CRA — September 11, 2025 FINAL

Luis Viera

10:12:38AM And the pledge of allegiance. Board member Maniscalco has the pleasure of doing this on this very solemn day, September 11, 2025.

Guido Maniscalco

10:12:48AM Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. It is my honor and privilege to welcome our friend, chaplain kerry nance back again. Been here many times and we always appreciate your prayers and your words of wisdom. This gentleman -- I'm not going to say when you were born -- but I will say he's been married to his wife amy coming up on 32 years with three children, abigail, Andrew, and avery. He was called to preach at the age of 15 at a Christian school retreat, and he's been a chaplain with TPD since 2004. He's been on the board and serves on boards of a variety of organizations. His hobbies and fun times, he loves traveling and being with his family, watching football, and cheering on the bucs and the gators. Always excited to go fishing with kids playing golf and loves to fly around Tampa's skies. If we could please stand and welcome chaplain nance as he gives the invocation and remain standing for the pledge. Go ahead, sir. Our Father, as we come to you on this day, we're reminded, lord, on 9/11 of just the price of freedom. Lord, we're reminded of lives that were sacrificed and officers and firemen who rushed in to save others. We're thankful for that courage, and we're thankful, lord, for those type of people that we have even here in Tampa. Lord, as we come to this day, we're grateful for the grace of god. We're reminded, lord, that every day that there could be casualty or destruction, lord even with the past hurricanes, we've seen your blessing upon us. So, lord, we want to give you thanks and recognize, lord, that there's much that we can do. But, god, truly, safety is in the hands of the lord. So, father, I do pray today that you would bless this City Council, lord, would you give them wisdom, would you give them protection. Lord, do I pray that you would be with our firemen and our police officers and those in leadership and our mayor. God, we just pray that you would put a hedge about this city that you would protect it, continue to bless it financially, and give us, lord, protection from threats. Father, I also just want to thank you, lord, for the grace that is provided for us in Jesus Christ. Lord, I just thank you for the fact that you sacrificed your son so that we could have that precious, eternal life. Lord also today, I know that there are many that are giving thanks and remembering lives at different memorials. Lord, we pray that you would encourage those families that have suffered loss today and as they reflect upon loved ones that were simply going to work and never came home, would you be with those families. In their sorrow and in their loss that would be so great, and that only god could comfort. Lord, I'm also thinking of the kirk family today as so fresh on all of our minds. We do lift up their family and the wife and the children that you might encourage them today. We thank you, lord, for being a god of great mercy and a god of love. Thank you for having thoughts of us and compassion on us. We pray this and ask all these blessings upon our city and upon our people and upon our councilmen. It's in the name of Jesus we pray, amen. [Pledge of allegiance]

Luis Viera

10:16:56AM Roll call, please.

Charlie Miranda

10:17:02AM Here.

Guido Maniscalco

10:17:03AM Here.

Lynn Hurtak

10:17:03AM Here.

Alan Clendenin

10:17:05AM Here. Viera?

Luis Viera

10:17:08AM Here.

The clerk

10:17:08AM We have a physical quorum.

Luis Viera

10:17:10AM Thank you very much. Council, let's go over agenda review.

Guido Maniscalco

10:17:13AM Move to adopt the minutes.

Luis Viera

10:17:15AM Motion by board member Maniscalco. Second by board member Miranda. All in favor? Any opposed? Okay. Let's go through, I know we have here staff reports.

Lynn Hurtak

10:17:31AM There is a motion for item number 4, a memo requesting that item number 4 be continued to January 15.

Guido Maniscalco

10:17:41AM So moved.

Luis Viera

10:17:42AM We have a motion by board member Maniscalco. Seconded by board member Clendenin. All in favor? Any opposed? We have four.

Lynn Hurtak

10:17:50AM I also move for item number 5.

Guido Maniscalco

10:17:55AM So moved.

Lynn Hurtak

10:17:56AM To be moved to November 13, 2025.

Luis Viera

10:17:59AM Thank you, board member Hurtak. Motion by board member Hurtak. Seconded by board member Maniscalco. All in favor? Any opposed? Okay. Let's go through this. Yes, ma'am.

Lynn Hurtak

10:18:12AM I would like to pull item number 11 only because it is something over a million dollars, and that was our new rule.

Luis Viera

10:18:26AM Yes, ma'am. We will pull that. Just in case we need a motion, motion by board member Hurtak. Seconded I would assume by board member Clendenin. All in favor? Any opposed? Anything else, board members?

Lynn Hurtak

10:18:41AM We did get a memo from board member Carlson about continuing item number 7. Since he is not here, I still think generally we honor those requests.

Luis Viera

10:18:51AM My only thing is, let me check with Mr. McCray. Is that okay, sir?

Cedric McCray

10:18:57AM Good morning. Cedric McCray, Tampa CRA director. It would be the pleasure of the board.

Luis Viera

10:19:03AM We have a motion by board member Hurtak. Seconded by board member Miranda. All in favor? Any opposed? Yes, ma'am.

Lynn Hurtak

10:19:09AM Is it okay -- I guess this is for Attorney Shepard who is here in person. Welcome. We're happy to have you. Given that board member Carlson is not here today, and we do not know his concerns, could a memo come from your office or Mr. McCray about those concerns so we at least know what we're dealing with in the two months between now and the next time we meet so we can handle it?

10:19:39AM I wanted to make sure -- we don't -- I don't know what the concern is, I assume that you probably do. In any way, if we could all know about it so we can meet with staff, meet with whomever we need to so we can solve it.

Cliff Shepard

10:19:55AM I don't know, but I'll find out.

Lynn Hurtak

10:19:58AM I truly appreciate that. That way we're not continuing this to December.

Luis Viera

10:20:04AM Absolutely. Any other comments or movements whatsoever on the agenda? We have a motion by board member Hurtak, seconded by board member Maniscalco. All in favor? Any opposed? Okay. We go now to public comment. If you are here for public comment, please come forward, if you would. Do me a favor, just so that we know about how many folks are here, if you're able to stand up, line up against the wall. You, sir, you may go first in the white shirt. A raise of hands. Attorney Shepard, if you want to make a statement, sir. You may.

Cliff Shepard

10:20:47AM Sure. This is the public comment rules for today. Members of the public are allowed a reasonable opportunity at the beginning of the CRA meeting to address any item on the agenda before the CRA takes official action on an item. However, a three-minute time limit applies to all speakers providing public comment unless such time frame is modified by a vote of the CRA Board. Speakers and members of the public are also reminded that they are to refrain from disruptive behavior, including making vulgar or threatening remarks or making or causing disruptive noises or sounds or displaying signs or graphics. Speakers are also reminded to refrain from launching personal attacks. The chair rule out of order any person who speaks without being recognized or attempts to address the CRA from outside the speaker area at the podium. Persons failing to comply with the CRA's rules may also be ruled out of order and at the discretion of the chair may be removed from the chambers for the remainder of that day's CRA meeting. Finally, CRA Board members are reminded that they should refrain from engaging a speaker under public comment. The City Council rules has revised on June 6, 2024, are now in effect for the CRA Board unless otherwise exempted or overridden by the CRA Board bylaws.

Luis Viera

10:22:04AM Thank you, Mr. Shepard. We appreciate you sir. Come forward, if you would like, sir. Pastor Williams, whenever you would like to speak, raise your hand and you may go. I'm here to speak on behalf of the community in regards to affordable housing. That's what I typically come in here and speak about. So there are different levels. So you have --

10:22:31AM I'm so sorry. Your name, if I may. So you have 80% AMI. You have 50%. You also have 30%. If you ever heard the saying that you are or you become the people that you hang out with, right, so I once heard a story on npr where it was beneficial for people that were at 30% AMI to be able to hang out or see people that are doing a little better than them because when you see maybe a firefighter or maybe an officer who is new in their career and can't afford a house but lives in a space like you, that it gives you the inspiration to I guess pull yourself up by your bootstraps, if you will, that in a lot of these projects for housing that 30% should be strongly considered as well as the 80%. I just wanted to say that. I live in the East Tampa. I walk the community. I understand that people need both 80 and 30. Sometimes people are on ssi, and they don't make $2,000 a month. They may be at a thousand or 1600, and that 30% unit would be able to help them to live and thrive. And that's it. Thank you so much for your time.

10:24:06AM Appreciate you. Next. Go ahead, sir. My name is mark siebenaller. I am an owner, resident, and a CAC member for the Channel District. I'm here to support and requesting your support for number 11, which I just understand has now been pulled. But just to give you some additional facts, if you're not aware of, this was a planned or at least anticipated purchase of property off of twiggs to accommodate with the Madison Street park and would appreciate that. Unfortunately, in case you are not aware, we are currently at about 2% of the goal for parks and greenspace in the Channel District. Our goal, which is part of your strategic plan that exists is we should be closer to 11. So, obviously, this will make a little bit of a dent. It might get us to three. We still have a long, long ways to go. But your support on this matter would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

10:25:12AM Thank you, sir. We appreciate you. Next, please. One we always look forward to. Ashley. I'll be sharing Tampa's black history. Last week we ended on the story about wildcat and colonel worth, general worth as well. We'll keep going. I have an ipad. Save the trees. All right. We're going to transition into a story about, a good segue into the slavery in Tampa. This is a story about Joseph howell. Also brings in the general worth -- his name is right here. General worth. Talking about him coming into Tampa and regulating things. What happens according to the person who gave the story in the Tampa newspaper that is a descendant of Mr. Howell, that the seminoles killed his wife and his infant child. Two of them ran with the two people, black people he had enslaved and they end up running into the hammock. I brought up a map. The area was actually here underneath seffner. They ran into this hammock most likely. I put a big map together. This is where he lived. You can't see it, but when you're able to zoom into the image, that says indian town. They were in very close proximity to that town. I think that's basically what happened with that story. So they were encroaching on seminole land at that time. That was in the 1840s, 1841 I want to say when that happened. These are some progression maps showing how Hillsborough changed over time. Hillsborough was here, is here. It was a part of alachua. Then it broke off into Hillsborough in 1834. Then a piece of it was taken off with hernando county being founded in 1843. Then you can read yourself, pause the camera if you need to. When you look up the different censuses in the area, you can't really rely on the population of enslaved. The population of white people in the area because there were all these different censuses and based off whether the county was broken off or areas were added, the population ebbed and flowed. Usually just ebbed. So Tampa, they had a few censuses as you can see. The alafia settlement is down here. Alafia. The chocochatta settlement is up there by brooksville and a bunch of ones named after seminole tribes that were here in Florida. Here is a quote from Davis. Brooksville was a place that was further out that had plantation living. Tampa had more domestic slavery. Out in brooksville and out in mulberry that's where you found your plantations. The quote said, the old enslaved talked prophetically of brooksville which she described having had a hell-hole in it. One of the noted Florida sinks that appears to be bottomless. Into this hole, according to her, undesirable slaves were often dropped alive never to be seen again. Quoted by Ms. Evelyn Beasley, 1106 Harrison Street. Next week we'll be talking about the enslavers and slave censuses of Tampa.

10:28:39AM Thank you. As always we always appreciate it a great deal. Next, please. My name is jeff jankiewicz. Resident and owner in the Channel District. I have a citizen request that the council positively respond to file number CRA 25-17036. The resolution of the community Redevelopment agency of the City of Tampa, Florida, approving the purchase of the real property in the Channel District community redevelopment area located at 1125 and 1127 East Twiggs Street in Tampa. The property would be used for the expansion of greenspace, which is now madison park. The greenspace need is large in the Channel District. The Channel District is currently at way below 20% of the recommended city target for greenspace given our population. This acquisition would help create the only two parallel access park to street access park in the Channel District between twiggs and Madison Street. Greenspace and parks help alleviate people and traffic congestion stress. It will do this in an area that's already experiencing this, especially if more large, high-density residential developments is the alternative for this space. Channel District citizens seek your support and approval for the purchase of 1125 and 1127 east twiggs. Thank you for your attention to this and your consideration. I'll watch on tv to see if it can be passed today. Thank you.

