Homestead CRA to re-notice two parcels and shift residential grant funds to support downtown commercial enhancements

The Homestead Community Redevelopment Agency directed staff to reissue a Section 163 notice and approved a funding reallocation during its March 3 meeting.

CRA staff reported the two parcels fronting Southwest 4th Street total about 13,000 square feet and earlier received no valid submissions after a prior 163 notice; an adjacent developer submitted an unsolicited proposal and staff recommended running another 30-day 163 notice to solicit competitive proposals. The board asked staff to specify in the notice that the properties are intended for a public gathering area or park and to return to the board to review any proposals after the notice period.

Separately, the CRA voted to move the remaining balance — identified in the meeting record as approximately $96,000 — from the residential rehabilitation grant program into the commercial enhancement grant program so that staff can fund incoming commercial grant applications. Mr. Beck said the residential program had no applicants year-to-date; board members emphasized outreach plans (social media, website, broker contact, and community meetings) to publicize the commercial grant availability. The motion to reallocate the funds passed on a recorded roll-call vote with all members present voting yes.

The reissuance of a Section 163 notice begins a public solicitation process but does not authorize any sale; final disposition or development of the parcels would require subsequent CRA approval and any necessary agreements to be presented to the board.