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City of Tarpon Springs, Florida

324 EAST PINE STREET P.O. BOX 5004

TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA 34688-5004 www.ctsfl.us

COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING AGENDA ITEM

To: CRA Chair and Board Members From: Karen Lemmons, Economic Development Manager Meeting Date: March 18, 2014 Subject: CRA Annual Report 2013 Recommended Action: No Action Required Background: Each fiscal year, the CRA is required to file an annual report describing activities and providing a financial statement. This year’s report covers activities from Oct. 1, 2012 – Sept. 30, 2013 (fiscal year 2013). Attached is the annual report. Also this past year, a survey was conducted among business and property owners within the CRA. The survey results were compiled into a powerpoint presentation of which the slides are attached and will be presented on March 18.

City of TARPON SPRINGSCOMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AREA

ANNUAL REPORT • March 18, 2014

After - North Safford Avenue Inprove-ments along the Pinellas Trail include

large planters, benches and landscaping.

This past year has been one of tremendousgrowth and progress in our CRA. From the an-ticipation of the first newly constructed Down-town building in decades to a record number ofnew business openings, our Downtown area ison a path of continued upward momentum.Some examples:

� Ongoing construction of the Pinellas Trail im-provements and creation of a Dog Park andFitness Park;

� Construction of the Santos Isles senior housingcomplex;

� Revitalization of Hibiscus Street;

� 28 new business openings in the CRA.

We are thrilled with the positive energy andcreativity that comes from working together asa community. I encourage our residents and vis-itors to join us in celebrating our accomplish-ments, and spending time in our beautiful city.

Mayor David Archie, Board Chairman

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From the CRA Chair andMayor, David Archie

Before - North Safford Avenue Inprovementsalong the Pinellas Trail

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The Tarpon SpringsCommunity Redevel-

opment Area (CRA) FiscalYear 2013 Annual Report de-

scribes activities for the period October 1,2012 through September 30, 2013. The reportincludes a financial statement of CRA revenuesand expenses, amount of tax increment funds

collected, and a compilation of activities for thefiscal year.

The City of Tarpon Springs established itsCRA and TIF in September 2001. In 2003 theCRA was expanded to include the Pappas’Restaurant property, also known as the North-west Expansion Area. Subsequently, the Down-town Redevelopment Plan was also amended toaddress the redevelopment needs of this prop-erty. Other changes to the plan included provi-sions for special overlay or zoning designationsto adjust density/intensity within the CRA. Theadoption and implementation of the SpecialArea Plan and SmartCode – based regulatingplan have been a focal point since 2010.

Significant work has been accomplishedand completed within the CRA for fiscalyear FY 12-13. Highlights include:

� Completion of CRA Business Survey with rec-ommendations for future improvements.

� Creation of Uniform Signage program

� Continuation of Façade Improvement pro-gram

� Completion of Tarpon Avenue streetscapeproject

� Completion of Tarpon/Safford intersection im-provements

� Completion of the Signage and Way-FindingPlan

� Continued implementation of the CRA SpecialArea Plan/SmartCode

� Revitalization of Hibiscus Street in HistoricDowntown

� Negotiating lease/purchase agreement formixed-use new construction development in100 block of Tarpon Avenue

� Expansion of festivals and events

� Construction underway of North Safford Av-enue Improvements:

� Pinellas Trail

� Fitness Park

� Dog Park

� New Construction Project: Completion of San-tos Isles 50-unit, 55+ senior residential devel-opment

Unbehagen Ribbon Cutting

Mamma Lane’s Coffee Shop

INTRODUCTION

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What is a CommunityRedevelopment Agency (CRA)?

A Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)is a taxing district established by local govern-ment for the purpose of carrying out redevel-opment activities that include reducing oreliminating blight, increasing the tax base, andencouraging public and private investments inthe redevelopment area. The members of theCity Commission also serve as CRA board mem-bers. All meetings are open to the public andagendas, minutes, and video of all meetings areposted on the City’s website.

www.ctsfl.us

Why Create a CRA?

CRAs are designed to breathe new life intoareas in need of revitalization and economic de-velopment. Successful redevelopment projectsattract private investors that otherwise may haveoverlooked the community. By establishing aCRA, local governments receive planning and fi-nancial mechanisms to help redevelop areaswhere private market forces are not working.

