At its Sept. 25 meeting the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) completed appointments to its newly created CRA advisory board and approved two small redevelopment grants for downtown commercial façade and frontage repairs.

Appointments: the CRA announced selected applicants to serve staggered terms on the advisory board: the business seats and resident seats were filled (names reported in the meeting record). The city staff clarified seat composition: seven seats total — five business seats within the CRA district, one resident within the CRA district, and one resident from the city at large. Terms were set at one- and two-year lengths as recorded by staff.

Small redevelopment grants: staff recommended and the CRA approved two small grants. An applicant for 404 South Ocean Shore Boulevard requested assistance for front porch decking restoration, replacement/repair of wall boards and windows, and removal of overgrown landscaping. Staff reported two competitive bids were secured; staff recommended up to $5,000 reimbursable, contributing toward an estimated $30,000-plus project. The motion passed 4–0.

Another applicant at 316 South Ocean Shore Boulevard sought funds to create the appearance of two facades for separate tenant spaces (front office and rear retail). The applicant provided two competitive bids for the work; staff recommended funding of $4,607.50 (50% of an approximately $9,000 project) or up to $5,000 maximum. The commission approved the grant 4–0.

Why it matters: these grants are small, reimbursable façade-improvement awards that encourage private reinvestment in the CRA district and were paid from budgeted CRA funds. Staff confirmed funds were available in the CRA budget for these awards.

Next steps: staff will issue grant award letters, process reimbursements after receipt of paid invoices, and proceed with CRA advisory board onboarding and the board’s annual schedule of work.