Review and discussion of CRA Advisory Committee Commercial Facade Application Denial Recommendations

The CRA Advisory Committee (CRAAC) has completed its evaluation of the latest round of applications for the Commercial Façade Grant Program. This program is intended to eliminate blight and enhance the visual appearance of properties within the FPRA district, encouraging private investment and economic development. It offers 50% matching grants, up to $25,000, for eligible exterior improvements.

Applications were reviewed and scored by six committee members, with a maximum possible score of 600 points.

All applications were evaluated based on the intent of the Commercial Façade Program, which is to support projects that provide substantial, visible improvements from the public right-of-way going beyond routine maintenance to meaningfully reduce blight within the FPRA district.

The following applications were recommended for denial:

Applicant: 1217 Delaware Ave - EJ09, LLC  
Score: 328/600 points
Project Description: Siding repair, painting exterior, repair handicap ramp, new sod and sprinkler system.
Committee Comments: The Committee noted that the proposed improvements were considered standard or basic maintenance and encouraged a more creative approach. They recommended resubmitting the application with a detailed landscaping plan that includes additional trees, enhanced landscaping features, and potentially alternative paint colors.
 
Applicant: 515 S Indian River Dr. – Crownman FL, LLC  
Score: 330/600 points
Project Description: Replacing two first-floor windows on the small building; completing minor soffit and trim repairs; painting the small building to match the main building; installing seven new light fixtures; constructing a new deck and restaining the existing deck; installing new sidewalks; repaving and restriping the parking lot, including the addition of one ADA parking space; installing a bike rack; and adding permanent landscaping.
Committee Comments: The applicant described the project as a luxury bed and breakfast; however, the CRAAC noted that the current plans do not yet reflect that standard. The Committee strongly recommended resubmitting with an upgraded landscaping plan that includes additional trees and enhanced plantings. They also emphasized the importance of further façade improvements, such as decorative wall shutters, canopies over windows, and/or Bahama shutters, to achieve the level of quality expected for a luxury property along Indian River Drive.
 
Applicant: 300 S 6^th St – Fort Pierce Charter Development, LLC
Score: 247/600 points
Project Description: Repaving/Restriping the parking lot
Committee Comments: The Committee noted that the proposed improvements were considered general maintenance and did not meet the intent of the program. However, the Committee would consider the application if additional improvements were included.

Applicant: 616 Atlantic Avenue – Dance Ministries, LLC
Score: 223/600 points
Project Description: Repaving/restriping the parking lot and adding permanent landscaping and irrigation
Committee Comments: The Committee noted that the proposed improvements were considered general maintenance for the parking lot and that the landscaping enhancements were not visible to the public. They suggested removing the shade fence to make the improvements more visible or possibly replacing it with an ornamental fence. The Committee would consider the application if the applicant takes the recommendations into account and reapplies.

 
Staff is seeking FPRA Board direction regarding these denied applications.

Goal 7 - The Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency shall increase private sector investment and business development within the Community Redevelopment Area.
Goal 9 - The Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency shall support small businesses, start-up businesses and support entrepreneurial activity within the Redevelopment Area.
 

Review the CRA Advisory Committee's recommendations and provide direction on the applications.

Staff will proceed as directed by the FPRA Board.

Miriam Garcia, Redevelopment Specialist

Shyanne Harnage, Community and Economic Development Director
CRA Advisory Committee