st. johns county community redevelopment agency · 2014. 3. 25. · flagler estates 2013 highlights...
TRANSCRIPT
St. Johns County
Community Redevelopment Agency
2013 Annual Report
For the Year Ending September 30, 2013
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Table of Contents
Our Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3
Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4
CRA Boundary Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5
What is a CRA? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6
Tax-Increment Financing Revenue (TIF) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 7
CRA Reporting Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8
Public Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 9
Flagler Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 10
Vilano Beach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 16
West Augustine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 28
Community Redevelopment Board/Board of County Commissioners . . . . . . . Page 36
Frequently Asked Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 37
Additional Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 38
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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
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 and
promotion
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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 Requirements
Pursuant 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 NOTICE ST.
JOHNS COUNTY
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
ANNUAL 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 2013 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.
Flagler Estates
The 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, Chairperson [email protected]
Walt Smith, Co-Chairperson
Linda Lou Ronne, Secretary
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Flagler Estates 2013 Highlights
Notable Events, Programs, and Services
The First Annual Flagler Estates Spring Community Day sponsored
by Flagler Estates CRC, St. Johns County Parks & Rec. Department
and FECIA was held April 6, 2013.
The event featured a yard sale, bake sale, crafts and a petting zoo.
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Flagler Estates 2013 Highlights
Notable Events, Programs, and Services
The 2013 Flagler Estates Annual Fall Festival was
held October 12, 2013.
The festival featured an auction, live music, local arts
and crafts, free hamburgers, hot dogs and sodas, and
free activities for everyone.
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Flagler Estates 2013 Highlights
Notable Events, Programs, and Services
F.E.R.ST. Flagler Estates Radio Support Team; A CB radio group provides local communication and assistance during a major event such as a disaster or hurricane for residents of Flagler Estates, St. Johns County.
Back to School Bash ~ Over 100 children attended the event and received free backpacks and school supplies. Almost 200 children were provided with school supplies this year.
Halloween Trunk or Treat
Flagler Estates Community Float for the Christmas Parade
Mobile Food Pantry – This event is held every Friday and provides 1000 – 2000 pounds of food to approximately 50 to 100 families each week.
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Vilano Beach
The 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: 904-501-5891
Dylan Cadwalder, Vice President and Treasurer
Phone: 904-217-3765
Sacha Martin, Promotions Committee
Phone: 904-824-1212
Sallie O’Hara, Program Manager
Phone: 904-540-0402
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 two grants from VISIT Florida for FY 2013-2014:
The MARKETING grant project will create collateral materials for widespread distribution. The product will
contain a map and description of all business partners supporting Vilano Beach Main Street. Materials will be
available for businesses and residents to promote the Town Center and surrounding areas.
The IMAGE DEVELOPMENT grant project enlists CycleHereMedia (Donald Jones) to produce a branding
video for Vilano Beach Main Street. This high tech production will highlight the unique Florida flavor of the
Vilano Beach coastal area, along with all of its natural assets and activities. A two minute video and 30 second
commercial will be posted on VISIT FLORIDA websites, local websites and other collaborating partner
websites.
Vilano Beach 2013 Highlights
Notable Events, Programs, and Services
Sunset Celebrations are held the first
Saturday of every month from 3p.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 2013 Highlights
Notable Events, Programs, and Services
Dressing of the Palms – Palm trees were
“adopted” and dressed to promote a business,
community group or for artistic expression. Trees
remained dressed from November through
January and judging took place on December 7th.
This event was awarded Event of the Year by
Florida Main Street.
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Vilano Beach 2013 Highlights
Notable Events, Programs, and Services
The 19th Annual Florida Pro/Am Crossover Skimboard Tournament held
August 23-25, 2013 on Vilano Beach attracted participants representing
72 beaches nationwide and 2 other countries, Brazil and Portugal. Vilano
Beach is one of the skimboard capitals of the world.
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Vilano Beach 2013 Highlights
Notable Events, Programs, and Services
Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Demolition of Fiddler’s Green. A historic landmark building in the Vilano Oceanfront Park. Plastic Bottle Boat Race
Third, Fourth and Fifth grade elementary
school students
National Marina Day benefiting the Rodeheaver Boys Ranch
With a reenactment of the landing at 30 degrees 8 minutes on the beach, a statue of Ponce De Leon was dedicated on the site of discovery in Guana Preserve.
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Vilano Beach 2013 Highlights
Notable Events, Programs, and Services
Oyster Roast to benefit Pediatric Unit at Flagler Hospital
Tips for Kids at two local restaurants, The Reef and Aunt Kate’s, benefiting
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Environmental Education Fair
Marina Day @ Camachee Harbor Marina
Bob Conroy Fishing Tournament benefits the St. Augustine Youth Center
Ancient City Game Fish Association Kids Fishing Tournament at the St.
Augustine Marina at the Vilano Pier Art Breakers and StAR
Council Bratini Cancer Fund Raiser held at Serenata Beach Club
Keepers of the
Coast Clean-up
17th Annual Vilano Bridge 5K Run/Walk
72 Mile AlA Garage Sale
Easter Sunrise Service on Vilano Beach is by The Church at Vilano
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Vilano Beach 2013Highlights
Notable Events, Programs and Services
Vilano Beach hosted the Florida Main Street Annual Conference and Awards Dinner on September 18-20, 2013. More than 40 Florida Main Street Communities, government officials and nationally recognized consultants were invited to participate to absorb networking, revitalization education seminars and presentation of awards for outstanding accomplishments during the year. They were also able to experience the revitalization and redevelopment accomplishments done through the planning and efforts of a citizen-government partnership by Vilano Beach Main Street and St. Johns County.