10:30:49AM Thank you very much, sir. Before governor newsom comes up, we'll have Pastor Williams come up. Sorry, man. Street. You know, I want to give you all a hand because when I come down zack, I see the Jackson house having some renovation done to it. Give the council a hand. Thank them. Thank them. We happen to be here this morning. As I was standing here waiting on the outside, two young ladies told me to sing a song. So you know what? That's what I'm going to do with my few minutes. In the valley brighter than the noon day sun. In the valley brighter than the noon day sun. Amen. Amen. Amen. There is Jesus in the valley, brighter than the noon day sun. Oh, there is Jesus in the valley brighter than the noon day sun. Amen. Amen. Amen. There is peace in the valley, brighter than the noon day sun. There is peace in the valley, brighter than the noon day sun. Amen, amen. Amen. Thank the lord for Jesus Christ. I'm just going to end, give you all a public thank you for what you all are doing. You all are doing great work. Keep it up. Keep it up in the name of Jesus. We're going to be all right. [ applause ]

10:33:03AM So we're going to pass a formal exception to council rules allowing -- the Pastor Frank rules. Garrett greco. I'm here today to advocate for more public spaces, greenspaces and parks in our urban core, specifically in the Channel District. I moved back to Tampa after being gone for a long time to the Channel District with my then girlfriend and now wife. We spent a few years there, and it was awesome. Restaurants, the duckweed and all the great things about that urban environment were really cool for us young people to be there. A few years later, my wife got pregnant and we kind of looked around and thought this area is not that conducive to a baby, maybe a dog. There are a lot of dogs in the area, but not babies. There are not enough parks for people to enjoy. So we decided to leave. When I look at channelside on a map, it has these north-south long avenues. And they are broken off in sections where it is not that easy to sort of get in and out as a pedestrian. With this purchase, this real estate purchase, item 11, you could more easily access twiggs from where we used to live, which was ventana in grand central. This is an extension of a current park. You'll have experts speak about purchase price and stuff like that, if they haven't already. To me, seems like a good deal. Additionally, Charlie can tell you, decades and decades ago, real estate that was purchased by the city, I mean, thank god it was purchased because you can't get those prices back. And when real estate is owned by the city, we can be creative about what we can do with it. It can be preserved. It can be further developed one day, who knows. But I think it's a great thing to support the purchase of this property on twiggs. Thank you.

Charlie Miranda

10:34:57AM Aren't you related to that individual who was the most progressive mayor in the City of Tampa?

10:35:02AM I want the public to understand that you are dick greco's great grandson. Cheers. Thank you guys.

Luis Viera

10:35:17AM Thank you, sir. Next. My name is Chris parrado. Not to echo what garrett just said, I'm also speaking on the potential purchase of the twiggs property. I'm going to come with a different approach. I'm kind of an original gangster in channelside. I live in ventana. I bought my unit in there in March of 2010. So I've been there 15 years. I have raised my daughter. She is 11 years old, in the community. It's an amazing community, amazing neighborhood. As I've watched the city or the community flourish over that time. When I bought in there, we only had powerhouse gym. City dog cantina and poor house. Now it's become this mini-metropolis. As it's grown, I see a lot of concrete, but I didn't see a lot of grass. So when they added the madison park back in 2019, that was an amazing addition to the neighborhood, but it's not enough. Somebody that's lived there for as long as I have, the last couple of years, me personally, more families than I've ever seen. I mean, just in my building alone, there's probably -- only 84 units. I mean, there's probably 10 to 15 families that have at least one or two kids, not counting grand central. Just go down, take a walk down Madison Avenue around 6:00. You'll see what I'm talking about. I'm really in favor of it. You guys hopefully purchasing this property. I think it will be an absolutely amazing addition to the area. It's needed. Thank you for your time.

10:37:04AM Thank you, sir. Next. Ma'am, before Mr. Mentesnot, are you waiting in line? My bad. Go ahead, sir. Uhuru means freedom in swahili. We as african people should always be thinking about our freedom. 1500 years or 825 years, 52 generations of not being free. We should always be thinking about our freedom. Ac/dc was at Raymond James Stadium. Sold it out. Pantera and metallica, two of my favorite groups at Raymond James Stadium. Sold out two days. Let's talk about gerrymandering. The white people don't have to do any gerrymandering. 45,000 people registered to vote in district 5. 16 candidates running, and 16 clowns can't even pull out 5,000 votes. Where they reside, ac/dc and other people from Australia and canada and other places come to town and bring together hundreds of thousands of people. 16 people can't bring out 5,000 people in an election. You know why? Anybody who voted in that election, any black person who voted is a damn fool. Any black person voted is a fool, period. No ifs, ands or buts. Voting for your own oppression. Fact of the matter is, you have 16 candidates and 16 clowns couldn't talk about nothing, can't talk about reparations. Can't talk about police violence, can't talk about the dictatorial processes that affect the african community that keep us suffering day after day. Can't talk about nothing. Can't talk about where 26% of the population and don't get nothing from the city. They can't talk about nothing. A bunch of cowards. It also is indicative of the fact that black people are scared. Scared. Drug me out of here like an animal for wearing a shirt and then lying all over about it. You know what? Government is so inept, the stupid a-holes charged me with the wrong charge. A-holes charged me with the wrong charge. Yes. It's documented. And lying all over the criminal report affidavit. Lying. Professional liars. Nothing more, nothing less. 16 people couldn't pull out 5,000 votes. That tells you something. It tells you black people not participating in this corrupt, ignorant system. It's a do-nothing City Council. They are vindictive. They are vicious. They are nasty, and that's the treatment african people get and we're sick and tired of it. You're seeing it manifesting itself all over. Thank you.

10:40:16AM Thank you, sir. Next, ma'am. My name is kimberly simon. After reviewing the powerpoint for the proposed RFP process, we're seeking CRA funding as east area landowner since 2014 and likely applicant for next year's proposed CRA RFP. I thought I should weigh in early on the proposed process. I've also been advocating with the fhfc to make sale more accessible to small builds and more developers, this process matters to me both as policy advocate and applicant. First I want to thank staff. The RFP is a solid start but three areas where I sincerely hope changes will be made. One, site control. Owning or controlling land is the strongest predictor of feasibility yet it is not even a scoring category. A developer with no site can score higher than one who already owns property in East Tampa and is ready to build. Site control should carry significant points because it shows real commitment and readiness. Two, green building. The scoring system has no recognition for energy efficiency or sustainability, although it may be lumped into the category referring to alignment with CRA goals. Other cities award green certified or energy efficient buildings with incentives. Adding even a small pointed category would encourage projects that reduce cost for residents and align with best practices. Three, developer experience. Right now, experience is weighted heavily, but experience does not equal feasibility. Experienced developers also come with liquidity, net worth and large bills have access to tax credits, sale, and Bonds. They don't need CRA funds to the same extent that new and minority developers do. Heavily weighted experience unintentionally disadvantages minority developers because we've historically had fewer opportunities to build large projects. We score lower even when we own land and have viable plans. That forces us into unequal partnerships or shuts us out entirely. Team experience should also replace developer experience. These changes will make the scoring system fair, rewarding shovel-ready projects and ensure CRA funds go where they are needed the most, to produce real units and build local capacity in East Tampa. Sorry. I am not a good public speaker.

10:42:34AM You did well. Thank you, ma'am. Next. Go ahead, ma'am. My name is celeste roberts. I'm with the Skills Center. This morning I come with a very grateful heart to just simply thank the CRA for contributing to our project. We are one year in, still learning, but an amazing impact we've had so far on our community. We think about job creation, destroying blight or eliminating blight. That was there before our facility and the number of young people and the community members that we've been able to serve. Over 6,000 people have interacted with our facility through our programs, through events that are hosted at our center as well. Then I just wanted to share this summer, because this really was the summer for us to see whether or not our concept would work. Our facility was open from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. And limited services on saturdays and sundays. We serve about 825 kids a day, rotating through our building. It is amazing to see how the community has embraced the center, how they interact with the center. We even have line dancing for seniors in the morning time in our facility. Great space. I wanted to come and say thank you again for contributing. The project was $25.5 million, and I appreciate -- we appreciate the $500,000 the CRA contributed to our project. Thank you so much.

10:44:10AM Thank you, ma'am. We appreciate you. Next, please. Kella mccaskill. This morning, as an advocate, seven days ago, the City of Tampa suspended the mwbe program. Unfortunate, but very telling. Because we saw that. We watched the slow walk of resolution 568 which may not even have funding today. Attempts to silence the voice of the community, remove the board and the committees also almost gentrified the board with people that are pro the executive order that could potentially strip ownership from people that's been long-standing owners in the community, all because it doesn't fit the narrative for the new people that's moved in this area. Awarded multiple millions of dollars in the CRA with no mention, even after we told you, suggested that you include a 25% mwbe in that so that the people that live in the area can benefit from the development happening in their area. I haven't seen it yet. I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed, but it's very telling for what the city is. Based on 568, I'm looking at a very racist city that's supporting the racism through all the things I just said. I don't expect you all to understand the pain, the frustration, and what's happening. To us it is very disrespectful. Down right disgraceful for tax paying citizens not to benefit from the development happening in their area, particularly when they have been there some 20, 30, 40, 50 years. They almost have to beg, but yet an individual can come, that's been here maybe a year and a half, two, and received the maximum that they can receive on a grant. So I want you to pay attention. I'm not going to be, because all of you are elected officials. But I expect you to at least have some kind of empathy. Use logic. What does that look like to you? Everything I just said, that's what I can remember, cursory review of what's been happening in the CRA in East Tampa particularly. Pay attention. I need you to respond as if you heard me. Act as if it were you. Act as if it were your family. Act as if it were you wanting to participate in your community and respond accordingly. I hope going forward we can see some type of movement. I hope you to find ways creatively to find something about still supporting women-owned, black owned, small businesses in the City of Tampa because it is unacceptable that they just remove it. There has to be something that can be done to replace that. Maybe it's is he manics, change the language, do something actionable and benefit the people paying taxes in this district. Thank you.

10:46:55AM Thank you. Alison hewitt, third generation resident of East Tampa and business owner. So there were items specifically to talk about today. You did pull 5 and thank you for 7. Before I talk about it, I just want to talk about the statutory requirements of the CRA Board. According to Florida statute 163.356, the CRA Board should be proactive, not reactive. We need to make sure that the CRA Board should lead the conversation and be responsible for preparing, approving, implementing the CRPs and that articulate a proactive vision for the community improvement. And right now, we are reactive. We are letting people come in and be able to develop on us. So the housing matrix is a really good start. Thank you for the young lady who took away some of the comments I have to make because she did. But the number one part is alignment with the CRP. We don't really just need alignment. The CRA, with the staff, should be proactive. They should be able to say to you that if we develop here, then it will foster the development. We have limited funds in a huge area in East Tampa. We just can't put $5 million there and nothing else happens around it. So that is the responsibility per statute of the CRA and their staff is to be proactive about it. The statute says that. According to also the number 5, I have put into the packet I gave you, when we do the commercial grants, we have talked about it often that our small businesses do not have the money up front to pay. I have provided you with statutory availability so they would be able to have some small amount up front per the statute and per CRA. I also provided you some examples around the state of CRAs who do that. You can see some of the ways they are putting money in to be able to get the small businesses up, to be financed and do the rest. The biggest issue for me, and thank you for pushing it back, is number 7. I have been here now for three years. Every time you do the operation agreement to be able to say this is a very permissive operating agreement, there is nothing in that agreement that says because the staff takes four years to implement a predevelopment program, there is nothing you can say. Nothing you can do to make them go faster because the agreement that you're agreeing to says that they may assist. There's nothing that directs them to be able to do their job. Also, it advocates your responsibility as a CRA to the city and the City staff. You are responding to them and not doing what the statutory requirements are to you. Also, it states in there that the CAC and the CRA work together. It is not just an advisory. The CAC is supposed to be boots on the ground for you to make recommendations. Please read the stat utility in there for the CAC responsibilities.

