Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Cra Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Dade City CRA approves pocket‑park negotiations, downtown wayfinding program and small exterior grant
Summary
At its Jan. 13 meeting the City of Dade City Community Redevelopment Agency authorized staff to negotiate for a small parcel to become a pocket park, approved a downtown wayfinding blade‑sign program with a modest local cost share, and awarded an exterior grant to the Williams Building (Florida Cracker Lunch), each by unanimous roll call.
The Dade City Community Redevelopment Agency on Jan. 13 authorized staff to begin negotiations to acquire roughly 6,000 square feet at 14449 7th Street for a future pocket park and approved a downtown wayfinding blade‑sign program and a small exterior grant for the Williams Building.
Miss Van Ervin, speaking for CRA staff, told the board the pocket‑park parcel has no liens and is identified in the CRA plan as a potential north‑end amenity. If the board directs the city manager to proceed, staff will order an appraisal and return a final purchase contract for board approval. Commissioner Scheid said the site would be a convenient place for restrooms and tables and voiced general support.
The CRA also approved a wayfinding blade sign program designed to boost business visibility and pedestrian navigation in the downtown CRA district. Staff said the initial multi‑bladed post planned for Meridian Avenue and 7th Street would cost about $5,500 per unit; participating businesses would pay a nonrefundable $75 implementation fee that staff estimates would lower the city's net per‑unit cost to about $4,700. The board approved the program with a motion to add references to the CRA plan and the relevant state CRA statute to the application materials, as requested by Member Cosentino.
Williams Fashion Center Inc., owner/operator of the Florida Cracker Lunch, asked the CRA to approve a building exterior grant—staff recommended reimbursement not to exceed $6,802.50 to fund a historically compatible awning. Owner Blair Hensley thanked the board and described recent work to restore a neon sign and reopen for dinner service; the board approved the grant by roll call.
All three CRA items carried on unanimous votes. Staff noted that the CRA is funded by incremental tax revenues within the CRA boundary and said $45,000 had been budgeted for CRA business grants in the current CRA budget year; if the Williams Building grant is approved roughly $38,197.50 would remain for future awards.
The CRA adjourned and the commission moved to the city agenda.
