2012 st. johns county community redevelopment agency annual financial …€¦ · ·...
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2012 St. Johns County Community Redevelopment Agency
Annual Financial Audit Report
The CRA 2012 Annual Financial Audit Report is included in the overall St. Johns County Audit Report and can be made available upon request from the Clerk of Courts Finance Department by contacting them at:
St. Johns County: Phone (904)819-3658 Fax (904) 819-3667
Email BCC Finance: [email protected]
Email COC Finance: [email protected]
St. Johns County Community Redevelopment Agency
2012 Annual Report For the Year Ending September 30, 2012
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Table of Contents
Our Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3 Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4CRA Boundary Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5What is a CRA? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6Tax-Increment Financing Revenue (TIF) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 7CRA Reporting Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8Public Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 9Flagler Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 10Vilano Beach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 16West Augustine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 31Community Redevelopment Board/Board of County Commissioners . . . . . . . Page 39Frequently Asked Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 40Additional Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 41
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Our Purpose
The St. Johns County Community Redevelopment Agency was established to promote, coordinate and fund a variety of residential and commercial redevelopment efforts in three community redevelopment areas:
Flagler Estates
Vilano Beach
West Augustine
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Objectives
The private sector and multiple government agencies have partnered to implement initiatives to improve the overall physical condition of the community and reduce the factors that contribute to slum and blight. Based on priorities established by each community, redevelopment programs have been created to develop infrastructure to encourage and support economic growth and improve the quality of life for the people who live and work in these areas.
The Community Redevelopment Agencies have identified five strategic objectives:
Infrastructure improvements
Economic development
Affordable housing
Recreation and community activities
Funding, financing, management andpromotion
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What is a CRA?The Community Redevelopment Agency is a public entity established under the guidelines of the Community Redevelopment Act (Chapter 163, Part III, Florida Statutes) to implement community redevelopment activities.
A powerful redevelopment tool, the CRA uses the growth in assessed property values (tax increment financing funds) to reinvest within their boundaries. The Community Redevelopment Act outlines the complete process for creating a CRA. The major phases are:
The first step is to adopt the Finding of Necessity, a field study that formally identifies the conditions of economic distress within the established boundaries of the designated area.
Next, a Community Redevelopment Plan must be developed and then adopted by the County Commission. The plan should address the unique needs of the targeted area and include overall goals as well as identify programs and projects to address those goals.
The primary funding source for a community redevelopment agency comes from tax- increment financing. The Community Redevelopment Act allows for the creation of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district within CRA boundaries.
Once a Redevelopment Trust Fund is established, it enables the CRA Board to direct the increase in real property tax revenues to the targeted area’s needs.
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Tax-Increment Financing Revenue (TIF)The primary funding source for a community redevelopment agency comes from tax-increment financing. The Community Redevelopment Act allows for the creation of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district within a CRA.
TIF revenue is determined by the formula as established in Florida Statutes, Chapter 163, Part III. A base value is established when the Property Appraiser reassesses the property values within the CRA. The Increment Value is the difference between the annual value and the base value.
The TIF Contribution is captured in a trust fund to be spent within the district, as authorized by the CRA Board, on projects and programs identified in the Redevelopment Plan.
TIFs are a significant redevelopment tool available to CRAs. The usual term for both a TIF and the CRA is thirty years.
TIF revenues can only be invested to benefit the CRA in which they are generated.
Typically, the needs of a CRA cannot be met with only TIF funds on a pay-as-you-go basis. Alternative financing techniques that can be utilized include bonding, which St. Johns County chose to utilize to ensure that redevelopment initiatives identified in their redevelopment plans could be realized.
An annual budget is adopted by the St. Johns County Board of CRA Commissioners for each CRA area.
By September 30 of each fiscal year, funds identified for each of the individual CRAs have to be spent, encumbered or appropriated. These funds must be for the specific redevelopment projects specified in the approved Community Redevelopment Plan and the projects or programs are set to be completed within three years from the date of the appropriation.
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CRA Reporting RequirementsPursuant to Florida Statutes Section 163.356(3)(c), the St. Johns County Community Redevelopment Agency is required to:
. . . file with the governing body, on or before March 31 of each year, a report of its activities for the preceding fiscal year, which report shall include a complete financial statement setting forth its assets, liabilities, income, and operating expenses as of the end of such fiscal year. At the time of filing the report, the agency shall publish in a newspaper of general circulation in the community a notice to the effect that such report has been filed with the county or municipality and that the report is available for inspection during business hours in the office of the clerk of the city or county commission and in the office of the agency.