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Vilano Beach 2013 Highlights
Notable Events, Programs and Services
Vilano Beach Community Garden ~ On January 10, 2013 the County Recreation and Parks Department gave approval to the Vilano Beach Community Garden. The Garden is located on property owned by North Shores Improvement Association.
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Vilano Beach Publix celebrated their
First year anniversary on January 14,
2013 and was designated as one of the
top 10 stores in the 252 stores in its
district through a consumer survey.
Vilano Beach 2013 Highlighting
Notable Events, Programs and Services
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Boardwalk Dedication Mosaic Signs – On September 5,
2013, accompanied by the school’s Outta Sight Band,
students from the Florida School for the Deaf & Blind’s
Clay Club unveiled 6 tactile mosaic panels with wildlife
themes which invite the public to touch and enjoy on the
Nature Greenway Boardwalk in the saltwater marsh
passing under the Vilano Bridge on the Intracoastal
Waterway.
Primary funding by a grant from The Community
Foundation for Northeast Florida and the Crisp-Ellert
Trust. The “Vilano Beach Nature Boardwalk Mosaic”
project was made possible by a collaborative partnership
between the FSDB School, Friends of A1A Scenic &
Historic Coastal Byway, Vilano Beach Main Street,
North Shores Improvement Association, St. Johns
County Parks and Recreation and Facilities Maintenance
Departments and Hammock Gardens in Palm Coast.
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, Chairperson
Phone: 904-377-4159
Willie Cooper, Sr., Co-Chairperson
Robert Nimmons, Economic Development
Antonio Whitty, Blight and Environmental
Erich Terry, Community Policing
Linda Murray, Cultural and Quality of Life
Florida Memorial College
Dwala Willis, Weed & Seed Site Coordinator
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West Augustine 2013 Highlights
Notable Events, Programs, and Services
The Fourth Annual Career Fair: In years
past the event had been called the West
Augustine Career Fair, however the name
was changed because the event services the
entire county. The Career Fair was held
May 15, 2013 at the Solomon Calhoun
Community Center.
The event was designed to provide career
and education services information to
participants. In addition, free haircuts and
health screening were provided.
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West Augustine 2013 Highlights
Notable Events, Programs, and Services
The 3rd Annual West Augustine Easter Parade was held March 31, 2013. There was an Easter Egg Hunt at Collier-Blocker-Puryear Park at the conclusion of the parade for the youngsters. The event was sponsored by The Christian Men’s Ministry Inc.
Wild flower Clinic
The Wildflower Clinic provides free medical and dental services to all qualified St. Johns County residents who are medically uninsured and unable to afford healthcare.
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Back to School Backpack Giveaway ~ Free backpacks and school supplies were given to over 400 children in the community to help prepared them for back to school. In addition, free haircuts were also available to the kids.
The Streetlight Program is held the first and third Friday of each month. This program provides clean safe fun and entertainment for middle and high school students. The event coordinator is St. Paul AMEC.
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West Augustine 2013 Highlights
Notable Events, Programs, and Services
Community Outreach
A Community Outreach workshop was held December 4, 2013 at the Solomon Calhoun Community Center, The goal of the workshop was to demystify and humanize the government process citizens must navigate to reach programs, already in place, that could be a benefit to them, their families and others in the community. The outreach program was targeted towards those in our community who are most in need of assistance but are not aware of the resources that are available to them.
During the event, the St. Johns Property Appraiser’s Office discussed the Senior Exemptions Summary and presented information regarding how Amendment 11 allows counties and municipalities to grant an additional homestead tax exemption for qualifying low-income seniors. In addition, St Johns County Social Services staff members discussed various services tailored to low-income families and uninsured and underinsured residents. The St Johns County Housing and Community Development Division presented a workshop on fair housing and the Bailey Group presented information on healthcare reform and how it affects individuals. Many Community partners had booths to showcase their programs as well.
West Augustine 2013 Highlights
Affordable Housing
Habitat for Humanity’s 6th Annual National Women Build Week was held May 4-12, 2013 where more than
300 Habitat affiliates nationwide hosted women build projects in partnership with Lowe’s.
National Women Build Week challenges women to come together and devote at least one day to building
simple, decent and affordable housing in their local communities.
To date, women volunteers have helped construct more than 2,100 Habitat houses nationwide. Locally,
Habitat has built more than 5 Women Build houses.
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West Augustine 2013 Highlights
Affordable Housing
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In 2013 the Community Workforce
Housing Innovation Pilot Program
(CWHIP) built 10 homes and the
same number of homeowners were
assisted through the County housing
renovation program.
The Neighborhood Stabilization
Program (NSP) acquired and rehabbed
16 homes for low income rentals and 9
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.
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, Chair
Commissioner, District 4
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Bill McClure
Commissioner, District 3
Cyndi Stevenson
Commissioner, District 1
Ron Sanchez
Commissioner, District 2
Rachael L. Bennett, Vice Chair
Commissioner, 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 Agencies
What 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 Information
For 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 REQUIREMENTS
The Fiscal Year 2012-2013 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,
2012 through September 30, 2013. This report is to be transmitted with the audited year-end financial
statement as required by statute.