Minutes 09-05-24 BOYNTON
l.r - BEACH
' CRA
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
CRA Advisory Board Meeting
Thursday, September 5, 2024 - 6:30 PM
City Hall Chambers, 100 E. Ocean Avenue
561-737-3256
1. Call to Order
Chair Cobb called the meeting to order at 6:31 PM.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Chair Cobb asked the board to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Roll Call
Members Present:
Naomi Cobb (Chair)
Courtlandt McQuire (Vice Chair)
Chevette Gadson
Alexandria Lopresto
Leah Roundtree
Tom Ramiccio
Kameren Maharaj
Staff:
Timothy Tack, Acting CRA Executive Director
Vicki Curfman, Administrative Assistant
Other:
Leslie Harmon, Prototype Inc.
4. Agenda Approval
A. Additions, Deletions, Corrections to the Agenda
None.
B. Adoption of Agenda
Motion:
Ms. Lopresto moved to adopt the agenda. Mr. McQuire seconded the motion. In a
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voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.
5. Public Comment
None.
6. Consent
A. CRA Advisory Board Meeting Minutes —August 1, 2024
Motion:
Ms. Lopresto moved to approve the August 1, 2024, minutes. Mr. Gadson seconded the
motion. In a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.
7. Assignments
A. Pending Assignment No. 1 - Discussion and Consideration of New
Assignments from the CRA Board assigned at the February 13, 2024, CRA
Monthly Board Meeting
Mr. Tim Tack, Acting Executive Director, reviewed the Board's tasks. He mentioned that
the Cultural Arts District was discussed at the last meeting and summarized the Board's
recommendations.
The conversation moved on to the Industrial District and Mr. Tack described the district
boundaries.
Ms. Roundtree asked about the history or reason why the area was adopted. Mr. Tack
stated he was not exactly sure.
Ms. Lopresto mentioned the area is heavily industrial with some artistry, and she doesn't
foresee significant changes in the near future. She highlighted the poor condition of the
roads and asked if there were opportunities to widen the streets or add appropriate
turnarounds.
Chair Cobb recalled her first visit to the area for an art show and noted that the space is
very tight.
Ms. Roundtree commented that there is a lot of private property in the area, but the roads
need improvement. She asked if there were other areas to support.
Mr. Ramiccio explained that the area has historically housed older businesses and
suggested that partnering with the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County
for a light industrial reimagination could be beneficial, emphasizing the need to maintain
the area's foundational elements.
Chair Cobb inquired whether there were multiple property owners in the area.
Mr. Tack confirmed the ownership is fragmented, with individual owners typically renting
out spaces.
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Mr. Maharaj asked how many artists were present at the event Chair Cobb mentioned.
Mr. Tack mentioned Delray Beach, which purchased an alley for an artist area.
Ms. Roundtree disagreed with the assessment that the area was functional.
Ms. Lopresto recalled a prior discussion about the area behind the post office and
expressed skepticism that people would walk over 1-95.
Chair Cobb remarked on the significant amount of art on the side of the road and noted
the lack of further ideas. She asked if any studies had been conducted by the city.
Vice Chair McQuire mentioned his involvement with an original artist program and
recommended incorporating a monument feature or sign, attracting new businesses, and
bringing out stored art. He also suggested that increasing building height would benefit
the area, along with improving the roadways.
Chair Cobb envisioned the area reimagined as an artist space, potentially including public
housing for artists.
Vice McQuire pointed out the numerous code requirements, which could pose an issue.
Chair Cobb asked what role the CRA could play in this area.
Mr. Tack explained that the CRA typically asks businesses what they want to see in the
plan and that it is only sufficient with community input. He noted the CRA's role in
stimulating the economy, while highlighting walkability as a potential challenge.
Captain Steven Burdelski, Boynton Beach Police Department, explained how the
department could assist with the CPTED program (Crime Prevention Through
Environmental Design). He emphasized the importance of lighting for safety.
