CRA - Tarpon Springs

City of TARPON SPRINGS
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AREA
ANNUAL REPORT • March 17, 2015
From the CRA Chair and
Mayor, David O. Archie
This past year our CRA has welcomed new
businesses, implemented recommendations
from the 2014 Business Survey, and completed
several public infrastructure projects. One of
those projects is a Children’s Splash Park that
opened in July 2014 adjacent to our Fitness and
Dog Parks, creating a recreational corridor of
free public amenities.
Working together as a community is
making our City stronger. I welcome our residents and visitors to give us input and feedback,
and to join us in celebrating our accomplishments and progress in our beautiful, historic
city.
Mayor David O. Archie, Board Chairman
CRA Board
Mayor David Archie
Vice Mayor Jeff Larsen
Commissioner Townsend Tarapani
Commissioner David Banther
Commissioner Rea Sieber
North Safford Avenue Improvements along
the Pinellas Trail include large planters,
benches and landscaping.
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INTRODUCTION
The Tarpon Springs
Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Fiscal
Year 2014 Annual Report describes activities for the period October 1,
2013 through September 30, 2014. The report
includes a financial statement of CRA revenues
and expenses, amount of tax increment funds
collected, and a compilation of activities for the
fiscal year.
The City of Tarpon Springs established its
CRA and TIF in September 2001. In 2003 the
CRA was expanded to include the Pappas
Restaurant property. Subsequently, the Downtown Redevelopment Plan was also amended to
address the redevelopment needs of this property. Other changes to the plan included provisions for special overlay or zoning designations
to adjust density/intensity within the CRA. The
adoption and implementation of the Special
Area Plan and SmartCode–based regulating plan
have been a focal point since 2010.
Highlights of activity within the CRA for
FY 13-14 include:
■
Implementation of 2014 CRA Business Survey recommendations
■
Implementation of Downtown Signage
program
■
Designation as Traditional Cultural Properties District, including portions of the CRA.
■
Expansion of Grant program
■
Completion of the Signage and Way-Finding
Plan
■
Continued implementation of the CRA
Special Area Plan/SmartCode
■
Revitalization of Hibiscus Street in Historic
Downtown
■
Expansion of festivals and events
■
Completion of Children’s Splash Park
The Meres Building has a new tenant, One Amazing Find.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a Community
Redevelopment Agency (CRA)?
Where is the CRA?
A Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)
is a taxing district established by local government for the purpose of carrying out redevelopment activities that include reducing or
eliminating blight, increasing the tax base, and
encouraging public and private investments in
the redevelopment area. The members of the
City Commission also serve as CRA board members. All meetings are open to the public and
agendas, minutes, and video of all meetings are
posted on the City’s website.
www.ctsfl.us
Why Create a CRA?
CRAs are designed to breathe new life into
areas in need of revitalization and economic development. Successful redevelopment projects
attract private investors that otherwise may have
overlooked the community. By establishing a
CRA, local governments receive planning and financial mechanisms to help redevelop areas
O
where private
market forces are not working.
ST.
l
AVE
MERES BLVD
HARRISON ST
Tarpon
Springs Dorsett
Fundam. Park
School
NORTH AVE
Manatee
Shopping
Center
GROSSE AVE
MORGAN ST
LINCOLM AVE
Tarpon
Plaza
JR DR
PL
VERON
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M
RACHEL LN
DRURY LN
K
See detailed map of CRA area on back cover
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H
DIXIE LN
SEAGULL LN
ROYAL PALM
MELODY LN
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ML KING
HARMONY WAY
WALTON AVE
HUEY AVE
LEMON ST.
OAKWOOD ST.
MORGAN
DS
SAFFORD AVE
BANANA ST
LIME ST.
Rotary
Park
MOORINGS
COVE DR.
CALLISTA KAY
Downtown
Historic District
BOYER ST.
City Staff
City Manager, Mark LeCouris
T
A
Economic
Development
Manager, Karen Lemmons
WALTON AVE
TARPON AVE
COURT ST.
LEMON ST.
BATH ST
CENTER ST
ORANGE ST
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Tax increment revenues can be used immediately, saved for a particular project, or bonded
to maximize the funds available. It is important
to note that property tax revenue collected by
the School Board and any special district (ex:
SWFWMD) are not affected under the tax increment financing process.