This report of activities is in addition to the independent financial audit of the trust fund as required by Section 163.387(8). The CRA Financial Audit is part of the St. Johns County Annual Audit. The financial audit report is not included in this document.
A community redevelopment agency is also required to advertise in a local newspaper that this report and the statutorily required financial report has been filed with the governing body and that these reports are available for inspection in the office of the County Clerk.
The CRA must also comply with reporting requirements set forth in Section 189, F.S. for Special Districts.
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Public Notice
PUBLIC NOTICEST. JOHNS COUNTY
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCYANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT
NOTICE OF PUBLICATION OF THE ST. JOHNS COUNTY COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ANNUAL REPORT. Pursuant to Chapter 163, Part III, Florida Statutes, the St. Johns County Community Redevelopment Agency has published the 2012 Annual Report for West Augustine, Flagler Estates and Vilano Beach. This report is now available for review during business hours at the following locations: The Clerk of Courts Office at 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084, The Housing & Community Development Office at 1955 US 1 South, Suite B1, St. Augustine, FL 32086 or the County Commissioner’s Office at 500 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine, FL 32084.
NOTICE TO PERSONS NEEDING SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS AND TO ALL HEARING IMPAIRED PERSONS: In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing a special accommodation to participate in this activity should contact ADA Coordinator, at (904) 209-0650 at the County Administration Building, St. Augustine, FL 32084. For hearing impaired individuals: Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD): Florida Relay Service: 1-800-955-8770, no later than 4 days prior to the date of the viewing.
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Flagler EstatesThe Flagler Estates Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) was created to enhance the economic factors and reduce the items that contribute to slum and blight as defined in the Community Redevelopment Act of 1969, Chapter 163, part III, Florida Statutes.
The CRA plan was prepared utilizing input from the community to create redevelopment programs that address the priorities expressed in public meetings of the Flagler Estates Road and Water Control District and Flagler Estates Civic Association. The primary redevelopment project for the Flagler Estates Redevelopment Area is to provide infrastructure to support development of road and drainage projects. This plan also includes programs to address related community needs such as recreation facilities, street and traffic signage and other priority issues identified by members of the community.
The program and redevelopment tools created for the Flagler Estates area will be prioritized based on continued community input and future revenues
available for redevelopment from tax increment financing, County funding, grants, and other public or private resources. The tax increment mechanism established for this area provides dedicated revenue for a thirty-year period. The redevelopment program section of this plan should be considered the “tool box” with which to create and implement redevelopment projects.
The Flagler Estates area is located in both St. Johns and Flagler Counties with approximately 5,449 lots located in St. Johns County and 1,935 located in Flagler County.
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Flagler Estates Steering Committee
David Williams, [email protected]
Lila Lane, [email protected]
Candy Nelson, [email protected]
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Flagler Estates 2012 Highlights Notable Events, Programs, and ServicesThe 2012 Flagler Estates Annual Fall Festival sponsored by the Flagler Estates CRA and the St. Johns Housing Partnership was held October 13, 2012, with approximately 1,300 people in attendance.
The festival featured an auction, live music, local arts and crafts, free hamburgers, hot dogs and sodas, and free activities for the kids and families.
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Flagler Estates 2012 Highlights Notable Events, Programs, and Services
2012 Country Cruisin’ for a Cause Charity Bike Ride raising funds to benefit the Flagler Estates food bank and annual back to school supply give away.
Back to School Bash ~ Free backpacks and school supplies were given to over 110 children in the community to help them start their school year on the right foot. In addition, free hamburgers, hot dogs, and drinks were available along with games for the kids, face painting and free school physicals.
Halloween Trunk or Treat
Flagler Estates Community Float for the Christmas Parade
Community Clean Up ~ A community clean up is held twice a year. In an effort to encourage community involvement, area residents were invited to take ownership for the maintenance of their neighborhood by ADOPTing A ROAD.
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Flagler Estates 2012 Highlights New Businesses
Dollar General Store
This store provides everything from convenience items, toys, clothing, health and beauty supplies, electronics, school supplies,
foods and seasonal items.
The addition of this new store will createnew jobs and encourage further development
in the community.
