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<br />Community Redevelopment Agency <br />January 9, 2009 <br />Page 3 of 7 <br /> <br />3. Prepare an approval for the CRA Board to change the Facade Program to allow the program to be more <br />advantageous to the business owners in our community. <br /> <br />Mr. Jones requested staff provide a detailed map of the CRD to the Board members. He said this would assist the <br /> <br />Board with identifying the residential and commercial properties included in the CRD. Mr. Jones expressed a concern with the <br /> <br />business activity and lack thereof along the US Highway 17-92 corridor. He said that new businesses are focused on <br /> <br />opening and operating their businesses and are unaware of the grant program. He said there are times that the <br /> <br />involved in applying for the grant is not economically feasible to go through the grant process. ~,rlr. Paradise said that a <br /> <br />detailed analysis of the eligible locations in the CRD would be provided to the CRA Board; however, the property records are <br /> <br />subject to change. <br /> <br />Mr. Paradise said that the current facade program limits the monetary benefit to parcels over 5 acres. Mr. Jones said <br /> <br />he wants to encourage the establishment of businesses in the CRD to increase the economic base and the Tax Increment <br /> <br />Funding (TIF). <br /> <br />In response to the Board's question, staff stated that the City Center is not eligible for the facade grant program <br /> <br />because it is new construction. <br /> <br />A general discussion ensued regarding the eligibility of non-homesteaded property for the grant programs. Mr. <br /> <br />Paradise said approval from the property owner would be required for the work to be performed. Mr. Paradise explained the <br /> <br />program normally requires an inspection and photos of the site in its current condition, final inspection and photos of the site <br /> <br />and an accounting of the receipts upon completion of the work. He said a contract between the CRA and the property owner <br /> <br />is needed to ensure that they comply with the information that has been presented to the CRA Board. <br /> <br />In response to the Board's question, Mr. Paradise explained that the purpose of the facade program is to improve the <br /> <br />appearance of the neighborhood and remove blight from the area. A general discussion ensued regarding expansion of the <br /> <br />CRD. Mr. Paradise said that changes could be made to the CRNCRD; however, it would require a plan and presentation to <br /> <br />Seminole County. <br /> <br />Mr. McGregor suggested that staff approach the CRA Board regarding any grant requests for non-owner occupied <br /> <br />property to make a determination on the assistance the eRA could provide for the property. <br /> <br />Mr. Paradise said staff would provide the requested maps and property information to the CRA Board. A brief <br /> <br />discussion ensued regarding the residential component of the grant program. Ms. Lipscomb said that the program has a <br />