Avon Park CRA Board approves several façade grants, tables some amid confusion over commercial cap and color palette

The Avon Park Community Redevelopment Agency Board on July 28 approved multiple façade grants and a vendor substitution for previously authorized work, but tabled two commercial applications as staff and board members sought clarity about a commercial storefront grant cap and an undocumented CRA color palette.

Board action and why it matters: The board approved a vendor change and grants intended to help property owners clean and repaint storefronts and homes along Main Street and in CRA districts, actions that staff and members said are aimed at combating blight and supporting small businesses. Several applicants received unanimous roll-call approval; two commercial applications were delayed so the advisory board can finalize application language and a formal color palette.

What the board approved: Staff said Benroy Quest Construction submitted a lower replacement quote for a previously awarded project and the board approved changing the contractor to Quest Construction for $4,980. The board also approved façade grants for homeowners and businesses, including a $4,416.50 award for Sherrod Harris (pressure wash and paint), a $4,966.50 change order correction for Mini Lee Harris (doors and wall repair), a $4,830 commercial award for Trisha Albertton, and approval for Brenda Gray’s storefront work pending business tax receipts. Each of those motions passed on unanimous roll-call votes.

Applicant comments and staff checks: Homeowner Sherrod Harris, who gave his address as 514 West Hal McCrae Boulevard, told the board he solicited three quotes and “I just went with the cheapest one.” Staff and members repeatedly asked that certificates of insurance and property documentation be verified before finalizing awards; for one item staff noted that a missing or incorrect property appraisal entry would require returning the award if documentation could not be verified.

Why two applications were tabled: A contested procedural point emerged around the allowable award for commercial storefronts. The board packet and the current online application state a $2,000 maximum per storefront; some board members recalled prior practice of awarding $5,000 in certain cases. Staff said the updated application and the forthcoming grant cycle (public in October, awards in February) should clarify the limits, but because the application before the board lists $2,000, members voted to table at least two commercial items (including a request for Gearheads Garage at 200 West Main Street and Brooke Britt’s Main Street application) until the CRA advisory and minutes can be reconciled.

Color palette dispute: Members also discussed a CRA color palette referenced in ordinance language but not located in board records. Staff noted an inherited Benjamin Moore historical palette used informally; members debated whether any palette should be mandatory for residential recipients who receive grant funding. One member said, "If the city is going to pay for it, the city should be able to make that decision. And if they don't want the city to choose their color, then they should pay for it themselves." The board directed staff to return the issue to the CRA advisory for formal consideration.

Votes at a glance: C5 (vendor change to Quest Construction, $4,980) — approved (Member Maguire, Member Murker, Member Taylor, Vice Chair Bernard, Chair Anderson: yes). C6 (Sherrod Harris, $4,416.50) — approved (unanimous). C7 (Mini Lee Harris change order, $4,966.50) — approved (unanimous) pending insurance verification. C8 (Trisha Albertton, $4,830) — approved (unanimous). C9 (Thomas, Gearheads Garage) — tabled indefinitely (unanimous). C10 (Brooke Britt, State Farm) — tabled (unanimous). C11 (Brenda Gray, $2,790 request) — approved pending receipt of business tax certificates (unanimous).

What’s next: The board asked staff to present documentary evidence (minutes or application text) showing whether the $5,000 commercial practice was ever formalized; the CRA advisory board is scheduled to meet August 14 and staff said a new application form should be public in October. Tabled applicants may return once the advisory clarifies grant limits and the palette.

Reporting note: Quotes and attributions come from on-the-record remarks in the July 28 meeting transcript. The board voted on all approvals by roll call; no dissenting votes were recorded.