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CRA administrator shares conference takeaways; commissioners discuss redrawing or extending Belle Glade's CRA
Summary
CRA administrator Peggy Boule Washington summarized F conference lessons — affordable housing, adaptive reuse and community policing programs — and commissioners discussed identifying brownfield sites, redesigning the CRA boundary and possibly seeking a 20‑year extension; staff will follow up and a CRA workshop is scheduled for Dec. 15.
Peggy Boule Washington, Belle Glade's Community Redevelopment Agency administrator, told commissioners on Nov. 20 that she attended the F (Redevelopment Association) conference and brought back strategies the city can apply, including approaches to affordable housing, adaptive reuse of historic buildings and community‑oriented public‑safety initiatives.
Boule Washington said the conference emphasized networking and practical tools for redevelopment agencies and listed three standout topics her office plans to apply: filling the affordable‑housing gap, partnerships for adaptive reuse/preservation, and community policing innovations. "One size doesn't fit all — we can be creative as to how we address our needs," she said.
Commissioners raised follow-up actions. Commissioner Barry asked whether the city has identified potential brownfield sites; Boule Washington said she is in the process of identifying such sites and will meet with staff to determine whether they fall inside the CRA boundary. Commissioner Wilkerson suggested redesigning the CRA map to include blighted downtown areas and noted workshop feedback that a redrawn map or a new CRA could allow the city to pursue additional funding or a 20‑year extension. Boule Washington confirmed a CRA workshop is scheduled for Dec. 15 to continue the discussion.
What happens next: staff will inventory potential brownfield sites, evaluate CRA boundary options and return to the commission at the Dec. 15 workshop with more detailed proposals and responses to tonight's questions.