10:50:15AM Thank you, ma'am. We appreciate you very much. Next, please. My name is parker. I did not sign the sheet to give public comment today. But after Ms. Kim stood up and spoke and touched on what she wanted to touch on, I wanted to recognize the reason I didn't sign up for public comment is because me and my mother, are looking to develop right there off Temple Street, 3812, 3816 Temple Street. Our presentation got pushed back to November, which I understand, but at the same time, I just want you guys to recognize when we come and present in a couple of months the amount of community support that we have behind us on top of the CAC support, the CRA support. And most importantly, we are one of the few legacy landowners in East Tampa that want to make an impact. Right now, 40 plus hours a week on the property that borders 3812, 3816 Temple Street, because we do own the commercial plaza there as well, which we have been renovating, revamping, because we want to do what is right by East Tampa because we have been there in the community for so long. But right now, vacant lots, they are sitting vacant, and I unfortunately want to admit I probably average one to two calls a day to the Tampa PD, because those lots sitting vacant, as you guys can sure imagine, there's nothing good happening on two vacant lots sitting right there in front of Grant Park. Our commitment to the neighborhood is there. Our commitment to the residents are there. We would have sold it a long time ago if we weren't committed to the people of Grant Park. As mentioned before, I just hope you guys recognize when we come back in two months and present that project, how much support and momentum we've generated, not only from the CAC board, but the community as well, the residents there. Thank you.

10:52:27AM Thank you, sir. We appreciate you. Next, please. Surgret doss. I was going to do something different, but because we're commemorating 9/11, we're not celebrating. Because of my affinity for those who put on a uniform. I have something for you all. What I want to talk about, first of all, brought to my attention that you all aren't showing the full torso when shirts don't meet your approval. I don't know if that is a violation necessarily, but something to be considered. Whether we agree with people or not, just like that horrendous event that took place yesterday, people have a right to say it. Some of us took an oath to protect people's rights to say certain things. A couple of weeks ago, I gave you all some documents, and it talked about some of the conduct of some attorneys as well as some judges across the street. I used some pretty colorful language. I still mean it. I won't use it today. Mr. Weimuller who is a partner, said they have no obligation to tell me when I was being seen -- for a medical examination, that the doctor that saw me for state farm actually worked for the va. I didn't find out until I went to the va a little later on and the same doctor treated me at the va. We understand that is a violation of title 18, 208. Why we let judges here get away with some of the things they do, include participating in ensuring veterans, I'm not speaking on my own behalf because I happen to find out about it, that it is a pattern in practice here that certain law firms have used va doctors without disclosing it to veterans. There's no way I should be able to tolerate that. But there is a judge down in broward county, Mr. Clermont. He got reprimanded almost immediately. For some reason, despite the fact -- I know there were a couple of mediators and attorneys up there, there was no certificate of attendance and authority, certification of authority, yet the benefits of other people who were not sued were taken care of by the judges. I'm not going to give you all a hand for doing your job. I kind of want to give you all a finger. That's for another reason. I found out there are a lot of homeless children in Hillsborough county. I never thought about it. And many of these elementary schools, I know that is an issue for the county and possibly the School Board need funds. We have a $2 billion budget, you all can donate funds to ensure that the children get taken care of. Shout-out to the greatest institution of higher learning in the city. Both of them, University of South Florida and university of Thomas Jefferson high school.

10:55:34AM Thank you, sir. Next, please. I was coming with just a concern. And that concern is basically when we have people appointed to the CAC, I spoke concerning this, that in light of what's happening in the community everywhere, it is important that we take the steps to kill rhetoric, to not to allow certain rhetoric to take place, but then reward them to be over or on certain boards. This week, of course, we know that while campaigning was going on and a lot of things were taking place, we had someone on the board named diane singular. I'll read basically what she wrote on facebook concerning East Tampa community, to keep in mind on record, this is a caucasian woman and husband who wanted or pledged to serve East Tampa residents. Her words was, you're the one, speaking to Valerie, you're the one who hurt East Tampa. It isn't on my watch that all those hundreds of neglected homes in the name of so-called homeowners ended in such deplorable conditions and need life support, surviving only with the taxpayer funding. Not my watch that in East Tampa, you all pawns. Look like you all pawns ended up looking like -- and my deal that the people dump their free lunch right in the middle of the intersection. She went on to say that you guys are just mad that people with more skill, talent, is moving in East Tampa and restoring sanity to the area. And that's what you resent. This is her words. Facebook, and this is a woman that is on the CAC board that's supposed to be talking about supporting and getting East Tampa to be a better, vibrant place. I asked, of course, I'll continue to ask why I know it may not be as so of a concern because now we have district 5 seat vacant, assume that would be over. I will ask that councilman or woman the same thing, that this be addressed. I would say many councilmen and councilwoman I heard with your concerns the issues. I know if any kind of rhetoric was spewed concerning disabled people, I know certain councilmen that would not tolerate such rhetoric. I would ask that the same energy be put in and not allow anybody on the board that's serving to disrespect or belittle African American people but yet come and say in the name of service. So I'm asking that you all have whatever power and authority to look into it. That's what I ask. Look into it. See why you could say certain things of that nature and see how she could be removed off the board of East Tampa because clearly she doesn't have our interest.

10:58:43AM Thank you, sir. Next, please. To be able to address you. I want to speak on item 7, which is the agreement, approving the service agreement. And I don't know what the legal --

10:58:58AM Your name, sir. I'm sorry. Thomas Scott. Possibly continue that item until you have a full board, number one. The other item is item number 11, in support of the channelside, purchase of that property. I've had the privilege of meeting and speaking and addressing the channelside CAC and touring that area, and the greenspace is very much needed. Greenspace is very much needed, which is something we've been talking about. So we support item number 11 for you to move forward on. So thank you very much.

10:59:36AM Thank you, sir. Next, please. My name is ken stoltenberg. I reside at 1208 East Kennedy Boulevard, which is in grand central, at Kennedy in the Channel District. I would like to speak in favor of item 11. We do need a lot more greenspace down there. While it is expensive, it's certainly needed, and there are tons of families with kids that live in the district now. That's wonderful, and if we can keep that going and keep that increasing, anything we can do to foster that, staff has been great to work with on this particular item. I hope you support it. Thank you.

11:00:14AM Thank you, sir. Next, please. Andy joe Scaglione. I won't repeat a lot of things that were said today about the need of green area. Been involved in channelside, as you know, for 42 years. But my focus on I call it the fourth quarter is more green area. There's no better investment than investing in the environment. Having green area falls into that. On values, listen, we just had a piece just sell in downtown for $40 million. $946 a square foot. Who would have ever thought that? The point is this. Values are not going to go down when you have 4% of land left, which by today you'll look like a hero five, ten years from now. Buy dirt. If you can pay cash for it, there's almost no way you're going to lose in an area like the City of Tampa. This being an abutting property, one and one doesn't equal two. It equals three whenever you buy abutting property. Again, you will only regret what you didn't buy. I would like to thank staff, because I tell you what, in the past, channelside restaurants have been failed because we have not been aggressive enough to buy property, and this is a whole different attitude that has recently been executed. It's about execution because if you don't execute, in the past, we haven't executed and that's the reason we're in the situation we're in. We've done fantastic development-wise. We just really failed on green area. I would like to talk on one other item while I am here. That is the housing subsidy matrix. It's a money grab in a lot of situations. We need to really be aware of it from out-of-state developers. And local people, I look at it totally different. When you have out-of-state people, they see a bulk of money, 30%, in these CRAs, they are going for a money grab. And my developer friends I'm sure will be burning up my phone later on. I don't care. You know I'll do the right thing. There's minimum checks and balances. It is a 50-year subsidy. How do we know. Developers, as soon as they build it, these out-of-state guys, they build it, they stabilize it and they sell it. There are no checks and balances. Nobody will be here for 50 years. None of us. So the point is, in the construction, it won't even probably less 50 years. Anything under seven stories right now because of construction costs is built with frame. We're handing out money all up front and the taxpayers are going to get ripped off. I'd like it where we give subsidies, but every year, they come in with the rent roll and show what they subsidize. Thank you very much.

11:03:29AM Yes, sir, thank you. Anyone else here in the room for public comment? I forgot -- no one else. We have virtual, correct. Mr. Randolph. Go ahead, sir. My name is Michael randolph. I come to the table with over 30 years of experience in economic development from Tampa to Florida. I'm saying that because my view on the CRA is this. The CRA has been the reason for gentrification in our community. Let's talk about why. Calling it reimagine the CRA for inclusive neighborhood sustainability. I'll give an example. West Tampa has African American population of 34 -- reduced by 50% since 2010. Gentrification continues unchecked, we could see a 6 to 10 annual displacement of low-income black residents. Shrinking the share by 20 -- 26% by 2030. The CRA has successfully developed capital to underserved neighborhoods. But raising housing costs -- threatens to -- threatens revitalization turning into -- compliance isn't enough. We need strategic solutions that create shared value. The CRA must evolve from a checklist into a proactive, quality tool. Let's talk about the opportunity. We can do better. Align the CRA with anti-displacement strategies, we can plan ahead by identifying high-risk neighborhoods. Protect residents with legal aid and resident assistance, preserve affordable housing by financing rehab. Produce new units through nonprofits and land trust partnerships. Cities like seattle and portland use data driven risk assessment to guide investment. We should integrate these insights into the CRA to ensure our efforts are inclusive and impactful. Thank you.

11:06:20AM Thank you, sir. Okay. No other public comment, it would appear. I wanted to, by the way, give a shout-out. I know we have some folks who ran here for district five. We've all been in tough elections. Hewitt is here, piggot is here who ran. Ms. Young and Bishop Scott, hope I'm not missing any other candidates, but I wanted to give a shout-out to everybody that ran and is still running. That is a tough race. My first race, there were seven people, I believe it was, and that's stressful. God bless you guys for all the heart you all showed.

Charlie Miranda

11:07:16AM No one ever loses an election. I never lost an election. I just never got enough votes. There is a vast difference. Who is a loser and who is a winner. Losers go down and does not stand up. The winner is the guy who gets up, or she gets up, and runs like hell to do it again. My advice is never quit if you really want to serve because you are not a loser. Thank you very much.

Guido Maniscalco

11:07:47AM You have all earned my respect. Many of you I know very well. Pastor piggot and Bishop Scott, if you call, I answer. We have good relationships. Young is here. You have a wonderful family. I will tell you that. Good people. Alison hewitt, very SMART. She's actually quite brilliant. Albert cook serves on the citizens budget advisory board, a friend of mine, wonderful person, but very impressive group of candidates. My hat is off to all of you. Thank you for stepping up to the plate. You don't just talk the talk. You stepped up. And it's not easy to put yourself out in the public. Trust me. You see it. When you're out there on stage, it takes a lot of courage. So my compliments to everyone.

Lynn Hurtak

11:08:49AM I'll echo that congratulations. As we continue on in this but thank you all of those who not only ran but then came today to continue to be a part of the community. I think that's very important. But I was actually going to talk about a couple of things. One, we have reached -- we have looked into board appointments and removals, and that is very difficult per state statutes. So I believe we had a written report that council member Carlson asked for a couple of agendas ago that might assist with that. But I can see if I can get you a copy of that. So reach out to me. What I did want to do, though, because we have a lot of people here for it and I know we'll have a long discussion about housing, I thought we could hopefully maybe get through just do the required approvals. And I would like to, first of all, take the one that I took off. The reason we took it off is because of the money amount. I would like to move the resolution for file number CRA 25-17036 for the purchase of 1125 and 1127 East Twiggs Street.

