CRA staff confirms termination of Center for Arts and Innovation agreement; commissioners discuss expanding ALTA consulting scope

CRA Director Brown told the board Jan. 13 that on Jan. 8 the Center for Arts and Innovation notified the CRA and the city that it was terminating the Oct. 12, 2022 preconstruction and development agreement (PCDA) and the related lease pursuant to section 14 of that PCDA. "We wrote the center on January 9 confirming that both the PCDA and the lease are terminated effective January 8," Brown said and added the agency commended the center's efforts and wished them success in the future.

No formal action was taken during the meeting on the termination; Brown offered to answer questions and to follow up with staff. Later in the meeting Commissioner Richter asked about the status of ALTA's consulting plan for Palmetto and suggested that, given the government campus master plan submittals, now would be a good time to expand ALTA's scope or add a work order to evaluate connectivity east and west of Palmetto and how traffic and pedestrian flows would cross the street to connect with the new campus area. Richter emphasized that connectivity between the campus and the eastern portion of downtown should be considered.

Brown responded that connectivity between the campus and the eastern portion of downtown would be considered as part of the planning process and that he would consult with staff to get exact details and follow up with the board.

The meeting record shows no vote or directive to add work orders to ALTA's contract during this session; the question was asked and staff committed to consulting internally and reporting back.