Under Florida law (Chapter 163, Part III), local governments are able to designate areas as Community Redevelopment Areas when certain conditions exist. Since all the monies used in financing CRA activities are locally generated, CRAs are not overseen by the state, but redevelopment plans must be consistent with local government comprehensive plans. Examples of conditions that can support the creation of a Community Redevelopment Area include, but are not limited to: the presence of substandard or inadequate structures, a shortage of affordable housing, inadequate infrastructure, insufficient roadways, and inadequate parking. To document that the required conditions exist, the local government must survey the proposed redevelopment area and prepare a Finding of Necessity. If the Finding of Necessity determines that the required conditions exist, the local government may create a Community Redevelopment Area to provide the tools needed to foster and support redevelopment of the targeted area. CRA Map
History
In 2002, the City of Flagler Beach adopted a Community Redevelopment Plan which listed numerous goals and objectives for the area designated as the Community Redevelopment Area. Those goals and objectives were updated in 2007 and actions to be carried out to implement those goals have been adopted by the Board.
Policy 3.2.1 of that plan establishes the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) which is overseen by the CRA Board. That Board can be comprised of the City Commission or by appointed citizens and business owners within the CRA boundaries. In the case of Flagler Beach, the City Commission sits as the CRA Board. Ultimately, the City Commission makes decisions related to spending of the Tax Increment (TIF) monies in the CRA.
A Downtown Redevelopment Committee was established as an advisory body to the CRA Board. This Committee worked very hard over the years to recommend strategies and programs to the CRA Board. Their commitment and dedication to the CRA is what has made it a successful initiative for the City. In 2007, the City Commission sunset the Redeployment Committee after they had completed their charge of helping of helping to establish a Downtown Master Plan and Design Guidelines for the CRA.
