The Planning Advisory Board voted to find the updated Naranja Lakes Community Redevelopment Area redevelopment plan conforms to Miami-Dade County’s Comprehensive Development Master Plan, the board said after an Office of Management and Budget presentation and a follow-up consultant briefing.

Kevin Crowder, who said he leads the redevelopment advisory team Business Flare, told the board the updated plan — which follows a September Board of County Commissioners action that expanded the CRA — focuses on economic development, a sustainable housing mix, infrastructure and community facilities. “The CRA plan is required by chapter 163 of the Florida Statutes, the Community Redevelopment Act,” Crowder said during the presentation, describing the plan as an authorization document that enables the CRA to program projects funded from tax-increment revenue.

The plan update also emphasizes transit, noting the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stops within the CRA and opportunities for transit-oriented development. Crowder said one policy already in the CRA — dedicating 20% of TIF revenue to the Smart Plan — encourages such development. He described priorities identified during three public workshops and meetings with the community council, including infrastructure, jobs, vacant-land acquisition for redevelopment, safe walking paths and greater connectivity among parks.

Assistant county attorney Terrence Smith explained the PAB’s role under state law, saying section 163.360 of the Florida Statutes requires the county’s local planning agency to determine whether a CRA plan conforms with the CDMP before the CRA can submit the plan to the Board of County Commissioners. After no members of the public requested to speak, board member Ernie Thomas moved to find the plan conforms; the motion was seconded and passed on a roll call vote.

Why it matters: The CRA’s redevelopment plan establishes the list of projects, programs and initiatives the CRA may fund using tax-increment revenue. Approval of conformity by the PAB allows the CRA to forward the updated plan to the Board of County Commissioners for final action and to program budgetary work under the plan.

What’s next: The PAB’s positive recommendation advances the plan to the Board of County Commissioners for review and potential adoption.