, said the total project investment is $57,075.79 and the applicant requested $25,000 in reimbursement. The proposed work covers Unit 722 on the east end of the parcel and includes replacement of one set of windows and doors with impact glass, replacement of a metal roof at the rear of the property and decorative gravel and pavers in a vacant area to the west of the building. Sarah said all work would be paid for up front by the applicant and reimbursed after construction and inspection.
The committee’s recommendation includes a condition that the two other front doors be replaced so all three storefront doors match. Committee members discussed the visibility and public benefit of the proposed improvements: some members questioned that the roof work is largely at the rear of the building and that the gravel and pavers on the vacant western portion are not permitted for parking under city planning rules. Sarah told the panel she had confirmed with the planning department that the gravel area cannot be used for vehicle parking and would be decorative only.
Under program rules outlined by staff, applicants must obtain building permits within six months of award and complete the project within 12 months of permit issuance to receive reimbursement. The CRA’s evaluation rubric allocates up to 100 points across visual impact (50 points), total project investment (25 points), design and creativity (15 points) and community impact/public benefit (10 points).
After discussion, a member moved and a second was recorded; the committee approved the recommendation by voice vote and asked staff to forward the application and the committee’s recommended condition (uniform doors) to the FPRA board for final action.
The applicant’s cost estimates and contractor bids were part of the application package and will remain with the record to support reimbursement once the work is complete and inspected by staff.