Where is the CRA?The 227-acre CRA comprises the central

business district along Pinellas Avenue northfrom the Anclote River south to Meres Blvd, in-cluding Downtown and the Lemon Street corri-dors.

How are Redevelopment ActivitiesFunded?

Activities are primarily funded by tax incre-ment. A tax increment is the difference betweenthe amount of property tax revenue generatedat the time the CRA is designated and theamount of property tax revenue generated afterdesignation. Establishment of a TIF does not re-duce property tax revenues available to taxingdistricts as the property taxes collected on prop-erties in the CRA at the time of designation con-tinue to be distributed to them in the samemanner as if the CRA did not exist. Only newproperty taxes generated by the incremental in-crease in the value of these properties after theCRA is established are available for investmentin the CRA. This “increment” is deposited intothe CRA Trust Fund and dedicated to the rede-velopment area.

Tax increment revenues can be used imme-diately, saved for a particular project, or bondedto maximize the funds available. It is importantto note that property tax revenue collected bythe School Board and any special district (ex:SWFWMD) are not affected under the tax incre-ment financing process.

CRA Board 2012-2013Chairman, Mayor David ArchieCommissioner David BantherCommissioner Jeff LarsenCommissioner Susan SlatteryCommissioner Townsend Tarapani

City StaffCity Manager, Mark LeCourisEconomic Development Manager, Karen LemmonsDirector of Planning & Zoning, Renea VincentPrincipal Planner, Rodney Chatman

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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CALLISTA KAY

CRA Area

See detailed map of CRA area on back cover

Completion of Business SurveyA survey of commercial property

owners within the CRA was under-taken and completed in 2013, with thepurpose of assessing needs and findingopportunities to improve the business

climate. The survey received a 23%response rate (38 of 162) and 70% of

the respondents have owned businesses in theCRA for more than 10 years. Results focused onthree areas: helping tourism, support of busi-ness, and city governance. Overall, the findingsrevealed tremendous support for beautificationprograms and the façade improvement pro-

gram with suggestions to add additional criteriafor reimbursements. In addition, recommenda-tions were made to streamline the developmentreview and permitting processes. Recommenda-tions are being made to the CRA Board andBoard of Commissioners for consideration

Revitalization of Hibiscus StreetHibiscus Street is blooming once again.

Through the efforts of the CRA façade grant, Citystaff, and Downtown business and propertyowners, four long-vacant storefronts have beenrenovated with new awnings, windows, doors,trim and paint. The City installed benches, flow-erpots, and shrubbery, which culminated in fournew businesses moving into the building. Agrand opening celebration was held in October2013 featuring the new businesses and a bless-ing of the building by the St. Nicholas Greek Or-thodox Church.

CRA Highlights for 2012-2013

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CCC Timeless Treasures Ribbon Cutting

EM Wallace Auctions Ribbon Cutting

Olympic Realty Ribbon Cutting

Hibiscus Street is renovated

Tarpon Springs has the perfect climate for business!The 2012-13 fiscal year saw 28 new busi-

ness openings within the CRA, up from 25 inthe prior fiscal year. The Downtownhas seen a revitalization of Hibiscus

Street, with four new store openings.Several new businesses opened along

North and South Pinellas, some inlong-vacant buildings creating a vi-

brant central corridor through the City. Resi-dents and visitors can enjoy new restaurantsand coffee shops, retail boutiques, art and an-tique galleries, hair salons, financial, medical,and insurance services, and a fitness facility.

New Businesses include:300 MMA Fitness Center, The Dollar Store,

Modo Mosanti Hair Studio, Pinkee’s Antiquesand Design, Ameriprise Financial, Salon Touche,Ace Hardware expansion, Stephen Hand ArtGallery, CCC Timeless Treasures, Stiltskin De-signs, EM Wallace Auctions, Staging BeautifulHomes, Wall Street Alliance, Mama Lane’s Cof-fee Shop, Dr. Szyzska Dental Office, TarponStarter & Alternator, Pistachio’s Antiques & Col-lectibles, Fireleaf Design, 701 Tap House,Unique Finds, Enjoy Columbian Restaurant,QDogs, BallyHoos, Gusto Amore Italian Restau-rant, Hippocratic Medical Center, and Mad Hat-ter General Store expanded into a new space,

