By Christine Moore, Orange County Commissioner/District 2
Community Redevelopment Districts (CRA) were one of the tools created over the past few decades to restore declining downtowns. Various explanations posited for the decline of inner cities include the advent of the interstate highway system, big box stores built outside the urban core, and a glut of suburban neighborhoods. Additional revitalization tools for blighted downtowns include economic development and Main Street Programs.
Related: Florida Legislature's bills to end CRAs could negatively impact Apopka.
Winter Garden and Apopka both began their CRAs in the early 1990s. The Winter Garden CRA created an explicit plan and measurable deliverables. Apopka’s CRA documents were just aspirational. Last year, when Winter Garden’s 10-year renewal was before the BCC, they had completed their downtown and were ready to revitalize East Winter Garden. Unfortunately, Apopka had only completed a few projects and left most of the money in the bank when it came in for renewal in 2023. So, the county required stronger accountability from Apopka. Since then, the following CRA projects came to fruition: wayfinding signage, construction of the Downtown Area Trail, and a new skateboard and pump track.
Orange County Commissioner District 2 Christine Moore
The CRA revenues from the county are also referred to as tax-increment financing. These proceeds are required to be directed toward increasing area property values. In fact, the downtown median household income is still extremely low at $34,000. The basis per acre is only around $250,000 of value. Nevertheless, Orange County Government is scheduled to remit $780,000 to Apopka next January. This should be applied to increasing property values and increasing opportunities for advancement.
Now on to discuss a new, serious problem created by the Florida Legislature. The Legislature is considering limiting all new CRA spending or bonding to those items contained in the 2025 budget. Thus, I am attending tonight’s CRA meeting to amend the budget with my vision and ideas to spur economic growth and the revitalization of downtown Apopka.
Traditional CRA projects include streetscapes and roadway improvements, commercial building renovations, parking lots and garages, park improvements, sidewalks, and tree plantings. I hope to add a CAP Program, a commercial façade improvement program. I want to demolish blighted buildings on city properties that hinder surrounding valuations. I suggest resurfacing Station Street, adding street lighting, and structured parking. And for many of my social media followers, I’d like to purchase E-Bikes for APD to patrol the CRA and along the West Orange Trail.
I’m in awe of Ella Duke’s efforts to bring us top-notch chefs and food options at Hall’s on Fifth. We must also create a nearby opportunity for craft, art, and business entrepreneurs by erecting quick-build “chalets” along Station Street. We need shopping and dining.
Additionally, I’m all for more amenities at the skate and pump track. I have seen many dads and children riding the trail to the park. Two other traditional tactics for downtown Main Street are painting industrial building murals and erecting historical markers. Finally, Caitlyn Kasheta of Main Street Apopka asked me about string lighting. The Strong Towns organization always says what the next best little thing we can do is.
I’d also love to hear your ideas based on the CRA framework. Write me at District2@ocfl.net.
