Chairwoman Sabrina Taylor called the meeting to order at 2:05pm.

Motion was made by Michael Brown, Jr., and seconded by Al Johnson to excuse Hoyt Murphy's absence.

AYE:

Al Johnson, Brandon Nobile, Carolyn Mann-Lurry, Michael Brown, Jr., Phil Thompson, Sabrina Taylor

Passed

Motion was made by Al Johnson, and seconded by Carolyn Mann-Lurry to approve the minutes from the March 2, 2022 meeting.

AYE:

Al Johnson, Brandon Nobile, Carolyn Mann-Lurry, Michael Brown, Jr., Phil Thompson, Sabrina Taylor

Passed

Pat Murphy was not present to discuss.

Miriam Garcia, Redevelopment Specialist, gave an overview of the Interior Uplift Grant program. She explained that the intent of the program is to remedy the degrading building systems and extend the economic viability of the buildings. She explained that the program offers financial assistance in the form of a reimbursable grant with a maximum of $10,000. The FPRA Board approved a total of $50,000 for this grant. She explained that the applicants selected will have 18 months to complete the work and then submit their request for the reimbursement. The top 5 ranked properties were:

• 118 N 9^th Street – Butts, Elmon
• 616 Atlantic Avenue – Dance Ministries, LLC
• 710 Orange Avenue – Botanical Sanctuary LLC
• 211 Orange Avenue – Gibbons, Kristina & Derrick
• 100 S 2^nd Street – The Galleria at Downtown Fort Pierce, LLC

Committee discussion included questions regarding one owner obtaining several grants. Shyanne Harnage, Economic Development Manager, explained that was not one of the stipulations in the program or evaluations. Therefore, the same owner would be eligible for multiple grants. Suggestions for future grants was to include language in the grant program regarding controlling interest in selected applicants. Ms. Harnage explained that the goal is to improve the properties even if it’s the same owner. The five highest ranked properties were recommended for award of the grants.
 

Motion was made by Michael Brown, Jr., and seconded by Brandon Nobile to approve the recommendation of 118 N. 9th St for the Interior Uplift Grant.

AYE:

Al Johnson, Brandon Nobile, Carolyn Mann-Lurry, Michael Brown, Jr., Phil Thompson, Sabrina Taylor

Passed

Motion was made by Brandon Nobile, and seconded by Michael Brown, Jr. to approve the recommendation of 616 Atlantic Avenue for the Interior Uplift Grant.

AYE:

Al Johnson, Brandon Nobile, Carolyn Mann-Lurry, Michael Brown, Jr., Phil Thompson, Sabrina Taylor

Passed

Motion was made by Carolyn Mann-Lurry, and seconded by Al Johnson to approve the recommendation of 710 Orange Avenue for the Interior Uplift Grant

AYE:

Al Johnson, Brandon Nobile, Carolyn Mann-Lurry, Michael Brown, Jr., Phil Thompson, Sabrina Taylor

Passed

Motion was made by Phil Thompson, and seconded by Carolyn Mann-Lurry to approve the recommendation of 211 Orange Avenue for the Interior Uplift Grant.

AYE:

Al Johnson, Brandon Nobile, Carolyn Mann-Lurry, Michael Brown, Jr., Phil Thompson, Sabrina Taylor

Passed

Motion was made by Brandon Nobile, and seconded by Michael Brown, Jr. to approve the recommendation of 100 S. 2nd St for the Interior Uplift Grant.

AYE:

Al Johnson, Brandon Nobile, Carolyn Mann-Lurry, Michael Brown, Jr., Phil Thompson, Sabrina Taylor

Passed

There were no public comments. 

Phil Thompson asked if the committee plans to pursue the Tunnel to Towers. Ms. Garcia explained that it was not discussed at the FPRA Meeting. Chairwoman Taylor explained that they would discuss it with the FPRA at the next quarterly meeting. Ms. Harnage explained that the next round of surplus property bids will be released in the summer.She suggested that Tunnel to Towers could be a suggested vendor and submit a proposal for a donation, it would be evaluated.
 
Ms. Garcia provided an update regarding the Brightline train station. She explained that the City, the County and Transportation Planning Organization has monthly meetings communicating with Brightline representatives to ensure the desire for a passenger train station in Fort Pierce. She explained that presently, FEC/Brightline is in the midst of their expansion of passenger rail service from Miami to Orlando.Upon the completion of this rail construction effort additional stations/stops will be identified.Station locations in Fort Pierce have previously been determined, and countywide support has been garnered for the establishment of this service in Fort Pierce. Over the next few years, the City of Fort Pierce will be working with our local Transportation Planning Organization, the State of Florida, and the Federal Government to acquire funds to assist with the construction, maintenance, and operation of the much anticipated passenger train station in Downtown Fort Pierce.
 

Chairwoman adjourned the meeting at 2:46pm.