Luis Viera

11:10:03AM We have a motion by board member Hurtak. Seconded by board member Miranda. Any discussion? Yes, sir.

Alan Clendenin

11:10:10AM This is an interesting one. Be honest with you, in research and prior to discussion, I have grave concern about the cost of this piece of property. I've been a longtime and current advocate for increased greenspace in channelside, recognizing the deficit of greenspace, I was concerned about the cost. This is the importance of having discussions, based on what I heard today during public comment and sidebar conversation I had, I come to the conclusion that while the cost exceeds what we should be paying for this parcel, the cost of not acquiring it is greater. It is more problematic. I think at this point we have to kind of suck up this cost because this will be one of those things said to me, in four, five years we'll regret not making this commitment. I fully recognize as someone who is relatively fiscally conservative on a lot of these type of decisions, it's a lot of money, but the cost of not doing it, because the other options are not on the table, the greater good of the community, greater good of the broader community and specifically the channelside community, I'm going to support this.

Luis Viera

11:11:26AM Thank you, sir. Board member, Miranda.

Charlie Miranda

11:11:32AM I use my own life to sometimes feel how I'm going to vote or something. Let me tell you why. It is the factual truth. 1968, my wife and I bought a house in West Tampa for $12,600. I had to get my uncle to show me $1,250 so I could qualify for the loan. That house is now worth $450,000. My problem is this, if I sell it, I can't move anywhere else. Does that sink in? This property -- and I believe it is a little overpriced -- but price is one thing. Reality is another. If this -- at this price, if you don't buy it today, what will it be worth ten years from now, five years from now? Think it is worth less. If you do, raise your hand. I see no hands. So that's why I'm voting for it. Thank you very much.

Luis Viera

11:12:25AM Thank you, sir. Unless board member Maniscalco wants to say anything, board member Hurtak.

Lynn Hurtak

11:12:31AM Thank you. I want to say that I support this. When I first became a council member, we had I believe a $3 million purchase for the Washington Street property. Is it Washington Street? The park right next to the parking lot. Channelside. I'm sorry. It's on channelside. It is a tiny parcel. I couldn't believe the amount of money, but the community said, you know, we really want parkland. Quite frankly, every community has something different they want. Every CAC, every CRA. And channelside has been nothing but focused on parkland. So I believe that supporting what this community wants to spend their money on is important. It's a lot of money, yes. Channelside has no land. The fact that they were able to find this and purchase it, is pretty amazing. I know they worked a long time on this. So I have no problem with that. But I also think it is a really good way to think about what some community members in East Tampa have continued to come up to say, as we talk about this conversation about housing, I think that's just something to keep in mind. My motion stands.

Luis Viera

11:13:42AM Who seconded? Sorry. Motion by board member Hurtak. Seconded by board member Miranda for item number 11. All in favor? Any opposed?

Lynn Hurtak

11:13:53AM I move items 8, 9, 10, 12, and 13.

Luis Viera

11:13:58AM We have a motion by board member Hurtak. Seconded by board member Miranda. All in favor? Any opposed? Thank you. Now we move forward for item number --

Lynn Hurtak

11:14:14AM Can I also accept item number 6? They transmitted a written report about supporting permitting in the CRA areas. I know that CRA Staff is continuing to work with development and growth management on that. Just wanted to say thanks.

Luis Viera

11:14:30AM Yes. We have a motion for acceptance by board member Hurtak. Seconded by board member Maniscalco. All in favor? Any opposed? We go forward, board members, to item number 1, and we go forward to item number 1.

Courtney Orr

11:14:45AM CRA development manager. I'm proud to announce MaryBeth Williams, the current downtown community advisory committee chair. She will provide updates on activities occurring in the Downtown CRA. Good morning, staff. My name is MaryBeth Williams. I am the executive director of Friends of the Riverwalk. I am also serving as the chair of the Downtown CRA CAC. I'd like to provide you with an update of the CRA goals in our downtown. I'll first start with attainable and affordable housing. We have allocated funding for unit creation and conversion. Currently, two projects are included encore lot 10 was the first downtown project awarded to ld and d. $5.4 million grant from the CRA. A $200 million mixed use development in downtown. This will be a 27 story tower and will include 360 apartments, 40,000 square feet of retail space. 574 space parking garage, 30 workforce housing units, which is 10% of the tower. It's going to be reserved for residents. Those units will be reserved for residents earning 80 to 140 percent of the AMI. It will also include 178 key element by the westin hotel and a rooftop restaurant and lounge, including 25,000 square feet of amenities. A second project, supported by the CAC, will come before the CRA Board in November. Applicant is requesting a subsidy of $4 million. This will be 22 units reserved for affordable housing, out of 53 units that are being developed. This development is located at Whiting Street next to embark collective in the Downtown CRA. They are 95% complete, and will begin leasing soon. Under consecutive and infrastructure, phase two of the way-finding signage has kicked off for the replacement and enhancement of all downtown way-finding signage, and that includes neighborhood identity incorporation as well. The CRA Board Will receive a presentation by the contractor in March. After receiving CAC input. The riverwalk expansion study at beneficial street, which the Downtown CRA contributed 150,000 and the Channel District contributed 150,000, that consultant is scheduled to present the final draft of the report to the downtown and Channel District CRAs in October after finalizing with CRA Staff and parks and rec. The streetcar extension and modernization product was finalized via recently approved resolution and $5 million in CRA funding assistance has been transferred to mobility. The private -- the public-private partnership for public realm infrastructure improvements includes the water street development. Payments will be complete in fiscal year '28, and the gasworx development where payments will begin in fiscal year '28. Under the goal of economic development, the CRA commercial grant will be holding a community meeting scheduled for Monday, October 13, from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. and I believe that Director McCray is going to provide additional information during his report. The community redevelopment update was approved. The consultant on that was kittelson. They updated the Downtown CRA's CRP, which was originally -- the core plan was originally done in 1983 with a 1988 amendment. So well overdue. The crb includes high-level existing conditions, overview of outreach efforts, project priorities, and needs categories forming the CRP basis. Those needs categories include environmental infrastructure, land use and economic development, transportation, public safety and quality of life, affordable and attainable housing, urban design, and historic preservation. Kittelson's work included extensive community engagement, stakeholder engagement, CRA Board member engagement, and an existing condition analysis as well as CRP writing.

Luis Viera

11:19:49AM If you need another minute, I'm fine with that. I'm almost done. In addition, we have a commitment to enhance cultural and historic institutions in downtown. That includes the straz, the Tampa theatre, Tampa union station, and the Tampa Museum of Art. Under quality of life, our funds have been committed to support enhancing downtown parks, including herman Massey and the Tampa Museum of Art dog park, as well as enhancing community gathering spaces such as Kid Mason Community Center and the Tampa Convention Center. Finally, under community engagement, our CRA CAC meetings are regularly scheduled, and we continue to upload all of our agendas and meeting recordings to the CRA youtube page. Our committee is aligned with partnerships that include the Tampa Downtown Partnership, the Tampa river arts network association, and the friends of the Tampa riverwalk. Thank you for your time. If you have any questions, I'm happy to answer those.

11:20:50AM Board member Clendenin.

Alan Clendenin

11:20:52AM I want to bring it up in the public as well, because it is a drum I've been beating since I got into office. Marion Street. The conversations with HART and help with the city regaining control. I know I talked with the Downtown Partnership as well, that you guys keep that in mind as we start bandying about ideas of what that corridor will look like and how transformational that could be for downtown Tampa. Bringing it up now to keep it in the forefront of people's minds, that eventually we'll get that and be Planning for that and thinking about that. Thank you.

Luis Viera

11:21:27AM Thank you. Anyone else? Thank you very much, ma'am. We appreciate you.

Lynn Hurtak

11:21:39AM Can we direct the monthly report first so we have plenty of time to talk about housing?

Luis Viera

11:21:44AM Mr. McCray, go ahead, sir.

Cedric McCray

11:21:51AM Tampa CRA director. As customary, we provided our trackers for special projects as well as the commercial grants for your review. I'll pause for any questions you may have. With that being said, we will be advertising our CAC vacancies or positions that will be forthcoming for the year of 2026 and we'll be sharing this information across all our social media platforms and website for any interested parties within the CRA districts. Trying to zoom out a little bit so we can see it. Any questions?

Luis Viera

11:23:02AM Any questions, board members?

Cedric McCray

11:23:11AM That concludes the director's report.

Luis Viera

11:23:17AM Thank you very much. We appreciate you. Okay. Next, it would appear we go to item number 2.

Cedric McCray

11:23:24AM Yes. The brevity for the director's report was to essentially allow enough time for the housing conversation. As you know, we've had some information, requested from the board. I want to set the stage as we start, ultimately our goal today with the conversation with the board is to review at your request some of the rollover amounts for the CRAs related to the housing subsidies for unit creation and conversion program. We would like to discuss the current iteration of the unit creation and conversion program as well as solicit feedback from you all as board members on next steps and the build-out of the program and what direction we're going to be going from here. Ms. Parks, our team member that handles our housing unit, will be coming before you now.

Luis Viera

11:24:19AM Yes, sir. Before, board member Hurtak.

Lynn Hurtak

11:24:24AM I had a question for the board. Since it's not technically a workshop because we don't do workshops, and I probably should have brought this up during agenda review. I think today we are a little overwhelmed with the lovely memorial we just went to before we started this morning. How does the board feel about possibly taking public comment after us having a chance to talk about this? After we hear about this and talk about it, maybe get some feedback so we can move -- as we take this back and then go forward, just hearing what the public has to say. It's important to me. I know that CRA doesn't do workshops generally.

Alan Clendenin

11:25:16AM The only problem I have is equitable, not having it advertised, the ability for other people to show up. Even if we have to continue this type of discussion to incorporate or schedule a different meeting so that everybody who maybe has a voice in this has an equal opportunity to come and voice that. That would be my only concern. There may be people out there that feel like if they had known they had the opportunity, they would want to be here.

Lynn Hurtak

11:25:41AM I don't disagree. But I also believe this is a chance to get some information and no reason we can't have another workshop going forward. I think going to this, I think the commercial grant workshop or community meeting will be very good too. But I would love to have a bigger conversation, but I just -- it just occurred to me. It's up to you all, but to me --

Luis Viera

11:26:07AM I have no objection. How about as a compromise, instead of the public comment in three minutes, we do two minutes. Just timewise and whatnot. Because it is 11:30. I have no objection to some level of public comment unless there is a strong objection from the board.

Lynn Hurtak

11:26:27AM Yeah, I think we do -- there's no way this is the end of the conversation. I believe that getting some feedback and then encouraging folks to e-mail us or talk to us and us be able to come back maybe in December maybe with some more conversation about it. That's my motion to allow public comment after this.

Luis Viera

11:26:47AM Motion by board member Hurtak. Second by board member Clendenin. Again, depending on the time, we may reduce it. Yeah, I have no problem with that. All in favor? Any opposed? Okay. Go ahead, sir. Can I please get the presentation loaded? We're here to have a conversation, like Director McCray mentioned, about the housing policy discussion. You can go to the next slide. As the director mentioned, we're going to -- hold on one moment. So I can get the clicker. Just as he mentioned, we're just going to go over some of the budget snapshots and rollover amounts per area. Only solely for the unit creation and conversion program, discuss overview of the unit creation program, present overview of the current process and discuss the proposed process and get feedback. And then, of course, gather feedback input from the CRA Board on the direction of this program. So moving forward, let's start with East Tampa, which is actually our most requested CRA for these funds. We have multiple applications and inquiries that came in for the East Tampa funding, and it's, as everyone knows, in need of all the residential they can get. So I'm excited to move forward and work with the community on this. For FY '25, we actually have 30% allocation total was 9.7 million. For FY '26, this is actually the only CRA that increased their amount from 30% to 46 percent of their budget to go towards attainable housing, which sits at $6.7 million budget. So specifically for the unit creation and conversion program, the FY '25 rollover amount will be 1.5 million and then the FY '26 budgeted amount is at 2.1 million. Brings a combined total of around 3.6 million for this program. And we wanted to move forward and actually show you all on the approved projects that, of course, you know came before -- will come before you, but came before the CAC. So right there down below, you'll see the four urban reworx, the clonts property. Ashley integral, a columns avenue project, and then heritage heights. I want to reference on this, some of these projects we did have to go outside of the 30% budget allocation, and go into two other line items in the East Tampa budget to make sure that we can go ahead and provide the funding for those. So that's East Tampa.