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Mad Hatter General Store

Pistachio’s Antiques

Ameriprise FinancialRibbon Cutting

Wall St. Alliance Ribbon Cutting

Off the Beaten Path

300 MMA Fitness Center

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Modo Mosanti Hair Salon

Ace Hardware Expansion

Fireleaf Design

Q Dogs

701 Tap House

Dr. Szyzska,Dental Office

Stephen HandArt Gallery

Construction Underway of theNorth Safford/Pinellas Trail

Improvement ProjectTarpon Springs’ North Safford

Recreation Corridor is the newest ad-dition to the Livable, Walkable Citiesinitiative, creating amenities to form a

pedestrian link between the SpongeDocks and Historic Downtown Tar-

pon Avenue utilizing the Pinellas Trail as afocal point. Under construction since October2012, the $1.2 million project provides excitingnew facilities and features the following:

Resurfacing of the Fred Marquis PinellasTrail from Tarpon Avenue to Pine Street, in-cluding new curbing along the road, side-walks, a median with plants, concrete planterpots, landscape block retaining wall, park

benches, trash receptacles, a Stormwa-ter Nutrient Separating Baffle Box, brickcrosswalks, ADA trail crossings, pave-ment markings and extensive treeplantings and landscaping with com-

plete irrigation system.

A Fitness Park at the southeast corner of Saf-ford Avenue and Live Oak Street, with outdoorexercise equipment including an elliptical, a sta-tionary bike and weights; shade canopies, work-out mounds, tree plantings, a fitness lawn andadditional grassed play and workout areas; irri-gation system, bike aid station, connection tothe Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail via a woodboardwalk, concrete and shell sidewalks andpathways, and extensive wetlands enhance-ments and specialized wetland plantings.

A Dog Park on the northeast corner adjacentto the Live Oak Municipal Parking lot, with dogtunnels, wooden bridges for dog climbing, hillsfor exercise, a water splash area with fire hy-drant “fountains,” benches and shade canopies.There are separate sections for large and small

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Dog Park Ribbon Cutting

Pinellas Trail Improvements

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dogs with identical amenities. More than 70trees have been planted in and adjacent to thepark. The park is surfaced with a combinationof grey granite gravel and grass.

A grand opening celebration was held inOctober 2013. Future projects include a chil-dren’s Splash Park, restrooms, and a picnicpavilion. A canoe/kayak launch area on the An-clote River is also being planned.

Fitness Park Ribbon Cutting

Zombie FunRun on thePinellas Trailbegins andends at theFitness Park

Construction Underway of SantosIsles Senior Apartment Complex

The second new construction project built inaccordance with SmartCode regulations is

nearing completion. Santos Isles, a50-unit residential apartment complexfor seniors 55 and over, began con-struction in 2012 with a completion

date of winter 2013. Located at theintersection of Safford Avenue and

Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.,the development replacesa boat salvage yard and isa dramatic improvementand catalyst to the area.The complex features apool, clubhouse, and otheramenities, including frontageon the Pinellas Trail andan easy walk to Down-town restaurants, shops,and services.

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Creation of the Downtown UniformSignage Program

A joint project of the CRA and Downtownbusiness owners, this new program aims toenhance individual store signage while main-taining the historic integrity of the Downtown.Funded in part by the façade improvementgrant, new wrought-iron sign brackets thatproject outward are being designed and in-stalled over the awnings and windows ofbuildings. Within the brackets, each store cre-ates a sign unique to their store. The programreceived unanimous endorsement from theHistoric Preservation Board, and 10 businessowners are participating in the first phase ofthe program.

Completion of the Signage andWayfinding PlanThe City’s Signage and Wayfinding Planbegan in 2010 with a budget of $349,000using a combination of CRA andPenny for Pinellas funds to fabricateand install the signs. The project wascompleted in 2013 with the installa-tion of wayfinding signs along state-owned Pinellas Avenue which runsthrough the heart of the CRA. Thesesigns enhance the visitor experience and pro-vide landmarks for tourists to more efficientlynavigate through the City.

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Wayfinding signs on Alt.19 installed in 2013 tocomplete the project

Welcome bannersinstalled on thedowntown lightposts

Newly designedand installed storesignage bracket

Façade Improvement Grantsand Loans

The façade improvement grant and loan pro-grams have proven to be popular among prop-

erty owners and successful inimproving property values and in-

creasing the attractiveness of buildings,which promotes the economic vitalityof the CRA. Approved in 2011 andfunded with an initial investment of

$150,000, the fund reimburses 50% of an ex-terior renovation up to $10,000 for a single-story and $15,000 for a two-story building. Inthe past three years, 13 grant applications havebeen received totaling $90,496.37 in reim-bursements.