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Vilano BeachThe Vilano Beach Community Redevelopment Area plan reflects extensive input from the community to create redevelopment programs that address the priorities expressed in public meetings of the Vilano Beach Main Street Group, Vilano Beach Waterfronts Florida Community Group, North Shores Improvement Association, and other members of the community.
The programs created for this community will be phased in according to future community input and future revenues available for redevelopment from tax-increment revenues, County funding, grants, and other public or private resources. The tax increment mechanism established for this area provides dedicated revenue for up to a thirty-year period. The Vilano Beach Community Redevelopment Area program has been created to organize, design, promote and economically restructure the commercial district in Vilano Beach since it was bypassed by the relocation of the Vilano (Usina) Bridge in 1995.
The primary focus of the plan addresses infrastructure improvements, economic development incentives, and encourages the development of activities which impact the quality of life of the people who live and work in the Vilano Beach neighborhood.
The Vilano Beach community is located on a barrier island peninsula area, which lies two miles north of St. Augustine on the east side of the Usina Bridge which crosses the Intracoastal Waterway.
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Vilano Beach Vilano Beach Main Street & Vilano Beach Waterfronts Florida Community
Executive Committee
Vivian Browning, President of the Board and Chair of CRA Executive Committee
Phone: [email protected]
Dylan Cadwalder, Vice President and TreasurerPhone: [email protected]
Sacha Martin, Promotions CommitteePhone: 904-824-1212
Sallie O’Hara, Program ManagerPhone: [email protected]
www.vilanobeachfl.com
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Vilano Beach Vilano Beach Main Street & Vilano Beach Waterfronts Florida Community
Grants:
Vilano Beach Main Street was awarded a $10,000 grant from The Community Foundation – Crisp-Ellert Fund to engage community school partners in designing, creating, and installing art panels along the Vilano Board Nature Boardwalk. Six mosaic panels of nature, wildlife, history and habitats will be created by blind students from the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind. The panels will be completed in the school art department and installed by the St. Johns County Recreation and Parks Department by September 2013.
Vilano Beach is situated along the A1A Scenic & Historic Byway. The Friends of A1A Scenic Byway, a nonprofit organization, is a citizen advocacy group which collaborates with municipalities, governmental agencies and civic groups to protect, preserve, and enhance resources along the A1A National Scenic Byway. They were pleased to receive the following grant awards this year:
The Federal Highway Administration awarded the Friends of A1A Scenic Byway $600,691 for a wayfinding signage design/build project.
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Vilano Beach Vilano Beach Main Street & Vilano Beach Waterfronts Florida Community
Grants:
For the fourth consecutive year, VISIT FLORIDA has awarded grants to the Friends of A1A. This year they received three cultural heritage grants:
The Art of A1A – a marketing grant to enhance web site promotions, develop and distribute collateral materials, and stimulate regional interest among diverse art communities along the Byway.
Along the Byway – an image grant to develop a series of short video commercials, public service announcements and web promotions highlighting routes, events, and trails along the A1A corridor, including bicycle and pedestrian safety tips.
WAVE Hospitality Program – a tourism education grant to develop hospitality training materials and conduct hospitality workshops targeted to service industries, including lodging, recreation, restaurants and visitor information center staff and volunteers.
Some grants must be matched and funds are raised through various fundraising events throughout the year.
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Vilano Beach Vilano Beach Main Street & Vilano Beach Waterfronts Florida Community
This award follows a 14 year journey of economic revitalization. Town Center leaders have nurtured the original vision into a reality to create a sustainable, pedestrian friendly, unique sense of place. The local citizen initiative employed land use analysis and specific Overlay District zoning to design the Vilano Beach Town Center infrastructure which includes underground utilities or stormwater maintenance system, streetscape, angle parking, landscape architecture, lighting, and signage, while at the same time preserving and celebrating the natural and recreational environment on two waterfronts.
Additionally, in 2012 Vilano Beach Main Street, which was under the umbrella of the North Shores Improvement Association, responsible for improving the quality of life in the area since 1938, received its own separate not-for-profit 501c3 corporation status.
Awards & Distinctions:
Atlantic Land Realty (Vilano Town Center Partners LLC) of West Palm Beach shared honors for an award for OUTSTANDING NEW CONSTRUCTION at the Annual Florida Main Street Conference held in Dade City September 12-14 this year.
The construction of a Publix-anchored commercial center resulted in becoming a catalyst for sustainable commercial development in the Vilano Beach Town Center and a driving force for additional commercial development and new jobs. The additional tax base generated by this development will help pay for the CRA bond issue.
