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City weighs senior center rebuild, P3s and CRA bond to fund acquisitions and neighborhood improvements
Summary
Commissioners discussed rebuilding the senior center paired with senior housing (P3 or bond), property acquisition along Federal Highway to remove blight and a lighting/beautification program for downtown and adjacent neighborhoods. Staff said limited feasibility funding exists and a CRA project manager will advance studies.
Commissioners at the Nov. 8 joint workshop pressed staff to move from land acquisition to tangible community‑facing projects, with the senior center and downtown lighting among the highest priorities.
Commissioner Turkin proposed exploring options for the senior center parcel near the existing center, including abandoning an adjacent roadway to assemble property and creating a modern center with amenities and possible senior housing. Staff noted two primary funding pathways: a voter‑backed parks and recreation bond to be considered by voters or a public‑private partnership (P3) in which a private developer constructs a facility and provides affordable senior housing above or alongside a public center.
City staff reported that, under the interlocal agreement with the CRA, some funding exists for preliminary feasibility studies and that a dedicated CRA project manager position has been filled to prioritize these projects. "We do plan to bring it back... within the next, I would say, next 6 months," staff said regarding study results and options.
Commissioners also discussed aggressive property acquisition on the Federal Highway corridor to address blight and gain redevelopment leverage. Several members suggested the CRA explore bonding or other financing mechanisms to acquire multiple parcels and then control redevelopment through RFPs or partnerships.
Lighting and parks safety were also highlighted. Commissioners asked staff to prioritize lighting corridors and neighborhood safety concerns — particularly near Pentz Park and Crocodile Dock Park — and to coordinate with HOA and property owners where parks are privately maintained but used publicly.
Why it matters: seniors, neighborhood safety and blight removal were tied to tangible resident outcomes — new amenities, safer streets and clearer paths to redevelopment — and commissioners asked staff to return clear feasibility options and financing approaches.
Next steps: staff will include senior center feasibility options, P3 and bond models, and a lighting plan in the January follow‑up deliverables and will evaluate property acquisition financing options with bond counsel.
