From Staff Reports
In Summary:
The Apopka CRA adopted a nearly $7.85 million budget after spending about 13.5% of its revised FY2026 budget through June 30. Board members redirected $299,000 from a proposed land purchase to restrooms at Alonzo Williams Park and voted 4-2 to advance the purchase of a separate Duke Energy property for $156,000. The CRA also tabled a proposed homebuyer assistance program and unanimously requested a seven-year extension.
*****
The Apopka Community Redevelopment Agency approved a nearly $7.85 million budget Monday night while redirecting money toward park improvements and sidewalks, moving forward with one property purchase and abandoning another.
Related: Commission takes on public-comment rules, board appointments and land-use changes.
The FY2027 budget includes approximately $6.13 million in reserves and carryover funds. Through June 30, the CRA had spent $870,286 of its $6.43 million revised FY2026 budget, or about 13.5%, leaving most of its available balance unspent.
$299,000 redirected to Alonzo Williams Park
The board decided not to purchase vacant property at 161 E. Sixth St., which had been listed for $299,000 and considered for parking and other redevelopment uses. Instead, it redirected that $299,000 toward restrooms at Alonzo Williams Park. Parks and Recreation staff said estimates for a prefabricated concrete restroom building ranged from approximately $250,000 to $300,000.
The board also agreed to increase sidewalk funding, with members calling for a prioritized list of projects and a realistic timeline.
CRA advances $156,000 Duke property purchase
The board voted 4-2 to move forward with a $156,000 purchase agreement for vacant Duke Energy property at 205 E. Eighth St. The approximately 0.45-acre property has been discussed as a possible homeless resource center. The agreement includes a 120-day due-diligence period and calls for the city attorney to address mineral and air rights.
Board Members Sam Ruth and Diane Velazquez opposed the purchase.
Down-payment program delayed
The board did not approve a proposed down-payment assistance program that could provide qualifying homebuyers within the CRA district with up to $30,000. Members generally supported encouraging homeownership but raised questions about eligibility and how to structure the program.
Apopka Mayor Nick Nesta said the CRA also needs to keep its broader redevelopment mission in mind.
"I'm all about homeownership all day, every day," Nesta said. "It's just the goal of a CRA is to build taxable value. That is the pure goal of it, and we need to make sure that that's on the forefront of our minds as we navigate this."
The board unanimously tabled the program and scheduled it to return at the CRA's November 12 meeting.
CRA seeks seven-year extension
The board also unanimously approved a resolution requesting a seven-year extension of the CRA. The request must next go to the Apopka City Commission and ultimately Orange County. It also unanimously approved the FY2027 budget and appropriated its carryover funds for the coming fiscal year.
Staff said work is beginning on an update of the CRA redevelopment master plan, which has not been updated since 2017, along with new design standards for the district.
Key Points:
- The CRA approved a nearly $7.85 million FY2027 budget, including approximately $6.13 million in reserves and carryover funds.
- Through June 30, the CRA had spent $870,286, or about 13.5%, of its $6.43 million revised FY2026 budget.
- The board abandoned a proposed $299,000 Sixth Street land purchase and redirected the money toward restrooms at Alonzo Williams Park.
- The CRA voted 4-2 to move forward with a $156,000 purchase of Duke Energy property on East Eighth Street.
- The board tabled a proposed down-payment assistance program until November 12 and unanimously requested a seven-year CRA extension.