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Vilano Beach Vilano Beach Main Street & Vilano Beach Waterfronts Florida Community
2012 Infrastructure Improvements:
January – Upgrade of Wayfinding Sign System
June – Completion of floating dock for temporary dockage ($300,000+ project)
August – Completion of pier end cap signage – “Vilano Beach Pier”
November – Demolition of derelict Town Center building
December – Enhancement to traffic light for safety at CoastalHighway & A1A
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Vilano Beach 2012 Highlights Notable Events, Programs, and Services
Sunset Celebrations are held the first Saturday of every month from 2 p.m. to dusk at the Vilano Beach Pier and Pavilion. This special event includes artistic performers, local arts and crafts, music, dancing, and food. The mission of the Sunset Celebration is to encourage locals and tourists to come enjoy community activities within Vilano Beach Town Center.
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Vilano Beach 2012 Highlights Notable Events, Programs, and Services
Dressing of the Palms – Palm trees were “adopted” and dressed to promote a school, a business, or just for the fun of it. Trees remained dressed from November through January and judging took place on November 10th.
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Vilano Beach 2012 Highlights Notable Events, Programs, and ServicesThe 2012 Florida Pro/Am Crossover Skimboard Tournament was held August 24-26th on Vilano Beach.
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Vilano Beach 2012 Highlights Notable Events, Programs, and Services
Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Dedication of the Vilano Pier Public Dock (which now makes the Vilano Beach Town Center accessible by both land and water)
Plastic Bottle Boat RaceThird grade elementary school students
8th Annual Bob Conroy Charity Inshore Fishing Tournament benefiting the St. Augustine Youth Center
Restoration of the 1950s Bluebird of Happiness and relocation to the Vilano Beach Pier
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Vilano Beach 2012 Highlights Notable Events, Programs, and Services
72 Mile A1A Super Scenic Garage Sale
Fishing Tournament & Silent Auction to benefit the National Foundation for Transplants
Jeep Ride & Parade on A1A to benefit veterans and their families
Kiwanis K-Kids Town Center and beach clean-up
Vilano Beach Inlet Maritime Festival
Friends of GTM Trail Run
Art Breakers and StAR Council Bra*tini Cancer
Fund Raiser
Turtle Town Beach Clean-up
16th Annual Vilano Bridge 5K Run/Walk
Surf’s Up Camp
Bike Run for the Babes Poker Run benefiting the Child Cancer Fund
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Vilano Beach 2012 Highlights Looking Forward
Vilano Beach will host the Florida Main Street Annual Conference and Awards Dinner to be held September 18-20, 2013. The FMS Annual Conference will offer strategies for historic commercial district revitalization with educational sessions presented by professionals from around the nation. Located in downtown Vilano Beach with nearby venues in Ponte Vedra Beach and historic St. Augustine, the conference will provide attendees the opportunity to experience many aspects of our beautiful area. The conference will celebrate Vilano’s 10th anniversary as a Main Street Community, showcase the Town Center, and include a walking tour of the Vilano Beach Town Center and a bus tour of historic St. Augustine.
The group will be headquartered in the multimillion dollar Environmental Education Center of the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTMNERR) in Guana State Park (about 5 miles north of the Town Center). Attendees will visit the newly erected statue of Juan Ponce de Leon (to be erected and dedicated the first week in April 2013) as part of the statewide Viva Florida 500 Celebration, commemorating the 500th year of the founding of “La Florida” by Juan Ponce de Leon.
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Vilano Beach 2012 Highlights Looking Forward
Vilano Beach Community Garden ~ More than 25 Vilano area residents have shown an interest in taking advantage of the opportunity to create an organic community garden. The proposed 145 x 33 foot garden will be located on the east side of the ball field near the tree line on the four acre property owned by the North Shores Improvement Association. A plan for the garden boxes and compost space has already been designed. The first community gardeners meeting will be held in January or February, 2013.