CYPRESS ST
AVE
CENTER ST
ayo
BAYOU VILL
SHADDOCK ST
CYPRESS
PINE ST
PENT ST
DISSTON AVE
CAN
PINEAPPLE ST
PARK ST
GROSSE AVE
GRA
PARK ST
PINE ST
RING AVE
ADA ST
Tarpon
BOSTON ST Springs BOSTON ST
Elem
School
LEVIS AVE
MIL
L ST
ACI
A
AFARAS BLVD
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EST
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AVE
SPRUCE ST
ATHENS
HIBISCUS ST
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BAYOU
BACKWATER DR
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VIRGINIA
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LIVE OAK ST
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MOORINGS LN
OAK CIR
s Trail
Pinella
SPRUCE ST
READ ST
READ ST
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PARKIN
CENTER
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rin BLVD
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ORANGE ST
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MIDWAY LN
Dog Park
AK ST
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Craig
Park
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Parking
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DRIFTW
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CRAOGO
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Activities are primarily funded by tax increment. A tax increment is the difference between
the amount of property tax revenue generated
at the time the CRA is designated and the
amount of property tax revenue generated after
designation. Establishment of a TIF does not reduce property tax revenues available to taxing
districts as the property taxes collected on properties in the CRA at the time of designation continue to be distributed to them in the same
manner as if the CRA did not exist. Only new
property taxes generated by the incremental increase in the value of these properties after the
CRA is established are available for investment
in the CRA. This “increment” is deposited into
the CRA Trust Fund and dedicated to the redevelopment area.
BO
Sponge Docks
DODECANESE BLVD
How are Redevelopment Activities
Funded?
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Ri
ve
CRA Area r
The 227-acre CRA comprises the central
business district along Pinellas Avenue north
from the Anclote River south to Meres Blvd, including Downtown and the Lemon Street corridors.
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Tarpon Springs has the perfect climate for business!
Several
new businesses opened
within the CRA in fiscal year 2013-14.
CRA New openings include Shoreline BouHigh- tique and Unique Finds on Hibiscus
Street. Replay Amusement Museum
Lights
opened on Tarpon Avenue, the area’s
first museum of coin-operated arcade
games, including the country’s oldest pinball
machine. Other new businesses include Fiji
Nails, Markos Jewelry, Crusty Bread Bakery,
Akido Academy of Self Defense, Vintage Treasures, Narcosis Scuba, Lucas Landscaping, Mac’s
Sports, New Beginning Oneness Center,
Ameriprise Financial, and Care Resources.
Replay Amusement Museum Ribbon Cutting
Narcosis Scuba Ribbon Cutting
Markos Jewelry on N. Pinellas Ave.
Fiji Nails in the Taylor Arcade on Tarpon Ave.
Vintage Treasures on Tarpon Avenue
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CRA
HighLights
Lucas Landscaping, at N. Pinellas & Dodecanese
Shoreline Boutique on Hibiscus St.
Aikido Self Defense on N. Pinellas Ave
Gallery of Fun Finds
on Hibiscus St.
Mac’s Sports, at N. Pinellas Ave. & Dodecanese Blvd.
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New and Ongoing Developments
The
former Lagerheadz restaurant on N.
Pinellas Ave. was purchased and is undergoing
an extensive renovation and will re-open as a
new restaurant concept in 2015. SilverKing
Brewery in the City’s old fire/police station is
nearing completion of interior improvements for
opening in 2015. Along Tarpon Avenue, the historic Meres building at 106 E. Tarpon Ave. has
a new owner, and is undergoing renovations for
new tenants. Another historic property at 151 E.
Tarpon Ave. also has a new owner and renovations are underway for the interior and exterior
of the building.
SilverKing Brewing Co.
Narcosis Scuba
151 E. Tarpon Ave. is being renovated.
Johnny’s Fillin’ Station is
opening at Tarpon Ave.
& Ring St.
The former Lagerheadz is undergoing extensive renovation.
Crusty Bread Bakery
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Façade Improvement Grants
The
façade improvement
grant program is making a positive
impact in improving property
CRA
High- values by assisting in renovations
and repairs to buildings. The fund
Lights
reimburses 50% of a project’s cost
up to $10,000 for a single-story
and $15,000 for a two-story building. In the
past four years, 25 grants have been
awarded. The grant projects equal a total investment of $530,000, of which 20% was
grant funds. Property values of those projects have increased by $360,000, resulting
in an additional $20,000 in property tax revenues. One property went from a value of
$55,000 in 2012 to $115,000 in 2014. Nine
vacant buildings have been rehabilitated
and six historic structures have been
renovated with all but two currently
occupied.
Markos Jewelry, after (top) & before (below)
Mr. Souvlaki
after (top) &
before
(below).
Londono’s
Art Studio
before (top)
& after
(below)
Lucas
Landscaping
after facade
improvements
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Creation of New Grant Program
A new Restaurant Recruitment Grant is
being developed from recommendations taken
from the 2014 CRA Business Survey. This new
grant will provide up to $7,500 for interior improvements to retrofit a building for restaurant
use. The goal of the new grant is to attract more
restaurants to the central business district, with
priority on full-service sit down establishments
that remain open in the evening.
CRA
HighLights
Current’s Restaurant on the corner of Tarpon Ave & Safford Ave.
Revitalization of Hibiscus Street
Through the efforts of the CRA
façade grant, City staff, and Downtown
business and property owners, four
long-vacant storefronts were completely renovated with new awnings,
windows, doors, trim, paint, and more.
The City installed benches, flowerpots,
and shrubbery, and the stores are now
fully occupied. A grand opening celebration was held in October 2013 featuring a blessing of the building by the
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church.
