Lynn Haven CRA board recommends 10-year extension to city commission

The Lynn Haven Community Redevelopment Agency voted to recommend a 10-year extension of the city’s CRA to the City Commission after a presentation from CRA staff outlining unfinished infrastructure projects and a funding gap.

CRA director Ben told the board the CRA, established in 2004 with a sunset year of 2033 under Florida statute, needs additional time to complete major projects that remain in the plan. "The extension of the CRA lifespan by another 10 years" would, Ben said, "allow us to secure some funding to extend the improvements on Ohio Avenue all the way down to 17th Street, all the way up to 3rd Street, to make some more improvements on Florida Avenue." He also cited secured grants including $1.3 million in FDOT funds and about $500,000 from the Safe Routes to School program for sidewalk work around Lynn Haven Elementary School.

During public comment, resident Mister Walker urged the board not to extend the CRA, asserting the program "is finished" and saying earlier plans and promises had not been fulfilled. Walker repeated concerns that prior CRA management wasted funds and argued the county TIF arrangement was not guaranteed. His remarks went unanswered with a direct rebuttal during the meeting.

Board members asked technical questions about timing and process; staff clarified that the current sunset is 2033 and a 10-year extension would move that date to 2043, and that the recommendation must be approved by the City Commission after required notices and a public hearing. Commissioner Wark moved to recommend the extension to the commission; the motion carried on a roll-call vote with commissioners present recording "yes." Staff said notices will be sent and a hearing is scheduled for Dec. 9.

The action is a recommendation to the City Commission; final approval will depend on subsequent hearings and any statutory review required by state law.