Community Redevelopment Agency

Purpose Statement

The primary goal of the Community Redevelopment Agency is to guide private and public initiatives for encouraging investment in Downtown Tarpon Springs, improving infrastructure and physical characteristics of the area, guiding public and private initiatives for increasing economic development and wealth in the area, and improving the quality of life for residents.

City of Tarpon Springs Community Redevelopment Agency Background

The Florida Community Redevelopment Act of 1969 (Florida Statutes: Title XI, Chapter 163, Part III) provides a vehicle for local communities to form a Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and create a Redevelopment Trust Fund through Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for financing improvements within a target area. The City of Tarpon Springs established its CRA with the adoption of Resolution 2001-35. In 2003 the CRA was expanded to include the Pappas' Restaurant property, also known as the Northwest Expansion Area.

CRA Boundaries Map

The 227-acre CRA comprises the central business district along Pinellas Avenue north from the Anclote River and south to Meres Boulevard, including Downtown and the Lemon Street corridors. Community Redevelopment Area Map.

Historical Perspective

The City of Tarpon Springs Board of Commissioners on December 12, 2000, adopted the Downtown Development Action Plan (DDAP). This plan suggested strategies to revitalize the downtown area, including the recommendation to establish a CRA. In April 2001, the Board of Commissioners determined that a blighted area existed within the city and adopted Resolution 2001-22, finding that a community development agency be created to carry out activities within the boundaries of that area. In August 2001, the Board of Commissioners adopted Ordinance 2001-23, the Downtown Redevelopment Plan, which guides actions within the CRA boundaries, and Ordinance 2001-24, establishing a Redevelopment Trust Fund.

CRA Board

Meetings

The CRA holds meetings as needed to help guide the direction of community redevelopment. Meetings are held at City Hall, 324 E. Pine St. Meetings are generally held before or after the Board of Commissioners' Regular Sessions.  Agendas are posted on the city's website page, Agendas and Minutes.  The Board of Commissioners acts as the CRA Board.

Members

CRA Incentive Programs

To stimulate and leverage investment by businesses in the CRA and to attract and retain businesses, the CRA offers four types of incentive grants: a Building Code Assistance Grant, a Façade Improvement Grant Program, a Restaurant Recruitment Grant Program, and a Photo/Mural Grant. 

Accomplishments

Activities accomplished within the CRA since its inception include:

  • Pinellas and Tarpon Avenue Streetscape Design and Infrastructure
  • Safford Avenue Streetscape
  • Lemon Street Reconstruction and Pedestrian Lighting
  • Special Area Plan Creation
  • Wayfinding and Decorative Street Signs
  • Historic Markers and Building Plaque
  • Historic City Clock
  • Lighting upgrades throughout Downtown
  • Purchase of properties on E and W Tarpon Avenue
  • 143 E Tarpon Avenue Parking Lot and Restrooms
  • Incentive grants
  • Parking lot leases
  • Landscaping and Beautification

CRA Budget Information

Find the CRA Audited Financial Statements, annual budgets, and financial information.

CRA Documents

CRA Incentive Programs