The before/after photos from some of the2012-13 projects show the dramatic improve-ments that can be achieved.

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Zantes Boutique & Olympic RealtyLeft - Before, Right - After

GianeskisOffice Building

Left above- BeforeRight - After

Tarpon TavernLeft - Before, Right - After

Downtown Vacant Lot at 100block of E. Tarpon Avenue.

Redevelopment of this vacant lot locatedin the center of Downtown is a pri-ority for the City and a project thatis another step toward a vibrant, citycenter. The property was acquired bythe CRA from the City in 2012, pro-viding opportunity for CRA as-sistance to make a new privatedevelopment feasible. The CRA is negotiat-ing a lease purchase contract with a devel-oper for a mixed-use building that willprovide second floor living units and firstfloor retail.

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Vacant lot in Downtown Tarpon Avenue readyfor development as a mixed-use building withsecond floor living units and first floor retail.

Tarpon Starter & AlternatorTop - Before, Bottom - After

Crusty Bread BakeryLeft - Before, Below - After

Expansion of Festivals and EventsDowntown is becoming more vibrant

through festivals and special events that bringin local residents and tourists. Astrong partnership among the City,

CRA, Merchant’s Association, andChamber of Commerce created numer-

ous festivals in 2012-2013 includingseveral successful Food Truck Rallies,

a Zombie Run, Wine Walks, sidewalk sales, An-tique Car Shows, Arts & Crafts festivals, a FineArts festival, and the second-yearChristmas festival, “There’s SnowPlace Like Tarpon Springs.” The sec-ond-year festival was expanded in2013 to include more falling snow, areal snow play area, horse-drawn car-riage rides, an outdoor Christmasmovie, a full children’s recreationarea, and food and craft vendors.This year Downtown also was the siteof a first-time Oktoberfest spanningtwo days and plans are already un-derway to enhance the festival for

its second year. Festivals and specialevents have proved to be an integralpart of an overall economic plan topromote and market Downt o w nt h a t i s reaching tourists, bringinglocal residents into the stores, and increasing foottraffic both night and day.

Be sure to visit the City websites:www.ctsfl.us andwww.visitgreeceinflorida.comfor listings of events and happenings, and stayconnected on facebook and twitter.

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Touch a Truck Event

Food Truck Rally

Oktoberfest

Snow Place Festival

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City of Tarpon SpringsCRA Fiscal Year 2013/2013Balance Sheet Year Ended Sept. 30, 2013

ASSETSCash and cash equivalents $658,620Investments 500,000Prepaid items 419Total Assets $1,159,039

LIABILITIESAccounts Payable $20,309Accrued liabilities 3,469Deposits 3,000Advance from other fund $1,042,105Total Liabilities $1,068,883

FUND BALANCENonspendable Prepaid items $419Restricted for CRA $89,737Total Fund Balance $90,156Total Liabilities & Fund Balance $1,159,039

REVENUESTaxes $123,687Intergovernmental 115,714Other 19,725Total Revenues $259,126

EXPENDITURESEconomic Environment Other $168,835Capital Outlay 77,531Total Expenditures $246,366

Net Change in Fund Balance 12,760

Fund Balance, Beginning of Year $77,396

Fund Balance, End of Year $90,156

FINANCIALS*

*UnauditedChristmas Festival Parade

City of Tarpon Springs

CRA Survey Purpose Gather information from property and business

owners to:

Assess needs Evaluate current incentives Identify opportunities for improvement

CRA Survey Area 227-acre CRA 162 Commercial

properties

Survey Response Survey Response Rate:

162 surveys distributed 38 replied 23% response rate

Good survey response rates vary, but typically 10% and above is considered reliable.

