Greg Pauley, director of community development, told the CRA board on Nov. 18 that modifying the CRA boundary will trigger a formal CRA plan‑amendment process under the Community Redevelopment Act of 1969.

Pauley said the current CRA boundaries cover approximately 225 acres in four quadrants centered at the crossroads of Bush Boulevard and North 56th Street and that zoning in the area includes commercial, single‑family and multifamily residential, and planned development districts. He explained that a boundary change will require a new legal description and maps, a full financial analysis of long‑term impacts on the tax increment financing (TIF) fund, planning commission review and public hearings. Pauley noted the staff recommendation that taxing authorities participating in ad valorem collections be given notice 15 days before hearings and that public notice be provided at least 10 days before the city council hearing.

Pauley said staff would prepare necessary code amendments, notices and executive briefings with participating taxing authorities to identify and respond to concerns. He also said, 'Based on the scope of the proposed amendment, an updated finding of necessity may be required,' and indicated that outside counsel assisted in preparing the memo included in the agenda packet.

Council member Kravitz praised the staff memo and asked whether the board could instead achieve selected protections for certain areas inside the CRA by amending CRA regulations (for example, to exempt specific areas from a 0‑lot‑line requirement) rather than altering the boundary. Pauley said he would research that option and consult outside counsel.

Next steps: staff will research alternatives, prepare the legal descriptions and financial analysis if the board requests a formal amendment, and follow statutorily required notice and hearing steps prior to any council action.