Mr. Tack suggested the recommendation include circulation, signage, and noted that the
Board does not have to finalize the blueprint but should focus on setting goals and
objectives.
Vice Chair McQuire outlined the Board's proposed recommendations for the Industrial
District, including:
• Paved walkways
• On-street parking
• Fencing
• Finding land for parking and turnabouts
• Future residential and commercial redevelopment
• Lighting
• Landscaping
• Activation areas for art and activities
• Street signage
• Incorporation of CPTED principles
• A monument sign
• Addressing code enforcement to clean up and beautify the area
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Mr. Tack added the following from the discussion:
• Inclusion of streetscape
• Providing on-street parking
• Landscaping within the right of ways
Mr. Ramiccio noted that legislation had changed regarding workforce housing in
industrial areas.
The group reached consensus on the recommendations, with further conversation
continuing about the Downtown District as the last District to discuss at the next meeting.
B. Pending Assignment No. 2 - Discussion and Consideration of New
Assignments from the CRA Board assigned at the February 13, 2024 CRA
Monthly Board Meeting Regarding Property Acquisition
None.
C. Reports on Pending Assignments
None.
D. New Assignments
None.
8. CRA Board Items for CRA Advisory Board Review and Recommendations
A. Old Business No. 1- Discussion and Consideration of Fiscal
Year 2024-2025 Project Fund Budget
Mr. Tack discussed the CRA Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Project Fund Budget.
Vice Chair McQuire asked about the rollover balances, and there was a brief back-and-
forth discussion.
Mr. Ramiccio questioned why only half of the street was being paved. Mr. Tack explained
it was due to code requirements, followed by more discussion on this point.
Mr. Tack then continued with the budget review, asking if there were any
recommendations.
Vice Chair McQuire expressed approval of the property acquisition line item and
suggested that it should be increased further.
Mr. Maharaj inquired about the possibility of a grocery store in District 2, specifically
regarding what that could look like and if any property was available.
Mr. Tack responded that the issue lies in the lack of available land.
Mr. Ramiccio provided information regarding a new grocer but did not elaborate further.
Vice Chair McQuire asked if there were any disclaimers related to the topic at hand.
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Mr. Tack introduced the CRA Neighborhood Policing Program.
Chair Cobb asked about new businesses in the area, to which Mr. Tack mentioned
business promotions.
Vice Chair McQuire praised the success of the Night Market, with Mr. Tack mentioning
plans to expand it to two days.
Ms. Roundtree asked about the $40,000 allocation for the boat parade. Mr. Tack
explained that significant effort goes into organizing the parade.
Vice Chair McQuire inquired if any of these events or items were new.
Mr. Maharaj asked about the Bon Appetit event, seeking clarification on what it would
entail. There was further discussion on this topic.
Mr. Maharaj also asked about the cost for video and photo services and questioned what
the CRA would be receiving in return. This led to additional discussion.
B. New Business No. 1 - Consideration of Registration and Travel Expenses to
Attend the Florida Redevelopment Association (FRA) 2024 Annual Conference
on October 22-25, 2024, in Tampa, FL
Mr. Tack described the Florida Redevelopment Association (FRA) 2024 Annual
Conference, scheduled for October 22-25, 2024, in Tampa, FL, and outlined the benefits
of attending.
The Board agreed that Mr. Maharaj should attend the FRA Conference.
9. Future Agenda Items
None.
10. Adjournment
There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 8:23 PM.
NOTICE
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INDIVIDUAL WITH A DISABILITY AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN AND ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF A
SERVICE,PROGRAM OR ACTIVITY CONDUCTED BY THE CRA.PLEASE CONTACT THE CRA,(561)737-3256,AT LEAST
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AGENDA ON THE CRA'S WEBSITE. INFORMATION REGARDING ITEMS ADDED TO THE AGENDA AFTER IT IS
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