TO: CRA Board of Commissioners
FROM: Joan K. Goodrich, Economic Development Director
Elizabeth Burrows, Economic Development Manager
THROUGH: Jeff Costello, CRA Executive Director
DATE: February 12, 2019
Title
DISCUSSION - CONSIDERATION OF NEW PROPERTY IMPROVEMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS and services FOR PRIORITY AREAS
.Body
Background:
Since the early 1990s, the Delray Beach has provided “grants” (funding assistance) and incentives to new and existing businesses and property owners, developers and residents seeking to improve their spaces or to redevelop their properties or land. Currently, the CRA offers two (2) general property improvement assistance programs including the Paint-Up & Signage Program and the Site Development Assistance Program which allows for the reimbursement of exterior and interior improvements made to commercial and multi-family residences in most CRA sub-areas.
As the CRA seeks ways to accelerate private investment in key priority areas of the CRA District - West Atlantic Area (Sub-Area#3), Northwest Neighborhood (Sub-Area #4), Southwest Neighborhood (Sub-Area #8) (and Osceola Park (Sub-Area #7) - additional tools and new service approaches to better assist new and expanding businesses and existing property owners of underutilized existing properties may be warranted.
The Office of Economic Development (OED) will lead a discussion focused on and seek CRA Board direction to several staff recommendations that address growing business needs including project consultation and quality professional services along with suggested updates to the existing CRA Site Development Assistance Program. These new recommendations are designed to significantly and positively impact the occupancy, vibrancy and rehabilitation of commercial properties in CRA sub-areas 3, 4, 7 and 8 while eliminating the perception of “slum and blight.”
Attachments: Exhibit A - CRA District Sub-Area Map; Exhibit B - Reference Chart for CRA Property Improvement Assistance Programs; Exhibit C - Workshop Discussion Presentation