Lynn Hurtak

11:30:10AM Just a moment. Board member Clendenin.

Alan Clendenin

11:30:12AM Just for clarification, can you go back to the previous screen? When you're saying approved projects, I know urban reworx was approved by the CRA Board for that. The other projects were proposed but not approved for funding?

Belix Parks

11:30:27AM Correct. So the heritage heights and the clonts, yes, it's just in the pipeline.

Alan Clendenin

11:30:35AM It's tentatively budgeted, but it has not been approved.

Belix Parks

11:30:38AM Correct. Not in front of the dais for official presentation. Urban and ashley integral went in front of you guys and you guys approved them.

Lynn Hurtak

11:30:47AM I'm sorry. So the two, urban reworx and ashley have been approved.

Belix Parks

11:30:53AM They went in front of you. Those were the presentations from last month. The months are running into each other.

Alan Clendenin

11:31:01AM I wanted to differentiate.

Belix Parks

11:31:02AM Correct. That's why I put approved, slash, pipe line.

Alan Clendenin

11:31:08AM 6,750,000 still unimproved funds on that table.

Belix Parks

11:31:12AM No. everything as mentioned in the briefings with some of you guys, all of this has already been budgeted for FY '25 and FY '26.

Alan Clendenin

11:31:25AM But not approved. Budgeted but not approved.

Belix Parks

11:31:29AM But not approved.

Lynn Hurtak

11:31:30AM Additionally, my question is, you have the star that says all FY '26 funds are planned, slashed, committed, but they have not been approved by this board.

Belix Parks

11:31:43AM Correct.

Lynn Hurtak

11:31:44AM They are not committed. They are an idea.

Belix Parks

11:31:48AM We talk committed on our side because when we look at projects, we have to make sure we budget for that project for the three years. So earmarked.

Alan Clendenin

11:31:59AM Especially because I think this is what will get confusing. We're public facing on these issues, because we don't want to create expectations, unrealistic expectations because we don't know what tomorrow is going to bring. I think when we bring that out -- I understand on the back side what you're dealing with because of your budgeting process. But on the front side, on the actual commitment of government funds from the CRA Board, it would be helpful to differentiate things that have been actually approved by CRA, committed versus budgeted and have those separated out. Especially on the public facing side of this. What we don't want people to think that there's something not particularly true. That leads us down a rabbit hole.

Belix Parks

11:32:49AM Yes, sir. Moving along to West Tampa. Again, FY '25, 30% of their budget was around $6 million. FY '26, 30% of their budget will be the $2.9 million. What we put aside for the unit creation and conversion program is for FY '25 rollover amount would be the 1.6. And then the FY '26 budgeted amount for this line item is about $2.9 million, which is a total of $4.5 million for the unit creation and conversion program for West Tampa. We're looking for partnership in that area. So I just want to put that out publicly.

Lynn Hurtak

11:33:36AM I had a quick question about the affordable housing projects. As we go through this, if you can tell us if the project has already been approved or if it's just a pipeline project.

Belix Parks

11:33:50AM This one is a pipeline project, but recommended -- in front of the CAC already. The CAC did recommend to move forward to present to you all. And then you'll see just referencing that affordable housing project for 750 committed and then we'll go ahead and list out the years there.

Lynn Hurtak

11:34:12AM I have one more question that I think is important as we go through this. I've noticed that the FY '25, 30% allocation total is higher than the FY '26 in almost every case. My assumption -- I'm just going to ask this to clarify for the public -- is that that is a lot of rollover from 24, 23.

Belix Parks

11:34:38AM Yes.

Lynn Hurtak

11:34:38AM That because 25 was our first real year of using this money, that that is why the number is higher. It's not that we have a lower amount of money coming into the CRAs.

Belix Parks

11:34:48AM Correct. Yes.

Lynn Hurtak

11:34:50AM That's important to --

Alan Clendenin

11:34:53AM That's not necessarily the income that's come in, but that's money available that you're reflecting.

Belix Parks

11:34:58AM Correct. Yes, sir.

Lynn Hurtak

11:34:59AM Just wanted to put that on the table.

Belix Parks

11:35:01AM It is rollover from several years. Moving forward to Drew Park, as you can see, FY '25, the 30 percent allocation was around $3.2 million. For FY '26, the 30% allocation total will be around $1 million. As you can see for FY '25, there wasn't anything allocated for unit creation, but as we started seeing that there is a need, of course, in Drew Park and we started having conversations about that, we then budgeted for FY '26 to have a million dollars in the bucket for that. That is important to know. We're looking to do business there as well. So for central park, their FY '25, 30 percent allocation total was around 897. The FY '26, 30% allocation is around 604. Which you see earmarked for FY '25 rollover at 597 with a 597 being budgeted is about 1.194 for unit creation and conversion for central park. And then we do have a project that is in the pipeline. Did go in front of the CAC with the recommendation to move and present in front of the board for five units in that area. So then we're moving on to Ybor City. Ybor City FY '25, 30% allocation total was around 3.382. And then FY '26, 30 percent allocation is about 1.2 million. Earmarked for FY '25 for this program was 2.2 and then budgeting for FY '26 is 1.6, which brings a combined total of $3.8 million. And this is only for ybor one numbers because that's where the possibility of this program can work in. Moving forward to Tampa Heights, my dear Tampa Heights, FY '25, 30% allocation is around 200,000, and then FY '26, we could only allot about 15% of that budget to go towards affordable housing at 335. There's nothing earmarked for Tampa Heights for the unit creation. Those are just enough money to maybe do some rehab or some down payment assistance. But we're more focused on down payment assistance. As you know, with the 74% contribution to the cdd, it makes it hard to carve out some affordable dollars in this area.

Lynn Hurtak

11:37:51AM Board member Clendenin.

Alan Clendenin

11:37:52AM This is a good example -- Tampa Heights specifically, maybe ybor, too. I don't know. But because of the de minimis amount of income into those areas, is this where we carve out an exception? Could that small amount of money be better used for street enhancements, for public good than trying to think that we'll ever get enough money out of Tampa Heights to do anything for housing?

Lynn Hurtak

11:38:17AM No. what she said is Tampa housing money is going toward down payment assistance and rehab. They haven't chosen to use it in creation and conversion because they don't have any real money to do that. So their housing money is going toward keeping people housed in the neighborhood.

Alan Clendenin

11:38:35AM In Tampa Heights. Within the Tampa Heights CRA.

Belix Parks

11:38:39AM Yes. As you know, it's small. The contribution is already taking the bulk of this budget. Just to have something, of course, you know across all of the budgets, we're allocated 30%. Just to have something we looked at the needs of the community and we've seen that we don't have enough dollars to create any unit, multifamily. Maybe we could look at just preserving who is there or anyone who wishes to purchase, because there is purchasing happening in Tampa Heights. Small, single-family.

Alan Clendenin

11:39:15AM It's kind of deceiving because the Tampa Heights CRA is not necessarily Tampa Heights. The CRA is so small and mostly taken up of the commercial developments that you see is the bulk of that. Again, one of those things I'll keep drumming about, greatest amount of good for the greatest amount of people, can we do better with that small amount of money, investing in other aspects, this particular CRA, for other enhancements, then trying to double down trying to find any housing project -- progress in this area.

Lynn Hurtak

11:39:48AM Considering this is only the second year we focused on this like really hard, I think it would be interesting to see. I know there are definitely homes within the district that could use the assistance for rehab.

Alan Clendenin

11:40:02AM How many single-family established houses are in the Tampa CRA.

Belix Parks

11:40:08AM I can look into that. Not in the Tampa Heights, no. like you said, it is a small area.

Alan Clendenin

11:40:15AM It's mostly all the new stuff.

Lynn Hurtak

11:40:17AM I agree.

Belix Parks

11:40:18AM But I can pull that for you because I have access.

Lynn Hurtak

11:40:21AM Obviously, if it's not being used.

Alan Clendenin

11:40:25AM I bring it up for an awareness to keep thinking about the things. Thank you.

Belix Parks

11:40:32AM Okay. We can continue. Let's head over to channel. Of course, the FY '25, 30% allocation is At 10 -- about $10.4 million. The FY '26, 30% allocation is around $4 million. On a side note, I wish I had the money in East Tampa. The unit creation and conversion program, so the FY rollover amount is about 8.9 million. FY '26 budgeted amount is about 4 million, total 13 million for the unit creation and conversion program. So that's channel. We're open for business in channel. So when you go down to downtown, so FY '25, 30 percent allocation for downtown is 22 million. FY '26, 30% allocation is about 8.9 million. So what's budgeted for this one, which it will be set to roll over is about $17.5 million, and then FY '26 the budgeted amount of $8.9 million. So it's a grand total of 26 million for attainable housing in downtown. Now, one of the approved projects, we're still waiting for funding agreements, is the ld and d side, which was mentioned earlier at the $5.4 million request. We just had another one from the CAC and they recommended to go in front of you guys, you all as a board, is the villa for Whiting Street, LLC, which is about 4 million for those units. Again, there are people coming in to both channel and downtown now that we have these dollars trying to start projects to make sure that they can build attainable housing in these two areas.

Luis Viera

11:42:34AM Board member Clendenin.

Alan Clendenin

11:42:37AM Again, I want to make sure, because at the city, the RFP is being reissued. Army navy and parking spots, that is a city, CRA joint venture. We need to make sure as these other projects come in, that we know we have this on the backburner, waiting for this. Can't be first in, first out on these things. We're heavily invested in this project. I'll beat the same drum on the CRA that I did on the Tampa Heights. The greatest amount of good for the greatest amount of people, if there is an ability to use those funds for the channelside CRA for land acquisition, for greenspace, I think it would be much more equitable and more successful use of those funds for that particular community, because the channelside is a relatively small sliver, adjacent to central park, adjacent to Ybor City, adjacent to downtown. Either the housing projects we have in those three areas can work together. And all of those people can use greenspace. The greenspace is a real problem in channelside. Keep beating that drum.

Belix Parks

11:43:46AM Thank you for those comments.

Lynn Hurtak

11:43:48AM Let's keep on keeping on.

