Summary
The CRA contracted with the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council to study the expansion of the CRA Boundaries, including development of the appropriate data and analysis in order for the Riviera Beach City Council to consider a finding of necessity to expand the boundaries of the CRA on Singer Island. The CRA has received and considered the attached written materials including the “Finding of Necessity” report and proposed community redevelopment area boundary expansion map for Singer Island.
Community Meetings
The CRA conducted several community meetings to present the proposed expansion areas to the residents of Riviera Beach. The Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council presented the proposed expansion area to the residents including interactive polling to get instant feedback on the expansion and related redevelopment issues. Resident polling at the meeting for Singer Island reflected the following findings:
- 63% have some degree of safety concern;
- 83% believe the CRA should commit resources to attract investments, jobs and businesses to the Beach;
- 59% of residents feel unsafe walking in the area;
- 91% believe CRA funds should be used to improve buildings in the area; and
- 84% believe the CRA Boundary should be expanded in accordance with the proposed limited area.
Finding of Necessity & Process
In accordance with the Community Redevelopment Statutes, the results of the “Findings of Necessity” studies were presented for consideration to the CRA Board of Commissioners on August 26, 2015 and approved with a unanimous vote by CRA Resolution 2015-30. To be eligible for a designation as a community redevelopment area, the “Finding of Necessity” must document that the area meets the statutory definition for a slum or blighted area. The data and analysis completed by Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council finds the following statute defined issues exist within the expansion area:
- Aggregate Assessed Values of real property for ad valorem purposes failing to show appreciable increase;
- Inadequate Parking and Sidewalks;
- Deteriorating/Inadequate Roadways;
- Faulty Lot Layout; and
- Inadequate/Outdated Building Density Patterns.
Following the approval of the Finding of Necessity by City Council, the CRA will draft an amendment to the CRA plan. During this process, additional community meetings will be held. Once complete, the amended plan, zoning map amendment, and comprehensive plan amendments will be presented to the Planning and Zoning Board, City Council, and the CRA Board.
At the January 14, 2016 Planning and Zoning Board meeting, the Board recommended approval of the Findings of Necessity and expansion of the CRA boundary on Singer Island.