CRA Meeting... January 14, 2008 City Commission Chambers

The CRA meeting primarily consisted of a report made by both the Downtown Development Authority "DDA" ( http://www.westpalmbeachdda.com/) and the both the Downtown Community Redeveolpement Agency "CRA" (now referred to as the City Center CRA, and Northwood/Pleasant City CRA Districts.)

Here is the link to the agenda including the PASS/ FAIL notes.

http://www.cityofwpb.com/meetings/agenda/cr-08-01-14-CRA_Meeting_PassslashFail_Agenda_January_14comma_2008.pdf

The presentation primarily addressed the efforts being made by each agency to attract retail and attractions to the CRA district. The tools being used consist mostly of grants and loans to new and existing business. The dollar amounts, both of City dollars invested and private investment dollars was interesting, as well as, a valuable tool for measuring the return on our tax dollar investment. The DDA and CRA are primarily funded by tax dollars. Equally interesting were the numerous programs available for businesses seeking assistance.

I kept asking myself the following 2 questions:

1. How are they sharing the information with the public regarding these available dollars (grants & loans) ? The comment was made that it was mostly word of mouth. Have any of you been told that there are funds available as start-up capital or that there exist a 6 month rent subsidy for new businesses downtown? I think it’s a valuable piece of information that should be share throughout the City. Don’t you?
   
2. If the same partnerships were created within neighborhood associations, that exist downtown, wouldn’t we the residents (who ultimately are the consumers for these business, be able to create synergies of improvements in our communities?) Aside from the neighborhood grants of $5,000.00 which are available for qualified associations, wouldn’t an effort to improve our residential streets with well co-ordinated programs also assist us? Hmmm...
   
3. Where’s the larger financial report on the bonds, taxing funds and City revenues? As a Board, the CRA members should be looking this over regularly. There are many dollars changing hands and a clear picture is essential to establishing its highest and best use. I would be asking for a financial report at every meeting. We do it on every other board I have sat on. Why not this one? Just a thought...

This meeting rolled right into the City Commission Meeting which started at 3:00pm...

Remember, public comment?

Public Comment isn't until 5:00pm when the business portion of the meeting is over...stay tuned...