Belix Parks

11:43:51AM Now we're moving forward to the actual CRA housing policy discussion for this program. As you know, the board established some goals back in June of 2023 to expand home ownership for 80% and below. Households through partnerships, incentives and down payment assistance, the dpa program for East Tampa is one of the highest spending programs, it is actually one of my great pleasures to help people buy homes. The second goal is to support residents with home repairs, maintenance and accessibility to improve housing conditions, and that's being done through the HRRP program, and that is another great program. And then expanding housing that stabilizes communities and reduces cost burdens. And that's what is going to be done with the unit creation and conversion program. So the current process, currently, applications are accepted on a first come, first served basis. The minimal award criteria utilized what is available in our budget. Does it align with our goals? What's in our CRP or any other related plans. And then, of course, the approved CRA funding subsidy matrix was just providing a guideline for maximum funding. And, by the way, as people have done their research, they could see that no other municipality has a matrix. So Tampa is the only one that tried to kind of create something to get started. So with the proposed process, we're looking to have a more formalized application cycle. It will be implemented featuring a structured process and a selection committee. So that's important, scoring criteria. Key components include. Include request for applications, RFA. So it creates transparent evaluation criteria, identifying scoring priorities per CRA. So establish a selection committee of five members. So this should be a representation of staff, but also having a CAC member representation from that area on the selection committee, because those are those members that represent the best interests of that specific community. That is the proposed process at that point. So as we move forward to the timeline, so this is just a proposed timeline. So the RFA, the request for applications, will be issued in the primary funding cycle. So we're looking at splitting these two up into cycles. The first is we are calling the primary funding cycle. Where all of the money is going to be issued out through an RFA. So just for dates, we put January 15 on there. The application deadline will be then March 15. Application review and scoring will then take place in April. CAC presentation will then take place in may, and then CRA Board approval when they come before you all will be here happening in June. And then agreements executed around July and august, depending on conversations with legal and how we review that. If there's any money left over after that application period, then we'll then move that and roll over that money to other funding cycle which will take place in July. So in July, again, the RFA issued July 1st. Application deadline September. Application review and scoring we will take place in October. CAC presentation then moves to November. CRA Board approval then January, and then agreements executed within that February and march time. Again, two cycles. This way with the primary, we see what is left over, who didn't apply, what didn't come through the door and whatever is rolled over then we have an opportunity in July to push it out to the development community. So that's that. Then moving forward to the proposed evaluation and scoring, great feedback on the public comment. Definitely will take that into consideration. So some criteria alignment with the CRPs, that's very important, as you know, as always mentioned, that is our Bible. That right now we're putting 15 points for that. And then just some notes about what that is, project demonstrates consistency with CRA goals. So it's kind of when they are looking at these applications, they can use these notes to see, hey, how am I supposed to score this or what is even this criteria. So the second criteria is, of course, the affordability levels. 30, 50, 80 percent area median income. As you know, those are most important. We're granting the highest level of available points, which will be 20. Of course, higher points for serving lower AMI households will be given, if that is the case, and, of course, we're always sticking to the 50-year affordability period. So developer experience and capacity, we put that at 15 points. Just simply proven track record of delivering similar projects. And then financial feasibility budget, pro forma, all of the financial components at 15 points, which just some notes on that, demonstrates financial soundness and effective use of the CRA funding. Proposed schedule, slash, timeline, we gave that 10 points. Development and construction. Just basically when are you going to get this project done. Project characteristics, the mix and number of bedrooms. One bedroom, two, three, four, we gave that about 10 points. Does it meet identified needs in that area. If the community is saying we need more three bedrooms or two bedrooms, does this proposal meet that. Proximity to transportation corridors and employment centers, that's really big in our areas. Gave that seven points. Closer proximity earns higher points. And then inclusion of community serving retail, greenspaces, and or public improvements of evaluation, mixed use projects, 8 points. So that is just a proposed evaluation and scoring. And I look forward for feedback on that. So as we move forward with the matrix, this is the infamous matrix. And it goes over the area median types and how much you could get per -- the max up-to amounts that -- up-to amounts, sir, that could go towards building out that unit. I'm sorry about how it looks on the screen, but it is the same thing. Numbers are based off of the SHIP maximum amounts that we have. Board member Hurtak is familiar with SHIP and ahac conversations, but as you know, the housing department has to submit a local housing action plan to the state on how they are going to submit those dollars, and we just mimic the max of the 350. So 50-year affordability area. The area of greatest need is 80% and below. So as we move forward to the proposed award and agreement process, of course, there's certain actions that we take next. One of them is the board approval project and final funding awards that are approved by CRA Board. Then we'll build in an appeal process, which gives the developer an opportunity to appeal denials or funding reductions. CRA Staff will review and forward recommendations to the director for final decision. And then, of course, we create the unit creation and conversion agreement execution. Developer signs a funding agreement with the CRA detailing the subsidy terms, affordability period, reporting, compliance, performance requirement. Everything will be put in that funding agreement. Along with that 50-year restriction that will be put on the land. The disbursement of funds. Funds are reimbursed upon meeting construction milestones and submitting required documentation. I can't stress that enough. We're not giving money through the door. It has to be reimbursed. They have to do the work and we have to verify that the work is completed and we go ahead and reimburse at that point. Of course, compliance, compliance, monitoring, monitoring. CRA Staff monitor compliance to ensure units stay affordable and meet agreement terms. That is the proposal award and agreement process. Looking for feedback for that as well. Let's look at the timeline and the next steps. The next steps. We're here to collect feedback from the CRA Board today. Of course, some detailed feedback session during CRA Board meeting, here where you want us to look and do more research on that, and then we present a draft to the CRA Board at the November meeting. So the CRA presentation of the proposed processes and the criteria at that point. And then, of course, we'll open this up for public comment. Even after hearing today, hearing next month, we'll gather all this information, but there will be official public comment for this process. So we're looking to do that between November and December. We'll gather CAC and public input, including surveys. It's going to be -- one big survey that goes out to the community to get feedback. And then the final presentation and approval around January 8 time, so the CRA Board presentation of finalized process and criteria at that point. And then primary funding cycle opens around January 9. These are just estimate times, but the first funding cycle is open with all funding available at that time. So looking for feedback on this as well. So as we move over to the summary and just requested motion at this time, the benefits of this proposed process is to replace that first come, first served that we heard. It establishes a clear and structured process with predictable timeline. So we know what we're expecting. Enables through evaluations, align with the goals, CRA goals and make sure that we're on top of that with the CRP. And then it promotes equality and balance and decision making. So this is the benefits for the proposed process. Just what we're looking for today is some direction, approve the concept for the proposed application structure and process and direct staff to return with a draft program for board discussion on November 13. After we get feedback, we're looking for, hey, a motion to say, hey, we agree with the cycle. Let's move forward and bring some final documents, November 13. So that's what we're just looking for today. Questions and discussion?

Luis Viera

11:56:04AM I have first board member Clendenin and then Maniscalco. Anyone else who would like to go. Go ahead, sir.

Alan Clendenin

11:56:10AM Ms. Parks, outstanding. You have outdone yourself. The professional outward movement on this is leaps and bounds anything we've done, I've seen since I've been on council, CRA in the program. I really appreciate the work you have put into this. It really does show this is not something -- this is tight. It looks professional. It looks like something that a fortune 500, a process they would be using. I applaud -- I brought up what was happening downtown. First come, first served. We need to evaluate the merits of each project based on the merits of that project, not because they were the first one in the door. You could have a much better project come in two minutes after. Again, we're looking out after the people that live in the areas and also the taxpayer money for everybody living in the area. The quality of life and the treasure they are giving the city to be able to invest into these things. I can't let it go without talking about the matrix. I understand it. You understand it. But I still think we'll continue to have problems. Whenever we're printing this, we need to make sure we have verbiage, do not expect -- this is the absolute legal maximum that -- don't expect anything close to this. This table should not be used as a guideline for reimbursements from the CRA. This table is just setting the absolute astronomical limits of it. Whatever words you can come up with, better than mine, to make sure people understand what that table really truly means and to expect substantially less subsidies from our individual CRAs for housing. The evaluation formulas that you're using, again, outstanding. I'm not going to quibble because everybody up here would have a different opinion. Again, great movement forward. I think it is a perfect application, evaluation of using taxpayer money and being able to equitably evaluate each one of the programs based on the strategic goals that have been set by the CRA Board. Again, great job on this. I'm looking forward to seeing this being implemented. I'm sure somebody will make the motion you need today, if you don't, I will. Very good. Thank you.

Luis Viera

11:58:51AM Board member Maniscalco.

Guido Maniscalco

11:58:52AM Thank you for all your hard work and your team. This was in my opinion very easy to understand. We still have to hear from the public. I know there is a public comment period before we take formal action. My understanding is per the timeline, if everything goes according to plan by the timeline that you've shown, and we approve this January 8, I think I saw, will that keep us on track for that March 15 deadline, therefore, someone -- we would be able to execute agreements by next summer, July, august.

Belix Parks

11:59:27AM Yes.

Guido Maniscalco

11:59:29AM We're not going to be wasting any more time. Within that time line. I like the scoring system of the hundred points. The lower the AMI, the higher the points. I look at what are our most pressing needs in the city and there are many. But our roads are a mess and that's one thing, but housing. In my 41 years here in Tampa, born and raised, I never left, it has never been so expensive. Councilman Miranda mentioned what he bought his house for. If you were to sell it today, where is he going to go? West Tampa was always middle class, working class. I had the conversation with my mother. If you wanted a house in West Tampa, in my lifetime, it was always about a hundred grand. When my grandfather bought the house behind Councilman Miranda in 1972, he paid $18,000. That house is also probably over 400,000. If I wanted to buy the house today, I can't, if I want to buy where my grandfather was. Housing affordability, we don't want people on the streets. And people have all types of income levels and all types of jobs. When we talk about programs that are available, like down payment assistance, people might qualify by monthly income to pay the mortgage, but not everybody has 20, 30 grand, 15 grand for the down payment and closing costs and everything. It's interesting. They'll approve you for $2,000 a month in an apartment, but can't get a mortgage for $1500 a month. This helps. Again, it's known, I think it is a fact by statistics that most people don't have a thousand or $500 in emergency funds. People live paycheck to paycheck. I have friends. I've been there. It's not easy. You don't want to be a renter forever. You want to allow accessibility for the american dream. Someone in public comment mentioned something about 50 years. I don't know if he was talking about the same thing. It is our duty as a people, I'm not talking about as government officials, elected officials, but as human beings to take care of one another. We don't want anybody on the street. If we can put them in housing, as long as I'm able to pay and be able to afford, I'll be able to stay here and don't have to worry about somebody's mother, sister, themselves being put out because they can't afford it. All right. You mentioned a board that makes these decisions. I think it was five members, including a member of the CAC, correct.

Belix Parks

12:02:06PM Yes, sir. A selection committee. Yes, sir.

Guido Maniscalco

12:02:09PM I like that CAC member being a part of it because it is a voice from the community that will be able to have direct input and we need that. And our CAC members broad throughout the CAC, they are very good individuals. I like that. I think I mentioned everything. I wrote down here rental rehab program. We talk about owner occupied rehab, but maybe I'm going off topic, rental rehab?

Belix Parks

12:02:36PM Yes, we have that program. It's active through the HRRP program. Rental rehab program focuses on providing the same level of repairs to the properties, but the owner of that property will already have to be renting to a low to moderate home by a person. That's the difference. They can't just be fixing the house just to fix it to sell it or something. They will have to already have someone who lives on the property that is low to moderate income. And then they are doing the repairs based off of that. I could talk further into detail at another time about the HRRP program. That is a very big program. But I just wanted to mention with the down payment assistance program for East Tampa alone, we spent $1.8 million year to date. So people are purchasing and using down payment assistance heavily.

Guido Maniscalco

12:03:36PM Thank you very much. This was a lot of work, but I look forward to moving forward with this. Again, I want to hear from the public. I know there will be plenty of time the next few months for the public to give their input. We certainly want to hear from them today. I know we'll have public comment. Thank you very much.

Luis Viera

12:03:56PM Board member Miranda and board member Hurtak.

Charlie Miranda

12:03:59PM When you speak almost last, everything has been said. I agree wholeheartedly with what Mr. Clendenin said and Mr. Maniscalco said. Life has to circle. I've been real lucky. Also worked very hard. My grandkids, I have eight grandchildren. Six live in Tampa. Two live in lakeland. Why, because they work there. One of them comes from Tampa because she works here. It's a thing that no matter where you are at on this west coast of Florida, you're going to have these problems. Not as great as we have because we have grown so quickly, so fast. But the city of lakeland and all the surrounding communities are going to face the same problem in a very, very short time. They better be prepared not only for the cost of thing and how people find a place to live, but better be prepared for the electric bill and water bill and things that have to be kept up every so often. You spend millions of dollars on infrastructure like the City of Tampa. 2.9 billion on water and sewer lines alone within the next 30 years, I think we passed that a couple of years ago. The Water department had over a hundred million. Tertiary treatment plant, every plant, refuse to energy plant, everything that happens is in the hundreds of millions of dollars, not one million. So when you start doing those things, that's why everything has to take a step back until we get ready, or taking a deep breath. Now the road is being addressed as fast as we can. So we have done, the City of Tampa as nobody can. I don't know how you said this report with only two breaths because I was looking at. I looked at you, when is she going to breathe again? I appreciate your report. Very straightforward, and also in the same breath, what Mr. Clendenin said, this is the top. Doesn't mean you'll get all of it. It depends on what you have, what the need is. But this is just like saying, I want a new cadillac, but I'll take a ford at median price, whatever it is. These are the things that work. It's amazing. I think this CRA, you and the employees who work under you and your boss have done a very excellent job, and I want to commend you on it. Thank you.