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Vilano Beach 2012 Highlighting New & Existing Businesses
** 180 Vilano Grill & Pizza
Bay Ray Boat Rentals & Charters
* Beaches at Vilano – Deck Expansion
* Fire Wok
Haley’s Pub
Hampton Inn & Suites St. Augustine-Vilano Beach
Inlet Marina at Vilano Beach
* Magic Beach Motel Restoration
OceanView Lodge
* Publix Grocery Store & Pharmacy
* Puccini’s Pizzeria
* Rainbow Shades
* Salon Balance
* St. Augustine Beach House Renovation
St. Augustine Marina
** The Palms at Vilano Beach
* Venus Nails & Spa
** Vilano Beach Garden Inn
Vilano Beach Town Center Realty
* Vilano Beach Water Taxi & Tours
* Vilano Dry Cleaners
Vilano Extended Stay
Vilano Surf Hut
* YoCool Yogurt* 2012 New Businesses** 2013 Construction Commences
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The West Augustine CRA was the first of three redevelopment areas. The West Augustine Community Redevelopment Plan was prepared utilizing input from the community to create redevelopment programs that address the priorities expressed in the meeting of the West Augustine CRA Steering Committee. Every effort was made to address each priority issue stated by the members of the community through a redevelopment program.
This Plan is program oriented, not site or project specific. The programs created for this community will be phased in based on future community input and future revenues available for redevelopment from tax-increment revenues, county funding, grants, and other public or private resources. The tax increment mechanism established for this area provides dedicated revenue for a thirty-year period. The Plan should be considered the “tool box” to achieve the community goals.
The Plan addresses the elimination of blighted conditions, provides for community policing, affordable housing programs, infrastructure improvement, economic development incentives, and encourages the development of activities, which impact the quality of life of the people who live and work in the West Augustine neighborhood. The West Augustine neighborhood is within the western development path of the greater St. Augustine area.
West Augustine
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West Augustine Steering Committee
Greg White, ChairpersonPhone: 904-377-4159
Willie Cooper, Sr., Co-Chairperson
Robert Nimmons, Economic Development
Antonio Whitty, Blight and Environmental
Willie Cooper, Sr., Infrastructure and Public Works
Erich Terry, Community Policing
Gregory White, Affordable Housing
Linda Murray, Cultural and Quality of Life
Dwala Willis, Weed & Seed Site CoordinatorFlorida Memorial College
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West Augustine 2012 Highlights Notable Events, Programs, and Services
A Community Pool Party was held at the Solomon Calhoun Community Center on September 29, 2012, in which the CRA partnered with the Sheriff's Office, St. Paul AME Church, YMCA and the Christian Men's Ministry to promote utilization of the pool by the CRA youth and their families. Over 250 residents attended the event which featured swim lessons, a cookout and lots of fun for everyone.
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West Augustine 2012 Highlights Notable Events, Programs, and Services
WACRA 2012 Career Fair ~ Career & Job Fairs are held every six (6) months at the Solomon Calhoun Center where over 25 vendors including potential employers, educational institutions, human resource agencies and legal aid are brought in to the community where residents from West Augustine and all over the county can seek employment and educational opportunities.
Wild Flower Clinic
In 2012, over 700 patients received free medical and dental care at the Wild Flower Clinic in West Augustine. Vision care is being incorporated in 2013.
Back to School Backpack Giveaway ~ Free backpacks and school supplies were given to over 400 children in the community to help them start the school year on a positive note. In addition, free hamburgers, hot dogs, and drinks were available along with games for the kids, face painting and free school physicals.
WorkSource ACCESS Points was held March 14, 2012, at the Solomon Calhoun Community Center to assist community residents with online job searches, resume assistance, interview coaching, and referrals to other agencies.
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West Augustine 2012 Highlights Notable Events, Programs, and ServicesWest Augustine Weed & Seed Initiative
The goal of the federally funded West Augustine Weed & Seed Program is to improve and revitalize the community by weeding out crime and blight and seeding in more positive incentives and programs.
Beneficial results of the “weed” component since its implementation in 2006:
Increased law enforcement presence including bike and foot patrol, undercover vehicles, and high tech surveillance equipment
Reduction of crime and enhanced penalties for certain offenses
Implementation of a multi-agency Drug Task Force formulated to deal with high level drug investigation and crime
The “seed” element of the strategy has also netted remarkable outcomes in the community including:
Demolition of over 100 blighted homes and construction of approximately 300 new homes
Creation of four free “Safe Havens” where at- risk youth ages 5 to 12 can go after school and summers to participate in positive activities as well as receive academic tutorial from caring adults and retired educators
Events such as the Career & Job Fairs held every six months at the Solomon Calhoun Center, the Annual Take Pride in the Westside Celebration Day, Community Clean Ups and Career Day where area youth are paired with working professionals to inspire career goals
Utilization of millions of dollars in grant funds for first time home buyers down payment assistance, drainage, road improvements and sewer connections
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West Augustine 2012 Highlights Affordable Housing
In 2012 the Community Workforce Housing Initiative Program (CWHIP) built 17 homes, and 16 homeowners were assisted through the County housing renovation program.
The Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) acquired and rehabbed 12 new homes for low income rentals and 9 new homes for resale.
Habitat for Humanity and St. Johns Housing Partnership continue to collaborate with the County’s housing programs in its effort to provide homes for low income residents.
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West Augustine 2012 Highlights Looking Forward
Family Dollar Store
Application has been filed to build an 8,000 square foot Family Dollar Store east of Volusia Street, across from
South St. Johns Street.
The store will provide everything from convenience items, clothing, toys, health and beauty supplies,
electronics, school supplies, foods and seasonal items.
The addition of this new store will create new jobs and encourage further development in the community.
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St. Johns County Community Redevelopment Agency Board
The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners serve as the Community Redevelopment Agency Board of Commissioners.
Jay Morris, ChairCommissioner, District 4
Bill McClure, Vice-ChairCommissioner, District 3
Cyndi StevensonCommissioner, District 1
Ron SanchezCommissioner, District 2
Rachael L. BennettCommissioner, District 5
County Commission Meetings:
The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners meets the first and third Tuesday of each month beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the County Auditorium, located at 500 San Sebastian View in St. Augustine. The Board reserves the right to cancel and/or change the meeting schedule as needed. All Public Hearings will be advertised for 9:00 am. If you have any questions regarding the agenda, please call (904) 209-0530.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Community Redevelopment AgenciesWhat is a Community Redevelopment Area?A Community Redevelopment Area (“CRA”) is a geographic area in which the physical and economic conditions meet the definition of slum or blight as provided in the State’s Community Redevelopment Act of 1969 (“Act”) that the local government formally designates for redevelopment. It is a powerful tool that municipalities throughout Florida use to help persistently struggling commercial districts and neighborhoods.
What is the purpose of creating a Community Redevelopment Area?The basic purpose of creating a CRA is to formally recognize that the designated area deserves dedicated resources to reduce and/or eliminate the conditions of slum/blight and to stimulate community and economic revitalization. A CRA is a long- term, 30-year commitment.
How is a CRA created?The Act outlines the process for creating a CRA. First, a field study is conducted to document the slum/blight conditions in the area. If legally sufficient documentation is produced, the local government approves a resolution declaring that the area is appropriate for redevelopment under the Act. From there, the local government works with the community’s residents and stakeholders to create a CRA Plan for adoption by the local government.
Are there any special funding sources associated with a CRA?The Act allows for the creation of a Tax Increment Financing (“TIF”) district within a CRA. When a CRA/TIF is created, the Property Appraiser “freezes” the value of the property in the CRA at its current level (often called the “base value”). Annually thereafter, increases in property taxes collected above the base year amount (“increment”) are deposited in a trust fund and invested in CRA Plan initiatives. Increment revenues must be spent within the CRA in which they are generated.
Who governs CRA’s and the TIF expenditures?A Community Redevelopment Agency, as provided in the Act, governs community redevelopment areas. In St. Johns County, the Board of County Commissioners serve as the Agency. The Commissioners and Agency are separate and distinct governments with different functions and powers. The primary functions of the Agency are to oversee the implementation of CRA Plans and to administer TIF expenditures.
Are community members involved in the redevelopment process?Yes. The Agency appoints community advisory committees to serve each redevelopment area. The committees meet regularly with stakeholders to help prioritize redevelopment initiatives. Committee recommendations are then presented to the Agency for consideration.
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Additional InformationFor additional information regarding the St. Johns County Community Redevelopment Agency, the availability of copies of this report, and the separate audit report, contact:
Benjamin Coney, Housing Manager
St. Johns County Housing and Community Services
1955 US 1 South, Suite B1
St. Augustine, FL 32086
Phone: 904-827-6892
COMMUNITY REDEVELOMENT AGENCY REPORTING REQUIREMENTSThe Fiscal Year 2011-2012 Annual Report for St. Johns County Community Redevelopment Agency has been prepared in accordance with Section 356(3)(c), Florida Statutes. This report covers the period from October 1, 2011 through September 30, 2012. This report is to be transmitted with the audited year-end financial statement as required by statute.