The renovations have prompted other
nearby businesses to utilize the grant.
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Children’s Splash Park
improvements include new curbing, sidewalks,
a median with plants, concrete planter pots,
Tarpon Springs’ North Safford Recreation landscape block retaining wall, park benches,
Corridor expanded with the addition of a new trash receptacles, a Stormwater Nutrient SepaChildren’s Splash Park and restrooms. The park rating Baffle Box, brick crosswalks, ADA trail
opened in July 2014 and is located adjacent to crossings, pavement markings and extensive
the Dog Park and Fitness Park. The Splash Park tree plantings and landscaping with a complete
is custom-designed with water features includ- irrigation system.
ing manatees, a sponge diver, pelicans spouting water, a replica of the
Anclote Lighthouse, slides, and
much more. Benches and shade
structures provide areas for parents, and new restrooms can be
utilized for those visiting all
three parks.
Future projects include a
picnic pavilion and potential
canoe/kayak launch area on the
Anclote River.
Along with the opening of
the Splash Park, the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail improvements
were completed in 2013-14. The
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Downtown Signage Program
A joint project of the CRA and Downtown
Toula’s Trailside Cafe
business owners, 10 businesses participated in
the first phase of this program. New wroughtiron sign brackets have been designed and installed over the awnings and windows of
buildings. Within the brackets, each business
creates a sign unique to their store. The program received unanimous endorsement from
the Historic Preservation Board, and was so
popular among downtown business owners
that the program is being extended another
year.
CRA
HighLights
Hibiscus Street before sign installation
Newly designed
and installed store
signage bracket
Hibiscus Street after sign installation
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Continued Implementation of the
Community Redevelopment Area
Special Area Plan / Smartcode
Regulating Plan
The City approved sweeping changes to
CRA
its Future Land Use and Zoning regulations
in
March 2011 when it adopted the
HighLights CRA/Sponge Docks Special Area Plan and
the SmartCode Based Infill Regulating
Plan. The adoption signals a new era of
required design standards to ensure
that new construction/redevelopment
contributes to the urban streetscape
and promotes livable, walkable communities.
Santos Isles Senior Apartments, at
the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.
and S. Safford Ave., this 50-unit, 55+
senior housing complex was completed in December 2013 using
urban living guidelines under the
SmartCode. A ribbon cutting was
held in May 2014.
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Traditional Cultural Property
Designation
In June 2014, a 140-acre area incorporating
the Sponge Docks and portions of the CRA was
named a Traditional Cultural Property District
on the National Register of Historic Places by
the National Park Service, the first such designation in the state. The title recognizes the significance of the Greek heritage in the City. A
new façade grant program is being introduced
for commercial building renovations, and these
cumulative efforts help ongoing actions to attract cultural tourists to the area.
CRA
HighLights
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Expansion of Festivals and Events
Arts &
Crafts
Festival
Downtown and beyond is becoming more
vibrant through festivals and special events
geared toward local residents and
tourists. A strong partnership among
CRA
the City, CRA, Merchant’s Association,
High- and Chamber of Commerce created nuLights merous festivals in 2013-2014. Wine
Walks, Food Truck Rallies, Hippie
Fest, Oktoberfest, sidewalk sales, Antique Car
Shows, Arts & Crafts Festivals, a Fine Arts Festival, and the third-year Christmas festival, “There’s Snow Place Like Tarpon
Springs” are among the many events
luring people to the Downtown. Festivals and special events have proved
to be an integral part of an overall
economic plan to promote and market Downtown that is reaching
tourists, bringing local residents into
the stores, and increasing foot traffic both night and day.
Be sure to visit the City websites:
www.ctsfl.us and
www.visitgreeceinflorida.com
for listings of events and happenings,
and stay connected on facebook and
twitter.
Snow Place Festival
Autos for Autism Car Show
Food Truck Rally
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FINANCIALS*
City of Tarpon Springs
CRA Fiscal Year 2013/2014
Balance Sheet Year Ended Sept. 30, 2014
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
Investments
Prepaid items
Total Assets
LIABILITIES
Accounts Payable
Accrued liabilities
Deposits
Advance from other fund
Total Liabilities
$461,881
600,000
589
$1,062,470
$4,079
954
3,010
$870,715
$878,758
FUND BALANCE
Nonspendable Prepaid items
$589
Restricted for CRA
$183,123
Total Fund Balance
$183,712
Total Liabilities & Fund Balance $1,062,470
*Unaudited
REVENUES
Taxes
Intergovernmental
Other
Total Revenues
$137,404
135,007
24,770
$297,181
EXPENDITURES
Economic Environment Other
Capital Outlay
Total Expenditures
$142,940
60,685
$203,625
Net Change in Fund Balance
93,556
Fund Balance, Beginning of Year $90,156
Fund Balance, End of Year
$183,712
Oktoberfest
Antique & Treasure Sale
Christmas Festival Parade
Snow Place Festival
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