Lynn Hurtak

12:06:26PM Thank you. This is a great beginning to the process. I really appreciate the way you put what we're already doing ahead of it, just to give us a little bit of -- just grounding us in what we're really looking at. I think it helps us but also the public. I want to talk about specific things. For me, I want to know about the committee of five members, like what -- I would like to know like who you are Planning on having in that, with only one CAC member, what are the other members comprised of?

Belix Parks

12:07:03PM We're thinking through some staff and also looking at the development community. So I was going to reach out to some members of the ahac or affiliated with the affordable housing world and then the CAC members. A couple of staff members, maybe a developer, and then one or two CAC depending on that level.

Lynn Hurtak

12:07:28PM That's kind of why I brought it up. I would like to know specific staff members. What roles are you going to have on this? That's part of the transparency project, we'll have somebody who focuses on -- I mean, I don't know the specific titles of the jobs, but I think using titles of jobs instead of people is very important. If you are going to have someone, actually, one of the comments I made was next Wednesday, I have ahac. Would you be willing to come and speak?

Belix Parks

12:07:59PM Yes.

Lynn Hurtak

12:08:00PM And present this at ahac, either this month or another month. I know housing is probably listening. I absolutely want you to come and speak at ahac so we can get ahac's perspective. I haven't gotten this month's agenda, but I'll connect with you or have kelly connect with you on that because I think that's very important. So I would definitely like to know what your selection committee looks like. We need to hear from the public about that, but also talking what does that look like? So I would love to do that. When it comes to evaluation and scoring, where you had the affordability levels, higher points for serving lower AMI households and 50-year affordability. We heard from the public this morning about serving the mixed income developments. We have approved a project that will have some units for mixed unit use, so I want to know a little bit more about how that would actually happen. If it is an all 30% AMI, would that get 20 points, where we're hearing from the public that they would like some mixed income there. So I think that needs to be fleshed out a little bit more based on the comments from the public. And I also want to know. I would personally prefer to give higher points for having those multiple AMIs in there and not just all one low level. But that needs to be spelled out for people so they understand. So I would love that. Developer experience and capacity, we heard already from somebody this morning saying, what about the longtime landowner. Why isn't that being considered? Site control was something that was brought up. Energy efficiency was something that was brought up. And they believe that experience is too high. I kind of say I have to agree with that. But what is the balance? I think we need to find. And some of these -- the inclusion of community serving retail, greenspace or public improvements, I don't know. I think it's very few things. We're really looking infill product at this point and a lot of these won't have any of the components because they will be inside neighborhoods. I don't want them to lose points for that. So there might be -- I'd like to see that be shifted in some way, because mixed use is not going to be every development. I really want to focus on those smaller infill projects that might only have three or four units. I don't want folks to lose points based on that. Then the subsidy matrix. We have talked about maximum awards. I think we also need to come up with some requirements for maximum awards.

Belix Parks

12:11:09PM Yes.

Lynn Hurtak

12:11:10PM You have to take every single one of these boxes. Again, this can be, as we move forward, but what gets you to that. You can't just say, hey, you know, I want the max subsidy. You have to maybe -- maybe you have to get a hundred percent on the proposed evaluation. Something, we need a way to say this is -- yeah, you can maximally get this. If you aren't perfect, don't even consider it. Something like that. Then the proposed award and agreement process. When it talks about unit creation and conversion, the funding agreement, detailing the subsidy concerns, affordability period, all of that and the disbursement of funds, I'm not quite sure where we put this in, but deadlines. I think a lot of the things that if you are not somebody who has these -- if we're saying maybe, no, we're not going to deal with developer experience and capacity instead of that, we can't be holding onto that money forever. If you aren't following deadlines and within like six months you aren't moving, then by the end of the year, that money is going to be taken and moved elsewhere.

Belix Parks

12:12:20PM Yes.

Lynn Hurtak

12:12:21PM I would like more stringent guidelines around that instead. That's where I will stop for now.

Belix Parks

12:12:27PM Thank you for that. Thank you, yes.

Luis Viera

12:12:29PM Board member Clendenin and then we'll probably hear from the public, I believe.

Alan Clendenin

12:12:33PM Deadlines, I'm thinking Rome yard. Where are we at on Rome yard? I understand. But I'm saying that I agree with you. In fact, I wanted to echo minor points about what Councilwoman Hurtak said. I agree hundred percent. Appreciate the comments about the infill. Differentiating some of the scope and scale of the projects. It's difficult to do that when trying to develop the procedures, one procedure that affects different unequal parts. But I think it's definitely something we have to take into account. The other item I wanted to make sure that is -- that we hit home on, when we're communicating this outward facing documents, is that -- the CRA Board ultimately has these decisions, right? These are guidelines, but there may be a move quick, something that the CRA Board, when we outwardly communicate this, that people readily understand that it is the CRA Board's ultimate decision on all of these decisions. Because what I kept thinking of, if we had this amazing opportunity to jump on something real quick that the board wanted to, if we didn't have it in the document, people may be thinking we're jumping over things, but maybe something that this board makes a decision that we have an opportunity to acquire a piece of property, move forward on something. I understand, but I think people still have to understand because sometimes that's one of the biggest surprises I've had since serving in this position, is misunderstanding of the relationships. I know you all face it as staff every day, between staff CAC, CRA, and lines of authority. I think we need to constantly be educating folks about what these processes and procedures are. So every time we have an opportunity, when we are communicating, that we communicate this information.

Belix Parks

12:14:30PM Yes, sir.

Luis Viera

12:14:30PM Thank you. Yes, sir. Go ahead.

Cliff Shepard

12:14:34PM I wanted to comment briefly on the deadlines issue because it is important. Also gets under my last nerve because I hate the fact that tallahassee tells us what deadlines are and aren't. 252363 was added into a package of emergency relief based on hurricane events. If you're not aware, you probably are, automatic extensions are given to permits that are required in the affected areas. Guess what, everybody in Florida has been affected up to two years. Even if you put a six-month deadline and they already pulled the permit, they are going to get an extension whether we like it or not.

Lynn Hurtak

12:15:08PM Okay. I appreciate that. I'm talking about before permit pulling even. But this is why we wanted you here today. Thank you.

Alan Clendenin

12:15:20PM By the way, it's good to see you here.

Luis Viera

12:15:22PM Yes, sir. Now we'll go to the public. Raise your hand if you wish to speak on this item. We have a few. I'll give you all three minutes. You don't have to take it all. Go ahead, come forward. Earnest coney, junior, CEO of the CDC of Tampa. I'm really excited about the process. A couple of things you touched on. One is when you say up to, sometimes you may have to have like what is the anticipation that you're looking for. In our world, the grant maybe can apply for up to 5 million, but the average is a million dollars. You can put 65,000 per unit is the average to set that expectation of what you're looking for. The other thing is, thinking about like we never had inclusionary zoning. I think this is a carrot approach to try to create what we're getting to. Some places may be tougher than others. In downtown, you can get more senior I think projects for 80% and below. But I think we have to make sure that we are incentivizing folks who will do more workforce opportunities, especially in channelside in downtown for families. I think you're going to get more seniors, but we have to figure out how we'll get more families in. I think places like Ybor City, you can probably get 80% and lower because they have hospitality industries there. We can figure out if there's land available to purchase to do something like that as well. I think most developers will be willing to put a workforce person into it versus a 30% into some of their divisions. Really excited about this opportunity. Continue to do great work. Thank you to the staff for all that you are doing. We look forward to as a community helping us become the greatest in Tampa.

12:17:19PM Thank you, sir. We appreciate you. Next, please. Dr. Jeffrey Johnson, East Tampa CAC chair. Thank you to all of you and the work that Ms. Parks Has put forth. This is a great presentation. I wanted to echo something that Councilman Clendenin, board member Clendenin shared about the housing matrix when it comes to the amount per unit. It looks different based on which particular CRA you are addressing, particularly in East Tampa. $250,000 is a higher end of that spectrum, which, in fact, in channelside or downtown, that would be more acceptable, and we understand that. Also, through the State of Florida, in the housing policy procedure it goes up to 75,000 recommended per unit. So I think that should be reconciled to be able to say in verbiage, in nomenclature, that there is a difference in the City of Tampa compared to what the State of Florida is allowing. So I think that information should be very much specified that we would love to give $250,000, but the likelihood that we're able to do that based on where the residents of that area may be, we cannot do that. I think that nomenclature should be updated. Finally, I think the selection process is great. But making sure that as you stated, board member Hurtak, that it is known who will be a part of that. I think two members from the CAC should be better than just one, as well as knowing if there's someone from the CRA Staff and other committees that may be a part of that. I think this also gives a level of transparency to the residents that are there, that they can have some type of process and be a part of the process of how these projects move forward because I believe a lot of them are saying, well, how did you get to this place? What was the selection criteria? Was it something done on a buddy system? You know someone? Was this something that was moved forward by the city that wanted to be done and now everyone can kind of see what's going on, that it is a collaborative effort across all CRAs that the same process is followed for everyone. Good job, b. You did a great job. Thank you for what you do.

12:19:45PM We appreciate you, sir. Next, please, ma'am. My name is Cynthia clonts garcia. Not a public speaker, but my son spoke earlier. I guess we're like the poster child, what they are calling our homegrown developer, not a major developer. I grew up in East Tampa. My father is sam sinardi who did a lot for the City of Tampa and the firemen. I am a legacy owner in East Tampa. I own the strip center that's on the corner of Martin Luther King at 50th just adjacent to pepin academy. We've been involved in the Grant Park, Highland Pines area for more than 25 years. We are proposing, we thought we were going to come today, which we would have had this area filled with residents we've been engaged in and what are the needs of Grant Park. I am not a major developer that's coming in and we'll be gone. We're there. Son manages the property. My son has a business in the strip center. We worked with the CRA for the commercial and the interior renovation project which we're doing now. We have seven new tenants that are in that building. So we are working hard. We are there. We are stakeholders in the community. We're trying to create an economic impact in Grant Park, which sometimes I consider that like a lost area of our city. We are committed. We are committed to offering at the AMI levels and you'll see in our presentation in November with exactly what the community needs. I see a lot of these one bedrooms coming in when demographically I look and we're in the community, it is a lot of single moms, one bedroom is not going to work. Just to get the multitude of units, it's not going to work. So we're going to be offering two bedroom, one bath. We presented to the CAC twice. We got a unanimous recommendation for 2.5 million. I know with budget restraints now, we're down to 1.75. The rest of the 50% will be coming out of my own owner equity funds. Like I said, I'm not a major developer, but I'm a person that works in the community, is a stakeholder in the community, that has engaged themselves in the community to meet those needs. I'm just hoping that looking at the mission of the CRA and how to both impact business owners, community stakeholders, work with the churches and the residents, that when we do present, like my son said in November, that you do consider that.

