Boca Raton CRA staff present amendments adding 18 downtown projects to align plan with state law

Ruby Riley, downtown manager for the City of Boca Raton, presented Resolution 202402CRA at the Boca Raton Community Redevelopment Agency meeting on July 22, 2024, describing proposed amendments to the amended downtown plan that would add a new Section 11 with a list of 18 specific redevelopment projects and revise plan language to conform with Florida Statute 163.387.

"For the record, I'm Ruby Riley, downtown manager for the city of Boca Raton," Riley said, then reviewed the scope of the revisions and the types of projects included. She told the board the changes were prompted by a recent review of the statute that defines use of tax increment financing (TIF) funds remaining at fiscal year-end and staff evaluation of downtown redevelopment costs and details.

Riley said the proposed revisions update land use and urban design guidance, expand descriptions of cultural and community facilities and recreation/open space, and add projects related to infrastructure, capital improvements, transportation, roadways and parking. She listed examples of projects included in the new section: downtown walkability improvements such as a pedestrian promenade on 1st Avenue and 2nd Street and crosswalk enhancements; a hardscape program with new street furniture and decorative pavers; an expansion of the metered parking program; traffic-lighting and mast-arm upgrades; and updates to finance and marketing to support downtown branding. Riley also noted an item in the packet described as the "addition of the Bridal train station." She said the new Section 11 contains 18 discrete projects that support CRA goals.

Riley framed the changes as both a compliance step with state law and a way to better align the downtown plan with the City Council's vision for downtown. The resolution, as presented, recommends approval of Ordinance 5695 to amend the downtown plan; the meeting transcript records Riley's presentation but does not show a formal CRA adoption or roll-call vote on the resolution during this session.

The presentation also referenced recent capital actions already completed or underway, including the completion of Meisner Park bonds (listed in the finance section) and a capital improvements program addressing east–west connectors to improve pedestrian access. The downtown manager and staff said implementation details and the specific scope of individual projects would be refined through subsequent project planning and any required work orders.

The board did not take final action on the resolution during the meeting. The agency's materials state the amendments provide for an effective date and reference Florida Statute 163.387; any formal ordinance action would proceed through the City Council process per the city's procedures.

Next steps: staff indicated the proposed ordinance and supporting materials will move through the council/ordinance process as required; no adoption or vote on the resolution was recorded on July 22.