Benefits of a CRA

The Benefits and Incentives of a CRA

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Manatee County offers a comprehensive economic development program. As part of a CRA, development may take advantage of Rapid Response Permitting, existing Transportation Concurrency Exception Area (TCEA) policies, 50% Commercial Enhancement Matching Grants, reduced criteria job creation incentives and impact fee reductions, and other potential incentives.

The CRAs have funded area improvements now in place such as park facilities, landscaped street medians, street trees, sidewalks, security cameras, street lighting, enhanced police patrols and more.

The Commercial Enhancement Matching Grant provides financial assistance to eligible persons and entities for improving existing landscaping and making building facade improvements to enhance commercial property located within the boundaries of the 14th Street West and South County Community Redevelopment Areas. Assistance may be provided to owners or tenants of commercial property as an incentive to enhance their private property. The grant is intended to reimburse a portion of the applicant’s cost for exterior non-structural improvements that will increase the aesthetic quality of the structure. This program is not intended to fund normal maintenance and repairs of the structure. It is not intended for the improvement of property which is used primarily for residential occupancy. Improvements to the structure must be visible from the street and/or parking lot. Matching grant fund uses include replacement door and windows, painting, landscaping, awnings, lighting and signage.

TCEA policies provide for operational and/or capital enhancements for transit; improvements for pedestrian, bus shelter/transit stop; bicycle improvements; lighting; connectivity; roadway/ intersection; streetscape; Automated Traffic Management System (ATMS); transit pass program for employees, van pooling and/or ride sharing programs; parallel travel ways connecting adjacent development; and other measures which increase mobility options.

The County has initiated comprehensive plan amendments to increase urban area density/intensity flexibility. In addition, Manatee County is deliberating the establishment of an Urban Encouragement Zone encompassing this area, as recently done with properties adjacent to Port Manatee.