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St. Johns County Community Redevelopment Agency 2013 Annual Report For the Year Ending September 30, 2013 1

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Page 1: St. Johns County Community Redevelopment Agency · 2014. 3. 25. · Flagler Estates 2013 Highlights Notable Events, Programs, and Services The 2013 Flagler Estates Annual Fall Festival

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

Page 4: St. Johns County Community Redevelopment Agency · 2014. 3. 25. · Flagler Estates 2013 Highlights Notable Events, Programs, and Services The 2013 Flagler Estates Annual Fall Festival

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.

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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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Page 11: St. Johns County Community Redevelopment Agency · 2014. 3. 25. · Flagler Estates 2013 Highlights Notable Events, Programs, and Services The 2013 Flagler Estates Annual Fall Festival

Flagler Estates

Steering Committee

David Williams, Chairperson [email protected]

Walt Smith, Co-Chairperson

[email protected]

Linda Lou Ronne, Secretary

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Page 12: St. Johns County Community Redevelopment Agency · 2014. 3. 25. · Flagler Estates 2013 Highlights Notable Events, Programs, and Services The 2013 Flagler Estates Annual Fall Festival

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Page 13: St. Johns County Community Redevelopment Agency · 2014. 3. 25. · Flagler Estates 2013 Highlights Notable Events, Programs, and Services The 2013 Flagler Estates Annual Fall Festival

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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Page 14: St. Johns County Community Redevelopment Agency · 2014. 3. 25. · Flagler Estates 2013 Highlights Notable Events, Programs, and Services The 2013 Flagler Estates Annual Fall Festival

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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Page 15: St. Johns County Community Redevelopment Agency · 2014. 3. 25. · Flagler Estates 2013 Highlights Notable Events, Programs, and Services The 2013 Flagler Estates Annual Fall Festival

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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Page 16: St. Johns County Community Redevelopment Agency · 2014. 3. 25. · Flagler Estates 2013 Highlights Notable Events, Programs, and Services The 2013 Flagler Estates Annual Fall Festival

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

[email protected]

Dylan Cadwalder, Vice President and Treasurer

Phone: 904-217-3765

[email protected]

Sacha Martin, Promotions Committee

Phone: 904-824-1212

[email protected]

Sallie O’Hara, Program Manager

Phone: 904-540-0402

[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 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.

Page 20: St. Johns County Community Redevelopment Agency · 2014. 3. 25. · Flagler Estates 2013 Highlights Notable Events, Programs, and Services The 2013 Flagler Estates Annual Fall Festival

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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Page 21: St. Johns County Community Redevelopment Agency · 2014. 3. 25. · Flagler Estates 2013 Highlights Notable Events, Programs, and Services The 2013 Flagler Estates Annual Fall Festival

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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Page 22: St. Johns County Community Redevelopment Agency · 2014. 3. 25. · Flagler Estates 2013 Highlights Notable Events, Programs, and Services The 2013 Flagler Estates Annual Fall Festival

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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Page 23: St. Johns County Community Redevelopment Agency · 2014. 3. 25. · Flagler Estates 2013 Highlights Notable Events, Programs, and Services The 2013 Flagler Estates Annual Fall Festival

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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Page 25: St. Johns County Community Redevelopment Agency · 2014. 3. 25. · Flagler Estates 2013 Highlights Notable Events, Programs, and Services The 2013 Flagler Estates Annual Fall Festival

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.

Page 27: St. Johns County Community Redevelopment Agency · 2014. 3. 25. · Flagler Estates 2013 Highlights Notable Events, Programs, and Services The 2013 Flagler Estates Annual Fall Festival

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.

Page 28: St. Johns County Community Redevelopment Agency · 2014. 3. 25. · Flagler Estates 2013 Highlights Notable Events, Programs, and Services The 2013 Flagler Estates Annual Fall Festival

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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Page 29: St. Johns County Community Redevelopment Agency · 2014. 3. 25. · Flagler Estates 2013 Highlights Notable Events, Programs, and Services The 2013 Flagler Estates Annual Fall Festival

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.

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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.

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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, 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.

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