Century Gets Legal Advice, Moves Forward With Community Redevelopment Area

July 19, 2017

Century’s attorney has recommended the next steps for the town to establish a a Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).

Upon declaration of an area as blighted, the CRA works to improve conditions. As property tax values rise, most of the increase is funneled back into the redevelopment area for further improvements.

Attorney Matt Dannheisser has recommended that the town first send letter to all taxing authorities that Century intends to form the CRA. No resolutions or other actions can be taken during the 15 day period after the letters are send.

In the meantime, Dannheisser recommended that the town spend $245 to join the Florida Redevelopment Association for additional instruction and further legal advice.

The CRA under consideration in Century is bounded by Jefferson Avenue to the south, Jefferson Avenue to the east, State Road 4 to the north and the centerline of North Century Boulevard to the west. It also extends north on the east side of North Century Boulevard to include commercial properties up to, and including, the former Burger King.

Essentially, CRAs use redevelopment funds within a deteriorating area to transform it into one that again contributes to the overall health of a community. The money can roll over year to year, up a 40-year life for a CRA.

CRA funds can be used for a variety of public purposes, including items specified in the agency’s redevelopment plan, planning and surveys, acquisition of real property, affordable housing development and community policing innovations.

There are currently nine other redevelopment districts in Escambia County — Atwood, Barrancas, Brownsville, Cantonment, Englewood, Ensley, Oakfield, Palafox and Warrington — and three within the City of Pensacola.

Comments

3 Responses to “Century Gets Legal Advice, Moves Forward With Community Redevelopment Area”

  1. bin on July 21st, 2017 10:06 pm

    a large plant or another industrial center. your gonna move one way or another.
    big brother.

  2. ann on July 21st, 2017 2:18 pm

    why are the folks on the west side left out ??

  3. Patricia on July 19th, 2017 6:35 am

    This good news. Along with development I would like to see beautification in the entire area. Just clearing and cleaning properties and yards would be a first, easy step forward. My concern is why a larger area is not included. West of the center line of North Century Blvd. should be in this plan.