TO: CRA Board of Commissioners
FROM: Cassidy Heitman, Legal Advisor
THROUGH: Renée A. Jadusingh, Executive Director
DATE: September 24 2026
Title
RESOLUTION 2026-15 - APPROVAL OF THE TRANSFER OF THE CRA OWNED REVEREND DR. J.W.H. THOMAS JR. PARK AND ADJACENT PARKING LOTS
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Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Approve Resolution 2026-15 and the Quit Claim Deed for the transfer of Reverend Dr. J.W.H. Thomas JR. Park, and adjacent parking lots, in substantially the attached form, and authorize the CRA Board Chair to execute the Quit Claim Deed, and any related documents, in a form acceptable to the CRA Legal Counsel.
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Background:
The subject property, Reverend Dr. J.W.H. Thomas Jr. Park, is located at 46 SW 9th Avenue within the Southwest Neighborhood. The park was completed in 2015 and named in honor of Reverend Dr. J.W.H. Thomas Jr., who was a pastor at the Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church for forty-six (46) years. The Delray Beach CRA (“CRA”) was awarded the 2020 Solid Waste Authority Grant for Blighted and Distressed Properties Clean-Up and Beautification Grant in the amount of $22,800 for the park. The park underwent a renovation in the spring of 2021, which included removing and replacing twelve (12) dead trees, replacing other dead landscaping such as shrubs, grass, and ornamental flowers. In addition, landscaping maintenance, fertilization, and irrigation repair were performed, and the entrance sign was restored. Additionally, the CRA has improved the property by providing new playground equipment this year. The additional subject properties are parking lots adjacent to Reverend Dr. J.W.H. Thomas Jr. Park.
The City of Delray Beach (City) has agreed to accept ownership of the property and maintain the subject properties in perpetuity. The intent of the transfer is for the City to maintain the property in perpetuity for public use. The Quit Claim Deed states that the subject properties will continue to be restricted for public as a park and parking facilities for the general public.
At this time, CRA Staff is recommending that the CRA Board approve Resolution 2026-15 and the Quit Claim Deeds for transfer of Reverend Dr. J.W.H. Thomas Jr. Park, is located at 46 SW 9th Avenue, and the adjacent parking lots, in substantially the attached form, and authorize the CRA Board Chair to execute the Quit Claim Deeds, and any related documents, in a form acceptable to the CRA Legal Counsel.
Attachments: Exhibit A - Location Map and Survey for Rev. Dr. J.W.H. Thomas Jr. Park; Exhibit B - Quit Claim Deed for Rev. Dr. J.W.H. Thomas Jr. Park; Exhibit C - Quit Claim Deed Parking Lot 39 SW 10th Avenue; Exhibit D - Quit Claim Deed Parking Lot at 40 SW 9th Avenue; Exhibit E - Resolution 2026-15
CRA Attorney Review:
The CRA Legal Advisor has reviewed the Quit Claim Deeds and Resolution 2026-15 for legal sufficiency and form and determined it to be acceptable.
Funding Source/Financial Impact:
N/A
Overall need within the Community Redevelopment Area from Delray Beach CRA Redevelopment Plan:
Removal of Slum And Blight
Land Use
Economic Development
Affordable Housing
Downtown Housing
Infrastructure
Recreation and Cultural Facilities