Subject:
Grant Agreement for the Lealman Community Redevelopment Area Commercial Improvement Program.
Recommended Action:
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of a Commercial Improvement Program grant agreement. This grant program is included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Lealman Work Plan, approved by the Board of County Commissioners sitting as the Community Redevelopment Agency (Agency) during their regular meeting on September 23, 2024.
The purpose of the Commercial Improvement Program is to provide matching grants that will accelerate and leverage private investment to improve the appearance, condition, and functionality of existing non-residential buildings in the Lealman Community Redevelopment Area. Properties must be located within the boundary of the Lealman CRA to be eligible for grant funds. The property must have an existing non-residential use, be structurally sound, and meet Florida building codes. Matching grant awards of up to $40,000.00 are available for commercial interior and exterior improvements.
• The property is 3601 54th Ave. N., Lealman, FL 33714, A-1 Key & Safe, Inc. The total project cost is $4,857.00, with a $1,214.25 matching grant requested for sign replacement. Detailed information on the proposed improvement can be found in the scope of work in the attached grant agreement.
• The grant would utilize the Countywide portion of the Tax Incremental Financing revenue from the Lealman Redevelopment Trust Fund.
• All projects and programs on the adopted FY25 Work Plan are in accordance with Lealman CRA Redevelopment Plan and thereby Chapter 163, Part III, Community Redevelopment, of the Florida Statues, which governs CRAs.
• The total funding amount for this request is $1,214.25. Funding for this grant agreement is sufficiently included in the FY25 Operating Budget for Lealman CRA in the Lealman Community Redevelopment Agency Trust Fund.
Body
Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health Safety and Welfare
2.2 Be a facilitator, convener, and purchaser of services for those in need.
Foster Continual Economic Growth and Vitality
4.2 Invest in communities that need the most
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.3 Ensure effective and efficient delivery of county services and support
Summary:
The Commercial Improvement Grant Program provides matching grants to commercial property owners and businesses for site improvements and interior and exterior upgrades with a focus on projects that remedy degraded building systems and extend the economic viability of the building.
Grant applicants are required to execute a Grant Agreement with the Agency, which contains the associated scope of work. After a fully executed Agreement is in place, a Notice to Proceed with the work is sent to the applicant. After the work is completed and inspected, a reimbursement request is routed through Legistar for approval to pay.
Background/Explanation:
This grant program is included on the FY25 Lealman Work Plan, approved by the Board of County Commissioners sitting as the Community Redevelopment Agency during their regular meeting on September 23, 2024.
The purpose of the Commercial Improvement Program is to provide matching grants that will accelerate and leverage private investment to improve the appearance, condition, and functionality of existing non-residential buildings in the Lealman Community Redevelopment Area. Properties must be located within the boundary of the Lealman CRA to be eligible for grant funds. The property must have an existing non-residential use, be structurally sound, and meet Florida building codes. Matching grant awards of up to $40,000.00 are available for commercial interior and exterior improvements.
Fiscal Impact:
The total funding amount for this request is $1,214.25. Funding for this grant agreement is sufficiently included in the FY25 Operating Budget for Lealman CRA in the Lealman Community Redevelopment Agency Trust Fund.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign these Grant Agreements is granted via the Agency’s approval of the FY25 Lealman Work Plan.
Staff Member Responsible:
Felix D Nunez, CRA Coordinator, Lealman Community
Cameron Ehmig, CRA Specialist, Lealman Community
Partners:
-Lealman CRA Advisory Committee
-Lealman residents, businesses, stakeholders, and community partners