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The Citizen's Advisory Committee provides advisory oversight for the preparation and implementation of the Town's Community Development Block Grant Application. This year the Town has applied for over $600,000 in housing rehabilitation funds and we hope to know our application's status by July. The Committee hope to also address the future housing needs of the Townspeople in it upcoming meetings.

WHAT IS COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT?

Under Florida law (Chapter 163, Part III), local governments are able to designate areas as Community Redevelopment Areas (CRA) when certain conditions exist. Since all the monies used in financing CRA activities are locally generated, CRA's are not overseen by the state, but redevelopment plans must be consistent with local government comprehensive plans. Examples of conditions that can support the creation of a Community Redevelopment Area include, but are not limited to: the presence of substandard or inadequate structures, a shortage of affordable housing, inadequate infrastructure, insufficient roadways, and inadequate parking. To document that the required conditions exist, the local government must survey the proposed redevelopment area and prepare a Finding of Necessity. If the Finding of Necessity determines that the required conditions exist, the local government may create a Community Redevelopment Area to provide the tools needed to foster and support redevelopment of the targeted area.

WHAT IS A COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT PLAN?

The Community Redevelopment Agency is responsible for developing and implementing the Community Redevelopment Plan that addresses the unique needs of the targeted area. The plan includes the overall goals for redevelopment in the area, as well as identifying the types of projects planned for the area. EXAMPLES of TRADITIONAL PROJECTS: Streetscapes and roadway improvements, building renovations, new building construction, flood control initiatives, water and sewer improvements, parking lots and garages, neighborhood parks, sidewalks and street tree plantings. The plan can also include redevelopment incentives such as grants and loans for such things as façade improvements, sprinkler system upgrades, signs, and structural improvements. The redevelopment plan is a living document that can be updated to meet the changing needs within the Community Redevelopment Area; however, the boundaries of the area cannot be changed without starting the process from the beginning.

Meetings: The Committee will typically meet on the Third, Wednesday of the month. Meetings are always at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Meeting Hall.

Board Members:

Marlyn Mack
Frank Merritt
Betty Wade

Other questions may be directed to: Town Manager Maureen Rischitelli, townmanager@oaktownusa.com

Town of Oakland PO Box 98 220 North Tubb Street, Oakland, FL 34760 Phone 407-656-1117 Fax 407-656-2940