Brenn Hines

The board discussed and passed CRA Resolution 01-26, which pertains to the Residential Facade Improvement Grant Program for the fiscal year 25/26. Key actions included the approval of funding for fifteen grant applicants, representing an increase in the initial allocation, and a discussion regarding the inclusion of Florida-Friendly plant requirements for irrigation and vegetation improvements within the grant program guidelines.

The City Commission and Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting included presentations on city and CRA audits. The agenda covered several administrative and operational items, including a CDD boundary amendment ordinance, plat dedication resolutions, water line relocation and library expansion task orders, security gate bid awards, and traffic calming measures for Glencruiten Avenue. Additionally, the CRA Board discussed and authorized funding for residential facade improvement grant applications for the FY 25/26 cycle, including an adjustment to fund additional applicants and a recommendation to incorporate water-conserving landscaping requirements into the program.

The board reviewed and accepted the CRA Annual Report, which outlines project status, expenditures, and assessed property values. A key agenda item included the approval of the bid award for the Haines Boulevard Downtown Streetscape Project to JCR Construction Services for $230,860, intended to improve pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and downtown aesthetics.

The board reviewed and approved applications for the Eden Hills Phase 3B future land use amendment and rezoning, forwarding both to the city commission with recommendations for approval. The meeting also included discussion regarding the Lake Alfred Square site development plan, covering conditional use approvals, shopping center sign design, and various requested variances related to building placement, transparency, parking configurations, and lighting within the Green Swamp Overlay District.

The board discussed and evaluated a request for a Future Land Use Amendment and a Rezoning for the Eden Hills Phase 3 development. The board reviewed the staff analysis regarding the property's transition from Mixed Use to Residential land use and the corresponding zoning change from Mixed Use Corridor to Vintage Residential Neighborhood. Following the presentation and public comment, the board voted to forward both the proposed land use amendment and the rezoning request to the City Commission with recommendations for approval.