Community Redevelopment Agency
Tarpon Springs Community Redevelopment Agency Contact Information
Karen Lemmons, Economic Development Director
Email: klemmons@ctsfl.us
Telephone: 727.938.3711 extension 2253
City Hall Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5004, Tarpon Springs, FL 34688-5004
City Hall is located at 324 East Pine Street, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
City of Tarpon Springs Community Redevelopment Agency
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 and TIF in September 2001 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. The Board of Commissioners acts as the CRA Board and holds periodic meetings to help guide the direction of redevelopment within the CRA. Meetings are held at City Hall, 324 East Pine Street, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689. In March 2011, the Board of Commissioners adopted Ordinance 2001-24, amending the Future Land Use Map and establishing a Special Area Plan for the Community Redevelopment District.
Location
The 227-acre CRA comprises the central business district along Pinellas Avenue north from the Anclote River and south to Meres Blvd., 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 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 in before or after Board of Commissioners’ Regular Sessions and the agendas are posted with them. Visit our Board of Commissioners’ Agenda page for dates and agendas as they become available.
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, Façade Improvement Grant Program, Restaurant Recruitment Grant Program, and a Photo/Mural Grant. Grant packages and forms may be found in our Document Library.
