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 in Riviera Beach Heights.  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 Riviera Beach Heights.  

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 Riviera Beach Heights reflected the following findings:

• 88% have some degree of safety concern.
• 70% believe there is nothing to do for leisure in the neighborhood
• 97% of children lack activities in the neighborhood
• 91% believe CRA funds should be used to improve buildings in the area
• 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” study was presented for consideration to the CRA Board of Commissioners on  September 9, 2015 and was approved by CRA Resolution No. 2015-35 with a vote of 3 to 1 with Chair Pardo dissenting and Commissioner Miller absent for the vote. 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;
• Residential Vacancies; and
• Incidence of Crime Higher than in other Areas of the City.   

At the January 14, 2016 Planning and Zoning Board meeting, the Board recommended approval of the Findings of Necessity and expansion of CRA boundaries in Riviera Beach Heights.