Davie CRA presents 2025 annual report highlighting $1 billion mixed-use project; board approves report

The Davie Community Redevelopment Agency presented its 2025 annual report at a board meeting, highlighting major downtown development projects and expanded small-business and housing initiatives. After the presentation, the board approved the report as part of the consent agenda by unanimous vote.

Debbie Thomas, the town's economic development manager, led a walk-through of the report and said the document follows the Florida statutory requirement that CRAs publish an annual report by March 31 detailing boundaries, finances and performance metrics. "We are delighted to present to you the 2025 Community Redevelopment Agency annual report," Thomas said, adding that staff used a Florida Redevelopment Association template and that final financial pages were pending figures from the town finance department.

Thomas summarized the CRA's funding partners and several development projects. She listed the Town of Davie, Children's Services, Central Broward Water Control District, North and South Broward Hospital Districts, and Broward County as funding sources for CRA activities during the period covered. The presentation noted six categories of development incentives the CRA offers to encourage property improvements and economic activity.

The report spotlights a mixed-use development described in the presentation as the district, the CRA's largest project, valued at $1 billion. According to staff, the district will include about 36,000 square feet of commercial space and 1,256 residential units at Griffin Road and U.S. 441, with the first phase under construction. Thomas also outlined other housing projects: Saddle Bridge (an $80 million downtown project with 286 residential units, including 54 affordable and 53 low-income units); Prestige Davie Main Street (48 affordable units); Pioneer Loft (105 workforce units); and Celeste Reserve (353 units, 53 designated as affordable).

Thomas noted that Town Hall lies within CRA boundaries and is undergoing reconstruction to provide more than 80,000 square feet of government use; she emphasized the report also highlights small-business programs such as Let's Talk Business, CORE (Corporate Outreach, Retention and Engagement), and a partnership with the Small Business Development Center at Florida Atlantic University. The presentation further described the CRA's 2025 redevelopment plan and rebranding initiative (DB10) and mentioned the CRA's statutory extension to 2039.

CRA Director Philip Holy said staff will add the final financial figures, print the final report, and distribute copies to taxing authorities, the state and other interested parties. He added that the board had an agenda item later that night to consider a community land trust to expand affordable-housing opportunities.

A board member moved to approve the consent agenda, which included the annual report and minutes; a second was heard and the motion passed unanimously. Chair Paul recorded the vote as unanimous. The roll call earlier in the meeting noted Chair Paul, Vice Chair Lewis, Board members Whitman, Alonso and Starky, and Mr. Lac, Mr. Holste and Mr. Sherwin as present. No named objections to the consent approval were recorded.

During general remarks, a board member relayed a resident's request, reportedly tied to the American Lung Association, to consider turquoise lighting downtown for a May awareness campaign; staff said they would coordinate with parks, the clerk's office and CRA operations to evaluate the request. Board members also corrected a posted meeting-date typo, noting the April meeting should be April 15 and the next scheduled meeting is May 6.

The board did not take additional formal action on the issues discussed and directed staff to finalize the report's financial pages before distribution.