Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Redevelopment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Hallandale Beach CRA hears residents say redevelopment programs miss longtime, low-income residents; approves minutes and consent items
Summary
At the Feb. 19 City of Hallandale Beach CRA board meeting, residents said redevelopment programs and commercial grants are difficult to access for longtime local residents; the board approved minutes and a consent package, 5-0.
The City of Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) board on Feb. 19 heard multiple residents say redevelopment programs and grants are not reaching longtime, lower-income residents, and approved routine board business including draft minutes and a consent agenda.
Several residents used the CRA public-comment period to describe barriers to accessing housing and small-business assistance. Cheryl Robinson said many programs “are doing things that I feel like not really for the natives in the community,” and added, “it's only for the rich now.” Robinson told the board she had been unable to use rent-assistance programs because of residency requirements and said commercial grant applications were effectively inaccessible to small operators, calling out a $10,000 spending expectation she said applicants could not meet.
Tonika Evans, owner of the Firehouse Subs franchise across the street from City Hall, said new operating costs had created strain. “It's been a struggle as far as, paying the rent,” Evans said, describing a $10,000 bill passed to her early in her tenure after an air-conditioning failure and asking the board for assistance.
A long-time local with municipal planning experience, identified in the record as Randall Owen, said a common problem is lack of awareness about CRA programs and budgets. “There is an obvious disconnect between some of the members that are in the community and with the CRA in general,” he said, and urged additional outreach so residents know what the CRA plans and budgets include.
Board members and staff acknowledged gaps in outreach while defending the city's efforts. Director Butler called CRA staff “a stellar department with incredibly, well intentioned, good hearted professionals.” The board noted that some programs are “overutilized” and run out of funds annually, and that program rules are set to ensure fair administration. Executive Director Earl said the agency is also pursuing affordable housing developments: “We are building low income units…There are designs and permits and then construction and everything else. So we are working on all of those things as well.”
The board announced a pair of upcoming public forums intended for questions and outreach: a staff-hosted forum on April 14 and a quadrant meeting on April 16 where CRA programs, projects and staff will be presented publicly. Directors encouraged residents to sign up for notifications on the city website or contact staff directly for program details and eligibility requirements.
Votes at a glance - Approval of draft minutes (Dec. 18): approved, 5-0. Members recorded as voting yes: Chair Cooper; Vice Chair Lazaro; Director Lee Matab; Director Adams; Director Butler. (Motion/second not specified in the transcript.) - Consent agenda items a–d: approved, 5-0. (Motion/second not specified in the transcript.)
What happened next With no further business, the CRA meeting was adjourned and the board proceeded to the city commission portion of the evening.
Why it matters CRA decisions affect land use, affordable housing and small-business support within the redevelopment area. Residents' statements at the meeting highlight perceived barriers to program access and a demand for clearer outreach and simpler eligibility pathways. The board and staff said they will continue outreach and noted active affordable-housing projects in early stages of design and permitting.
