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Naples CRA advisory board recommends preliminary $22.8 million capital program, prioritizes infrastructure
Summary
The advisory board voted to recommend a preliminary capital improvement program that prioritizes infrastructure projects — including an $18.5 million streetscape/stormwater allocation for the 1st Avenue South project — and moves some affordable-housing line items out of the near-term CIP.
The City of Naples Community Redevelopment Advisory Board on April 27 reviewed a preliminary capital improvement program and voted to recommend it to the Community Redevelopment Agency, prioritizing infrastructure projects and keeping design funding for several neighborhood initiatives.
Anita Taycan, speaking for CRA staff, summarized changes made after a March reprioritization and said the board’s proposed budget for next year allocates roughly $22.8 million to construction projects, with the largest single line — approximately $18.5 million — identified for the 1st Avenue South/10th/12th streetscape and stormwater work. Taycan explained the CRA portion would cover streetscape elements and as much stormwater as CRA funds permit while utilities would be paid from utility department funds.
Taycan also noted the CRA carried forward funds from projects that will not be constructed this year and retained $250,000 for neighborhood-plan projects in the coming year. She told the board that the CRA’s annual ad valorem revenue in the redevelopment area is about $11 million, with roughly 70% coming from Collier County and about 30% from the city, leaving about $7 million each year available for capital-project budgeting after operating costs.
Board members pressed for more visible operating and revenue information to appear alongside the CIP so the public can see both the expense and revenue sides. Several members also asked whether the $18.5 million figure was a firm cap; Taycan said costs can change as design advances and that the city would consider reprioritization, additional city funding, or financing if the CRA portion grew beyond the budget.
On grants, staff said they are pursuing federal Economic Development Administration opportunities that could fund up to $20 million per project and continue to look for other state and federal options. The board approved a motion to recommend the CIP as presented and staff will return with the full budget in June for additional review before final adoption by the CRA and, ultimately, City Council in September.
Next steps: staff will present the recommended CIP to the CRA in June, provide more detailed operating/revenue line items and return to the advisory board with the full budget package later in the summer.
