CRA 07/08/2011 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Community Redevelopment Agency July 8, 2011 Page 9 Mr. Martin said at the last meeting Mr. Ritchie requested that the Board discuss changing the frequency of the CRA meetings. Mr. Martin said since Mr. Ritchie is not present at this time, this item could be tabled until the next meeting. Mr. Martin recommended scheduling a CRA meeting for August 11, 2011 and to continue discussions at that time regarding the meeting schedule. Mr. Daigle requested that the Board cancel the December CRA meeting. Eleventh Item of Business: Public Comments Mr. Hank Lander, 445 Surrey Run, Casselberry, Florida came forward. Mr. Lander felt that the large property owners in the area of US Highway 17-92 and State Road 436 should be given information regarding the time frame around the flyover project and how the flyover relates to the size of the buildings. He said when he travels and sees flyovers, the adjacent buildings to the flyover are usually three to six story buildings, Mr. Lander suggested the City contact Wal-Mart to discuss the development of their site. He suggested that Wal-Mart could be located on the first floor and the remaining floors (2-6) could be used as a sports complex or some other type of mixed use. Mr. Lander suggested the City work with businesses such as Entenmanns and City College to relocate them within the city. He said too many of the City's businesses are relocating to other municipalities. He said that the City needs to talk to businesses to increase the height of the buildings and to get more businesses here. Mr, Lander said that CRA's and other organizations loan money to organizations. He felt that today's applicant would have been a perfect candidate to receive a short term loan from the CRA. He felt that would encourage more businesses to come to the City. Mr. Lander said this problem is going to continue at the Publix's Shopping Center to fill vacant sites such as the Blockbuster site. Mr. Lander felt that the CRA should build in some type of loan arrangements in their budget. Ms. Barbara Lipscomb, City Manager, explained that the CRA's were formed to eliminate slum and blight. She said that the City's CRA is the economic development arm for the City's CRA district. She said economic development refers to jobs and community development usually talks about infrastructure and roads. Ms. Lipscomb said buildings that remain vacant for several years cause blight. Ms. Lipscomb said