CRA Minutes 06/12/2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Community Redevelopment Agency June 12, 2009 Page4 of? throughout the downtown area based on the theme of a fern similar to the fern on the CRA logo. said banners would identify the downtown. He said as part of the identification of the and the upgrade of the features, the City would like to commission some public art examples to provide some metal or stone arches or columns using the ferns as an artistic theme or motivation. He said the intent is to examples of branding features to the Board and to move forward with artistic design. Mr. Paradise explained with guidance the CRA we could be ready with new projects for the new fiscal year in October. In response to Mr. McGregor's concern, Mr. Paradise said it would be a joint effort with the City and the CRA. The Board directed staff to move forward on the branding. Eighth Item of Business: Wachovia building - Training and Business Incubation Center (changes, uses and costs ). Mr. Paradise said this is a very important initiative that would provide a location to train new and businesses. Mr. Paradise explained that Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) purchased the old Wachovia Bank building as part of the US Highway 17-92/State Road 436 Flyover project. He stated due to the delay in f1yover project, FDOT has given the City of Casselberry the right to use the building for governmental purposes. Paradise said staff met with the Disney Entrepreneurial Group, the Hispanic Business Council, and the University of Central Florida and they have indicated a willingness to bring their business related training and activities to a location established by the City. He said staff is proposing to initially use the first floor of the building as a training and incubation area for businesses in our community. He said this would include 8,500 square feet offices, classrooms and training spaces. Mr. Paradise reviewed the Wachovia Building One-Time Costs handout was included in the meeting packet. He said the total cost of the repairs is $81,411. He said there is no outside assistance costs to the CRA. Mr. Paradise said that staff feels this is a way for the CRA to assist businesses and to improve the CRA and the community. Mr. Paradise said the second floor is available if the need arises; however, the elevator would require updating to make it handicap accessible. Mr. Paradise requested the CRA process an amendment to the capital plan to allow for an $81,411 to be used for the Casselberry Business Training Center and Incubator and to allow $81 ,411 to fund this important task.