Business Demographics of Survey Respondents

Years in Business % of Respondents

10+ 68

4-9 21

0-3 11

Type of Business % of Respondents

Services 63

Retail 26

Restaurant 11

Findings Survey yielded three significant focus areas of results:

Aid Tourism Beautification Signage

City Governance Streamline permitting and development review process

City Support of Business Maintain or increase funding for façade grants

Significant Results of CRA Survey Aid Tourism Beautification Lighting Streets and Sidewalks City Governance Expedite Permitting Process Improve Storm Drainage Enforce Zoning/Code

42%

42%

37% 29%

City Support of Businesses Not aware of being in a CRA Would consider grant Maintain/increase funding

50%

24%

20% 55% 55%

Aid Tourism 42% of CRA respondents recommended increasing

beautification projects which often include other improvements mentioned in the survey results. Other comments include: To improve visitor communication:

Lengthen Train Depot “Welcome Center” hours of operation. Increase signage for visitors showing where businesses are located

ex: corners of Hibiscus, Safford & Tarpon showing shops in next block.

Update Wayfinding signs to reflect new businesses. Ensure brochure boxes are kept filled.

Construct a new Welcome Sign with landscaping at east end of Tarpon Avenue. Put in an electronic message area to advertise festivals instead of the portable orange message sign.

Aid Tourism To draw tourists and customers to CRA: Close Tarpon Avenue on Saturday evenings for

“Second Saturday” events. Create a charming, central gathering space

Downtown for concerts, events, and exhibits to draw customers to downtown area. Add a fountain, band stand, paths with benches.

Close alley between Tarpon Tavern and Temple Goddess Yoga; create outdoor seating area.

City Governance 50% of respondents recommend an easier, expedited

development-related review process. Reduce conflicts within the city on zoning and code

enforcement issues. Create a more “friendly” environment between owners and

city boards relating to improvements. Allow for more administrative approvals of applications if all

codes are met.

39% of respondents identified a need for increased Policing/Foot Police to reduce crime in the CRA. Do more to keep homeless presence away from central

business district.

City Governance

Results from 2001 Downtown Development Plan mirror some of the same findings. More flexibility in the code to enable interpretive

solutions on a case-by-case basis. Expedite permitting process. Concern over inconsistent code enforcement practices.

City Governance Additional Comments: 42% recommend improvements are needed to the

City’s sewer and storm water systems. Large pools of water constant during rains.

Disappointed in building owners not maintaining older, historic properties.

Increase City access via connection of Meres Blvd. to US 19.

Appreciate safety upgrades, but intersection of Tarpon and Safford still confusing to motorists and trail users.

City Support to Business

20% of the respondents were not aware they were located within a CRA.

55% would like to know more about the façade improvement program and would consider applying under the grants/loans program.

Additional Comments: Increase dollar amount on façade funding. Include parking repaving in scope of improvements. Provide funding for interior renovations.

Recommendations Façade Grant Program

1. Increase façade program funding in fiscal year 2014-15 to initial level of $150,000. Current balance $50,000.

2. Attract more interest in loan program.

Repayment of loans will help replenish fund.

3. Add additional eligible criteria to program. Parking lot maintenance where applicable.

4. Create Interior Grant Program. Target restaurant attraction. Fixed assets that would remain with the building. Older building retrofits very expensive.

Recommendations Streamline Development Review and Permitting Process

1. Provide for administrative approval of site plans for permitted uses by right

Applications for site plan approval for uses that are permitted by right in the zoning district would be reviewed for compliance with all applicable codes and if found to be compliant would be approved administratively. Any item found to be non-compliant would require traditional approval.

Average review period would decrease from 90 days to 30 days. A monthly, or bi-weekly report of site plan approvals would be

provided to the BOC and the public.

Recommendations Streamline Development Review and Permitting Process 2) Provide for administrative approval of conditional uses

for on-premise consumption of beer, wine, and liquor.

• Applications for on-premise consumption (2COP, 4COP, 4COP SRX) would be reviewed for compliance with all applicable codes and if found to be compliant would be approved administratively. Any item found to be noncompliant would go through traditional approval.

• Average review period would be decreased from 60 days to 14 days. • A monthly or bi-weekly report would be provided to the BOC and

public.

Summary Nearly 70% of respondents have owned a business in the CRA for more than 10 years. Overall, respondents: Appreciate and support City beautification projects and

believe they add value to their property and increase the visitor experience.

Support the façade grant and loan programs, would like to see them increased, and would like to add additional eligible criteria.

Support ideas that focus on property upkeep and private owner maintenance of buildings.

Favor expedited and streamlined permitting and review process.

Next Steps Share results with various City departments and bring back recommendations for new policies and programs for BOC consideration.

Tarpon Springs CRA

The Business Climate is Right!