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Zephyrhills CRA to propose higher incentive grants to spur downtown investment
Summary
CRA staff proposed raising several CRA incentive amounts — commercial grants from $20,000 to $50,000, residential façade grants to $5,000 and homeowner incentive grants from $5,000 to $10,000 — saying current amounts aren't drawing applicants. Staff will return with formal ordinance/agenda language next month for council action.
At the Oct. 27 meeting the Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency discussed staff's proposal to increase multiple CRA incentive grants to boost use of available funds and stimulate rehabilitation of homes and businesses in the CRA district.
Proposal details: CRA staff presented recommended adjustments: raise the commercial grant from $20,000 to $50,000; increase the small residential façade grant from $2,500 to $5,000; and raise the homeowner incentive grant from $5,000 to $10,000. Staff said grants would remain matching funds and that the CRA budget would support higher per-project awards if the board agreed to prioritize distributing the money rather than leaving it unspent.
Support and rationale: Amy Chapel, a local lender with SouthState Bank, told the board that higher grant amounts would make marginal homes financeable and could reduce homeowner monthly costs by enabling principal reduction and reamortization options with lenders; she said increases would help borrowers obtain homeowners insurance and thereby close sales on properties that otherwise might not be financeable.
Board direction: Council and CRA members discussed program outreach and stacking grants with other programs (historic preservation, bank incentives). CRA staff sought direction and said they would return next month with the formal ordinance and program dates for a public vote. Several board members voiced support for increasing amounts and for stronger promotion to real estate, lending and retail partners so applicants know the programs exist.
Program constraints: Staff clarified homeowner incentive grants are paid after closing (not down payment assistance) and historically have been liened for five years; if recipients move before five years, repayment provisions apply. The façade grant eligibility includes exterior-attached improvements such as windows, doors and exterior lighting; landscaping was not included unless otherwise specified.
Next steps: Staff will draft the ordinance and program materials, prepare outreach to lenders and realtors, and put the new grant amounts on the November agenda for formal action.
