The Century Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) held a pivotal meeting on Monday evening to map out plans aimed at rejuvenating a blighted area within the town. This five-member board, which is comprised of the Century Town Council, will now be accepting applications for a volunteer position and intends to add two more citizen representatives before their next gathering scheduled for June 23. John Bass has been elected as the president, while Sparkie Harrison takes on the role of vice president, positioning themselves to tackle challenges ahead.
This meeting is part of a renewed effort from the CRA, having only held its first meeting in years last month. They plan to meet quarterly going forward, revealing a revitalized commitment to community development and engagement. The CRA currently has $191,151.89 in its account, but interestingly, financial discussions were not on the agenda during this session. While the CRA was established with a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) plan back in October 2018, there have yet to be any allocations made for improvements in the designated area.
Understanding the Community Redevelopment Area
Under Florida law, CRAs function as special districts that aim to revitalize areas deemed in need—whether due to inadequate infrastructure, substandard housing, or other blighted conditions. As Redevelopment.net explains, property values within CRAs are “frozen” at the assessed value from a set base year, with any increases in tax revenues from property value hikes funneled directly into the CRA Trust Fund. This financial model aims to leverage funds for effective redevelopment, essentially setting aside future increases in property values specifically for rejuvenating designated areas.
The CRA in Century is tasked with managing redevelopment over a 510-acre area bordered by key thoroughfares such as Jefferson Avenue and North Century Boulevard, along with parts extending to commercial properties like the old Burger King site. Interestingly, the CRA operates separately from the governing body that created it, allowing it to focus on locally grown solutions while maintaining public accountability.
Goals and Future Plans
The goal of the CRA is to create a Redevelopment Plan that addresses the unique needs of the community. This plan encompasses various improvement projects including street renewals, infrastructure upgrades, and community parks, which may foster private investment. The CRA is expected to ramp up actions to eliminate existing disparities and encourage private sector participation—a fact underscored by the state’s encouragement of maximum private involvement in revitalizing declining communities, as noted by the Miami-Dade County’s CRA resources.
Historically, TIF has proved to be an effective financial mechanism in Florida for funding substantial improvements such as road upgrades and flood control measures. Following a natural disaster in February 2016 that damaged numerous properties, the city has recognized the pressing need for comprehensive strategies to stimulate economic growth and community resilience. The CRA’s plan will detail projections for future investments in the locality.
With upcoming meetings set for June 23, September 15, and November 17, all slated for 5:30 PM before regular town council sessions, it’s clear that the CRA aims to maintain momentum in its efforts to revitalize Century. As the board further develops its plan, it remains to be seen how effectively it can mobilize resources for the benefit of the community.