12:22:50PM Thank you, ma'am. We appreciate you very much. Next, please. Mark siebenaller with the CAC and the Channel District. I had the opportunity in our august meeting, Ms. Parks came in and presented the first version, I assume, of what you guys saw today. It is significantly improved from that point in time. My compliments to her and the staff in improving it. We actually left the meeting with a lot of questions, which we generated and asked to be addressed. I think the new presentation actually does it. We did also at that meeting had a prospective developer come in and present what they wanted to do and the benchmark and the cost, the thing that we left with, trying to understand the dollar amount relative to the return on your investment. I think in the situation they had 399 units that they were going to develop of which a hundred were going to be for affordable housing. But the amount that just didn't make a lot of sense from what we looked at. Even looking at the presentation, I know the scorecard does list a way to somewhat analyze it, but I'm still confused on really what that magical number is. There was one part that she's recommending an approval for one of the districts was $5.4 million against 30 units, which equates out to $180,000 a unit. Again, this is topline math. There are a lot of things that go into that. I just would recommend in the group of 5 that you do have somebody with strong financial background to look at this, to make sure the numbers do make sense. I felt like in the presentation we got, there is a push to try and get more affordable housing in the Channel District, which I strongly and the group -- but I don't think you just dump it just because we got somebody there that's wants to come and present something. My thoughts. Thank you.

12:25:05PM Thank you, sir. Next, please. Thank you for allowing the public comment on this. A couple of things. One is, as I stated earlier, the CRA is supposed to create conditions that stimulate additional public and private projects and investments furthering neighborhood revitalization beyond initial efforts. I say that to say, the 15 points for whether the project demonstrates CRA goals is important. But just as important to say if we put 5 million there, have we looked at the overall CRP plan to see what that will invest. East Tampa is huge. We have to make sure if we're going to plant some money there, that it is going to seed some other development so people can feel it and not just a potential $5 million project over here and they are not feeling it. The next thing is thank you, board member Hurtak. The legacy is going to be very important. The property owners, we want to mitigate gentrification. We want to make sure that people do not have to sell their land and that they are able to develop the land. I appreciate that. Also, East Tampa CRA is going to get a new CRP. So there's going to be educational components to bring everybody up to speed. What I have seen so far, that CRP may be different than what the original was. So as we are now going to have to align to the CRP, we have to make sure that the residents and business owners understand what they are going to be aligning against. We need to make sure we put money in the budget for significant outreach and workshops so they will understand what the new CRP is. Also, I would recommend, too, that the RFA for East Tampa be maybe a more designated because, again, we've got to tried to seed areas and maybe do RFA for Nebraska corridor. Right now, the CRP for East Tampa CRA has corridors that are their priorities. So maybe do some targeted developments again so people can see what is happening in East Tampa CRA. Also, the staff coordination, when they say they are going to do the committee, there's often developers who go down and try to do things in East Tampa CRA. The East Tampa overlay is discouraged to be used. I've had developers who have said that they either don't do it or if they do it, understand it's going to elongate their project. When you do a development for a project, time is money. If it's going to add more time, then they will go away from East Tampa over lay. Also would like clarification, East Tampa owns a significant amount of properties in the East Tampa CRA, and how does this impact how they are going to potentially put RFPs on the street? Are they going to be competitive and taking away from this money or is it going to be a separate pot of money to develop the housing that the East Tampa CRA already owns?

12:28:13PM Thank you, ma'am. Next, please. Andy joe Scaglione. Great presentation. As anything, we can improve on it. Again, my big issue is this is looked at because I hear in the development community, money grab from out-of-state developers. They'll build it, stabilize it, sell it, and they are gone with our money. So the issue here is, there is no way we can guarantee the taxpayers of the checks and balances that these units are going to stay for 50 years. Number one, we don't know if the building will be there 50 years with the current construction of frame. Number two, we're not going to be here. It's insulting the taxpayers to say we'll give all this pot of money and the checks and balances aren't going to be there for 50 years. And what are the repercussions? Is there jail time? This isn't a state loan. The repercussions, we won't be able to go to the person that's responsible. It may be in the deed, but that means nothing. I would like to see, again, that we see a rent ROW. Whatever the rent ROW shows, we verify it and we pay the subsidy. If they do more units, we pay more. Versus front loading all this money up front -- there's nobody we can guarantee 50 years of these units being affordable housing. These properties will sell five times during that period. Again, staff, nobody from staff is going to be there. Nobody is going to remember. So as, Mr. Miranda I heard one of your famous sayings, you can rob more with a gun -- rob more with a pen than you can a gun. This is where I see us at.

Charlie Miranda

12:30:30PM My father told me that.

12:30:37PM Which means, you see more in america with a pen than a gun. We want make sure people aren't robbing the taxpayers. Thank you very much.

Luis Viera

12:30:52PM Thank you, sir. Go ahead, ma'am. After Ms. McCaskill, is there anybody else who wishes to speak? Supervises kella mccaskill. Thank you, b parks, say that first. I have the most respect for you and what you do in this space. You can see the challenges, wonderful presentation. In the very beginning before you start dishing out money to other projects, we requested a process. The CAC board was new. They did not know anything about development and they were force fed to approve projects that are now on your list of approvals and now you actually have a process. The challenge for me, I created the process for redevelopment. I didn't see that in here. Part of my concern was wanting to talk through predevelopment because there are legacy owners in the core of where the -- instructed you to do public/private that don't have the funds as mid to large size corporations has had so they can get the funds. I don't see any mention of that. I don't know that was part of the expectation. I could have been confused. I want to see predevelopment and special project grants mentioned as we create housing with mixed use development. New codeveloper, hired mid to large size developer to assist for six legacy owners in East Tampa. All black male, female owned organizations that's been serving the community 30, 40, 50 years, and they have get to receive a dime because we're waiting on you. We're waiting on a process from the City of Tampa. And that wasn't referenced here in this grant. I also have a concern about the up to $250,000. Now, I sat here and watched you do backflips, big energy to give one project all of the money, up to the $250,000, almost 100% of the development, I want to know how you're going to frame the words to tell me on a project when I get ready to submit it that you don't even expect $250,000 per unit, because I'm coming for it. I'm using the same architect. It is the same exact plans. Can I do three times the number of projects he can, units he can. I'm expecting that same $250,000. So whatever criteria you use to extend 250 to that person, I want to see the difference because we're both new. We use the same people, how can I not receive the same dollars when I can do three times the development and this owner has been there 20 years versus the almost two years they've been here. I'm saying, consider that before you say you can't get to the final. Also to clarify with legal and that process in the end, where there is an appeal where the applicant can do an appeal, can the community participate in an appeal? Now I want to suggest that you do this process for all of them. Go through the process with all of them. Just out of the abundance of caution, do that process with all of them. Last, the $300,000 that you had in the Tampa Heights budget, consider the owner occupied rehab using those that have Code Enforcement challenges. Start there. Those people have been there. They may have issues. Code Enforcement may not have known what's available and they may not have told them, but start with Code Enforcement and seniors and disabled persons. Thank you.

12:34:02PM Okay. Thank you very much. Board member Miranda. If I may, sir, thank you. We'll have a discussion and see what motions we will be making and how to bring this in for a landing. I know it's 12:35. I want to make sure staff gets out of here for lunch.

Charlie Miranda

12:34:21PM My father also told me another thing -- [not speaking english] which means if you made a mistake once, don't make the same mistake twice.

Belix Parks

12:34:39PM I'm looking for the motion to approve the concept for the proposed application cycle and direct staff to return back in November to present that.

Luis Viera

12:34:45PM Thank you. Councilman Miranda, were you finished?

Charlie Miranda

12:34:47PM Yes, sir.

Luis Viera

12:34:48PM We appreciate you bringing so much spanish today. Board member Hurtak.

Lynn Hurtak

12:34:54PM I will approve that motion, however -- I will approve the motion to move forward with this, but before I do that, I have two caveats. One, I want to motion that along with that on November 15, that that item has public comment attached to it because we don't normally do that. So I want to make sure that that item has public comment attached to it, and -- didn't write it down. But the fact -- oh. That was the other thing. And then I want to know what e-mail is best for the public to send comments about this right now. So between now and November, what specific e-mail can the public use to send comments about this? And where can the public find this presentation? I know that we know the answer to this, but I want to make sure that we put it out there.

Belix Parks

12:36:10PM The e-mail has not been created because I'm going to go through the engage page type of service that we currently use in the city. They can e-mail me directly at be.parks@tampagov.net. That presentation can be found on the website through onbase in the website, it's already uploaded there or contact me and I can send a copy.

Lynn Hurtak

12:36:37PM Just for the public. Be.parks@tampagov.net. If you have comments. And you can find this on today's agenda. Today's agenda for the CRA will have this attached to item number 2. And then if a possibility to add that to the CRA website under housing, maybe somewhere like that, might be beneficial as well to let people know. So my motion is to move this forward to be brought back to us with additional improvements on November 13, including a public comment piece for after it is presented.

Luis Viera

12:37:23PM We have a motion by board member Hurtak. Seconded by board member Maniscalco, unless -- Mr. McCray, go ahead, sir.

Cedric McCray

12:37:30PM Yes. I just wanted to remind the board on November 13 we're also scheduled to come back related after the public comment and engagement on October 13. That will be scheduled for the November 13 meeting. Just wanted to make sure that you were aware so that would be two different -- the commercial grant piece --

Lynn Hurtak

12:37:48PM I'll make a separate motion for that public comment. But that's the commercial. I want to finish the residential, but I appreciate your reminding us about the commercial.

Luis Viera

12:38:00PM Unless there's discussion, all in favor? Any opposed?

Lynn Hurtak

12:38:04PM I'll go ahead and make that same motion. I motion that -- oh, it is not on the November agenda. Just going to put it there. Right now we only have the amphitheater and baldomero Lopez monument. I will make a motion that we have the update for the commercial grant policy on November 13, including public comment after the specific item.

Luis Viera

12:38:36PM We have a motion by board member Hurtak. Do we have a second? We have a second --

Lynn Hurtak

12:38:41PM For November 13 CRA agenda.

Luis Viera

12:38:43PM We have a motion by board member Hurtak. Seconded by board member Clendenin. Any discussion? There being none, all in favor? Any opposed? Thank you very much. Mr. McCray, did you have anything else, sir?

Cedric McCray

12:38:56PM One other item. It was mentioned during the course of discussion, we did want to highlight the commercial grants funding the policy update community meeting, taking place October 13 at hanna city center, 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the community room.

Luis Viera

12:39:13PM Thank you very much, sir. We appreciate you.

Lynn Hurtak

12:39:15PM Again, I want to thank Attorney Shepard for coming. Attorney Shepard will also be, I believe, at that commercial grants funding community meeting. So he will be there to help. If any of us board members come, he will keep us on the straight and narrow. Again, I appreciate. Thank you so much.

Luis Viera

12:39:45PM Any other responsive motions for today? I was meaning to this issue, to the item. But in terms of motions, board member Miranda? Board member Maniscalco? Board member Hurtak? Board member Clendenin? I want to remind folks that on September 15, 1 p.m., we're having the event for baldomero Lopez. 75 years.

Cedric McCray

12:40:12PM Just want to make sure we confirmed that item 10 was affirmed and approved.

Luis Viera

12:40:19PM It was. Yes, sir.

Lynn Hurtak

12:40:21PM Yes, that was approved.

Luis Viera

12:40:22PM Go ahead.

Lynn Hurtak

12:40:25PM One more thing. I want to add for Ms. Parks, we heard about where is the predevelopment in this. So I'd love to add that to the list for that. Yeah, that is it. Thank you so much. I will talk to Attorney Shepard separately about penalties for not abiding to the contract.

Luis Viera

12:40:48PM We have a motion by board member Maniscalco. Seconded by board member Miranda. All in favor? Any opposed? [ sounding gavel ] disclaimer: this file represents an unedited version of realtime captioning which should neither be relied upon for complete accuracy nor used as a verbatim transcript. Any person who needs a verbatim transcript of the proceedings may need to hire a court reporter. ▶ meeting video community Redevelopment agency - 09/11/25published: September 12, 2025▶ watch on youtube the information contained in these pages represents an unedited version of realtime captioning which should neither be relied upon for complete accuracy nor used as a verbatim transcript. Persons requiring a verbatim transcript may need to hire a court reporter. © - City of Tampa (813) 274-8211