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Century Residents Learn The Benefits Of A Community Redevelopment Agency
February 21, 2018
The Town of Century held a public meeting Tuesday afternoon to help chart the future of a Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).
Two dozen people met at the Century Business Center to learn more about the CRA and “envision” Century, after watching a PowerPoint presentation. (Click here to load the presentation in pdf format.)
About 510 acres, or about 25 percent of the town, was declared blighted last year in order to work toward the formation of a CRA in Century.
Once the CRA is in place and operating, it will work to improve conditions within the area. As property tax values rise, most of the increase is funneled back into the redevelopment area for further improvements.
The CRA area is 510 acres, 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. Click here for a detailed map (pdf).
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 to a 40-year life for a CRA.
It can take many years for the funds to accumulate to the point the CRA can do projects within the CRA boundaries.
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.
In establishing the CRA, the Century council found that the area is blighted, with a predominance of deteriorated or dilapidated housing in the area. Nearly half of the homes in the area were scored as dilapidated and in need of rehabilitation or reconstruction.
The median value of an owner-occupied home in Century is $40,000, compared to the Escambia County median housing value of $81,700. The average median household income in the Century area is $24,583, compared to the Escambia County’s median household income of $46,001.
Additional planning meetings will be held Thursday, March 22 to organize and prioritize needs and discuss capital improvements; Tuesday April 17 to review results and learn about plan contents; and Tuesday, May 24 to present the final plan. Meetings will be held at the Century Business Center, times to be announced.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Comments
2 Responses to “Century Residents Learn The Benefits Of A Community Redevelopment Agency”
Thanks for the information and work that is being put into this. Following.
I am also pleased that this new special district being formed is subject to audit and can be followed on the corresponding Florida Websites. Just like the town government.
Look forward to positive changes in Century. Onward and upward.
Takes all kinds.
It was a very productive meeting. Our citizens had very good ideas for improving Century. I hope more will show interest and come to our next meeting Even if you just come to show moral support and interest it helps our leaders to stay focused and energetic. You never know if one of your ideas can change Century. God bless!