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Daytona Beach CRA approves $90,081.30 for Joe Harris Park fencing amid public criticism over fund allocation
Summary
The Daytona Beach Community Redevelopment Agency unanimously approved up to $90,081.30 in Midtown tax increment funds to install perimeter fencing at Joe Harris Park. Public commenters urged the CRA to prioritize Beachside and Main Street and accused officials of moving funds between districts with insufficient transparency.
The Daytona Beach Community Redevelopment Agency on Oct. 1 approved a resolution to spend up to $90,081.30 in Midtown tax increment funds to install perimeter fencing at Joe Harris Park.
The vote was 7-0. The expenditure uses work authorization number 38 under general services term contract 22491 with Sterling Enterprise LLC, doing business as Perimeter Solutions Group, the resolution says.
The decision drew public comment criticizing how CRA money has been allocated across redevelopment districts. John Edson, who gave his address during public comment, urged the agency to direct more redevelopment dollars to Beachside and Main Street, saying Beachside is "supposed to have $5,000,000" that has not yet been spent. "Main Street needs help," Edson said.
Tom Russell, who identified himself as a CRA contributor, told the agency he believed funds had been shifted between CRA accounts and payroll lines to make money available in chosen areas. "It may be legal, but it isn't right and it's not honorable," Russell said, calling the practice "whitewashing" and urging greater transparency about where money originates and where it is spent.
Chair Derek Lehi Henry acknowledged some of the commenters' concerns, saying he did not agree with every criticism but that some points had merit. The commission nevertheless moved to approve the resolution; Commissioner Perez made the motion and Commissioner Strickland seconded it, and the measure passed unanimously.
The resolution authorizes use of Midtown tax increment financing (TIF) dollars to pay for the fencing, and sets an effective date for the expenditure. The agenda item materials described the contractor as Sterling Enterprise LLC (dba Perimeter Solutions Group) under contract 22491 and work authorization #38. The precise installation schedule and project start date were not specified during the meeting.
Commissioners also discussed scheduling a redevelopment workshop. Commissioner Henry asked staff to move that workshop "sooner than later," and city staff reported outreach to more than 24 companies regarding the Campbell Hotel redevelopment opportunity; staff said they would return with project recommendations for commission consideration.
The CRA meeting concluded and commission business moved on to the next agenda item.
