CRA approves $6,000 matching grant to paint Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum annex

The Community Redevelopment Agency voted to approve a 50/50 matching reimbursement grant of $6,000 to the Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum for exterior painting and limited siding and soffit repairs to the Heritage House annex.

CRA Director Bergeron reviewed the museum's prior awards and the current request, saying the museum previously received a Florida Department of State African American Cultural and Historical Grant award of $139,200 and a $42,800 CRA gap grant. Bergeron said the Heritage House project is complete except for painting and that the applicant provided three contractor quotes; she noted, "they are not selecting the least expensive quote" because the $12,000 estimate from New Visions included siding that needed replacement and soffit and fascia work. Director Bergeron told the board the 2024-25 Historic Westside Preservation Grant Program budget is $100,000 and staff recommended approval of the $6,000 matching reimbursement.

A motion to approve the grant was moved and seconded and the clerk recorded unanimous votes in favor. The chair announced, "The motion carries for the grant for the Mary S. Harrell Museum." The board did not attach conditions beyond standard matching and documentation requirements.

The approval makes a portion of the museum's exterior work eligible for CRA reimbursement under the Historic West Side Preservation matching grant program; staff will process the reimbursement once the applicant submits final invoices and required documentation.