The City of Port Richey has taken strong steps toward community growth and development through its Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). This agency focuses on improving specific areas that show signs of aging or neglect. By using special funding tools and legal authority under Florida law, the CRA creates plans and programs that boost economic and social progress.
Although it is linked to the city, the CRA operates as a separate legal body. The Port Richey Police Department, while not a direct part of CRA, supports community improvement by ensuring public safety within the redevelopment zones.
Table of Contents
Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Overview
- Type of Entity: Dependent special district
- Created Under: Florida Statute Chapter 163, Part III
- Main Goal: Support redevelopment and economic growth in specific areas
- Funding: Through a Community Redevelopment Trust Fund using tax increment financing
- Authority: Has powers not typically held by local governments
Key Features of CRA
The features of the Community Redevelopment Agency are given below.
- Finding of Necessity:
- A formal study that checks if conditions like slums or blight exist
- Required before forming a CRA
- Community Redevelopment Plan:
- A unique plan for the targeted redevelopment area
- Includes goals, priorities, and specific types of projects
- Must reflect the local history and future vision
- Trust Fund Mechanism:
- Increases in property tax values are redirected into a special CRA fund
- Used only within the CRA district to support projects
City of Port Richey CRA Details
The basic details of the Community Redevelopment Agency are given below.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | January 2002 |
| District Size | Around 1408 acres |
| Redevelopment Area | Historic residential neighborhoods and areas surrounding downtown |
| Main Goal | Balance commercial development with neighborhood preservation |
| Legal Status | Separate legal entity from the city |
| Governing Body | Port Richey City Council acting as CRA Board |
Important Documents and Tools
| Document/Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Redevelopment Plan (2002) | Lays out the vision and action plan for city redevelopment |
| Community Redevelopment Trust Fund Ordinance | Governs the collection and use of tax-based funding |
| Ethics Policy (Resolution 21-03) | Ensures board members follow proper ethical guidelines |
| Audit Reports (2021, 2022) | Offers financial transparency and accountability |
| Request for Proposals – CRA Land Lease 2024 | Allows private partners to participate in redevelopment projects |
Boundary and Map
- Total Area: Approximately 1408 acres
- Map: Clearly shows the outline of the CRA district
- Boundary Resolutions: Define exact redevelopment zones
CRA Governance and Meetings
- Governing Body:
- Port Richey City Council acts as the CRA Board
- The board develops and carries out the redevelopment plan
- The board has powers beyond normal city functions
- Meeting Schedule:
- Minimum of four meetings per year
- Held at City Hall, right after City Council meetings
- Open to the public for transparency
| Year | Meeting Notes |
|---|---|
| 2024-2025 | Upcoming scheduled meetings are available |
| 2023-2024 | Past meetings with decisions on land lease and planning |
| 2022-2023 | Continued discussion on redevelopment of residential zones |
| 2021-2022 | Review of ethics policy and redevelopment performance |
| 2020-2021 | Early redevelopment updates and new projects introduced |
Port Richey Police Department Role in Redevelopment
The Community Redevelopment Agency plays a crucial role in the redevelopment of the city.
- Safety in Redevelopment Areas:
- Ensures safety in the CRA district
- Helps reduce crime in aging or underdeveloped neighborhoods
- Community Policing:
- Builds trust between officers and residents
- Encourages reporting of crime and involvement in community projects
- Support for CRA Goals:
- Works with the CRA to identify areas needing safety improvements
- Participates in neighborhood watch programs and safety audits
Collaborative Functions Between CRA and Police
Now, you might be thinking of what the relation is between the Community Redevelopment Agency and the Police.
| Activity | CRA Role | Police Role |
|---|---|---|
| Redevelopment Planning | Design redevelopment goals | Share safety data for informed planning |
| Community Meetings | Host public meetings for project feedback | Attend and offer public safety insights |
| Project Implementation | Oversee construction and urban renewal projects | Ensure public safety during implementation |
| Monitoring Redevelopment Impact | Review progress and economic improvement | Monitor crime rates and social behavior in project areas |
Challenges and Opportunities
The organization faces various challenges while implementing its work.
- Challenges:
- Aging infrastructure needs major investment
- Limited space for large new developments
- Need for strong partnerships with private developers
- Opportunities:
- Public-private partnerships for funding and expertise
- Use of history and branding for tourism-based redevelopment
- Support from the police in maintaining safe, vibrant neighborhoods
CRA Vision for the Future
- Focus on Mixed-Use Projects:
- Combine residential, commercial, and public spaces
- Environmental Concerns:
- Include green spaces and eco-friendly designs
- Community Participation:
- Engage residents in decision-making and progress tracking
- Transparency and Accountability:
- Maintain regular audit reports and public access to meeting documents
The Way Forward
The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) of Port Richey plays a vital role in transforming older neighborhoods into vibrant areas of growth and development. Through proper planning, funding, and governance, it ensures that redevelopment meets the needs of residents while honoring the city’s history.
The Port Richey Police Department works alongside the CRA by providing safety and stability, allowing redevelopment to occur in secure and thriving environments. Together, these entities aim to create a stronger, more attractive community for present and future generations.
