TO: CRA Board of Commissioners
FROM: Alexina Jeannite, Community Engagement Director
THROUGH: Renée A. Jadusingh, Esq., Executive Director
DATE: October 20, 2021
Title
ACCEPT THE MODIFICATIONS TO THE SITE DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE FUNDING PROGRAMS.
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Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Approve the modification to the Site Development Assistance guidelines, opening eligibility to include retail businesses.
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Background:
In 2020, upon the review of its existing guidelines, the CRA recognized opportunities to broaden its reach, further clarify guideline criteria, and address award limitations. At the September 29, 2020 CRA Board Workshop, staff facilitated a discussion of potential modifications to the funding assistance and incentives programs and requested feedback from the board. During the September 29, 2020 CRA Board Workshop, CRA staff recommended modifications to the guidelines and received consensus from the board to make the proposed changes and during the October 27, 2020 CRA Board meeting, the Board approved the modifications.
The modifications included both permanent and temporary changes, including broadening the types of businesses eligible for funding in order to expand the CRA’s impact. Specifically, the modified guidelines opened eligibility within sub-areas #1 and #2 accordingly:
• Site Development Assistance guidelines - eligibility temporarily opened to include Retail Businesses in sub-areas #1 & #2
Since temporary eligibility was opened, Staff has received more inquiries from businesses located in sub-areas #1 and #2 and has also seen an increase in the awards approved in those sub-areas. Compared to the previous year (FY2019-2021), only one award was made in sub-area #1.
In addition, the following modification is being requested to clarify the intent of Item J.- Verification of approved site plan modification application from City of Delray Beach, on the list of required supporting documents for the Site Development Assistance Funding Program. While not all projects will require structural improvements in their scope, the intent is to have the applicant obtain all required city government approvals needed for the project to proceed, such as permits, Certificates of Use, and any other approvals required by the City. The modification not the guidelines would state:
• J. Verification of approved site plan modification application from City of Delray Beach and/or other approvals required by the City of Delray Beach Development Services Department (i.e. approved permits, Certificate of Use Letters, etc.)
At this time, Staff is requesting to make these changes program modifications.
Attachments: Exhibit A - Site Development Assistance Program guidelines; Exhibit B - Memo of Modifications
CRA Attorney Review:
N/A
Finance Review:
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Funding Source/Financial Impact:
N/A
Timing of Request:
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