Subject:
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Lealman Community Redevelopment Area Residential Improvement Program Grant program changes.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Sitting as the Pinellas County Community Redevelopment Agency, approval of the material changes to grant program guidelines and the associated contract amendments for the Lealman Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Residential Improvement Program Grant.
• To create a sliding required match from applicants ranging from 0% up to 50% of the project cost based on income levels. Residents below 30% of Annual Median Income (AMI) will remain having no match requirement. Residents with income between 30% to 50% of AMI will have a 5% match, ranging to residents with income 80% to 120% of AMI having a 50% match.
• Eligible improvements have been slightly changed, added language for accessory buildings, lengthened timeframes to obtain quotes and for project completion, deleted option for change orders and updated language to enhance clarity.
• Income eligibility remains the same at equal or less than 120% of AMI.
• Grant amount of up to $15,000.00 to remains the same.
• The material changes have been reviewed and recommended for implementation by the Lealman CRA Advisory Committee at their November 20, 2024, meeting.
• Approval of this item will implement the proposed changes to the grant program, which will be reflected in the Grant Guidelines and the participant grant contracts.
• Funding up to $300,000.00 for this program is sufficiently included in the Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget for Lealman CRA in the Lealman Community Redevelopment Agency Trust Fund. Body
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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
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach
5.2 Be responsible stewards of the public’s resources
Summary:Summary
The Residential Improvement Program offers up to a $15,000.00 grant for residents at or below 120% of AMI.
The program aims to reduce or eliminate the costs associated with improving and enhancing the exterior appearance of the applicant’s home and property. Eligible properties include single-family detached houses, townhomes, villas, cooperatives, condominiums, and manufactured housing and must be located within the boundaries of the Lealman CRA. The property must be structurally sound and meet Florida and Pinellas County Housing and Building Codes.
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Background Information:
This grant program is included in the FY25 Lealman Work Plan and Budget, approved by the Board of County Commissioners sitting as the Community Redevelopment Agency during their regular meeting on September 19, 2024.
The Residential Improvement Grant program was established in 2018 to assist in removing blight and improve neighborhood appearance in accordance with the CRA Plan.
Fiscal Impact:
Funding for this agreement is sufficiently included in the FY25 Operating Budget for Lealman CRA in the Lealman Community Redevelopment Agency Trust Fund. A total of $300,000 was confirmed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in the FY25 Budget for this Program.
Staff Member Responsible:
Amy Davis, Assistant to County Administration
Felix D Nunez, CRA Coordinator, Lealman Community
Partners:
Lealman CRA Advisory Committee
Lealman residents, businesses, stakeholders, and community partners
Attachments:
Current Residential Improvement Grant Application - with tracked changes
Proposed Residential Improvement Grant Application with changes for approval
Current participant Acceptance of Grant and Conditions Contract - with tracked changes
Proposed participant Acceptance of Grant and Conditions Contract with changes for approval