CRA Packet 04.27.26

Community Redevelopment Agency · 2026-04-27 · agenda_packet

The Homeless Coalition of St. Johns County is proposing a community garden initiative within the West City Community Redevelopment Area and is requesting monetary support. The presentation will cover the benefits of such a garden for individuals, families, and the environment, including improved nutrition, social connection, and ecological health. The initiative aims to transform underutilized land into a productive space. [Cordova Street] The Cordova Street Improvement Concept Recommendation involves a conceptual design for significant improvements to Cordova Street, focusing on enhancing mobility, safety, and streetscape design. Updates will be presented regarding resiliency, refined crosswalks, and historic signage. The CRA Board is being asked to approve the conceptual design. The project aims to incorporate stormwater management, wider sidewalks, increased tree canopy, and permeable pavement. The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) FY 2025 Annual Report presentation will highlight the agency's redevelopment efforts, financial performance, projects, programs, studies, and plans over the past fiscal year. The report celebrates 25 years of redevelopment in St. Augustine. Bethel Baptist Church applied for Institutional Rehabilitation. The request was for one million dollars, with funds to be budgeted for the upcoming year. The project includes interior and exterior repairs to make the church whole and ensure its historic preservation. The project could be done in phases, with phase one being architectural design and phase two being construction services. The church is eighty-six years old. First Baptist Church applied for Institutional Rehabilitation to improve the church parsonage, a portion of a previous project that could not be completed due to funding. The estimated constructed cost is $850,000, and the request was to add them to the wait list. The parsonage is not currently used but is intended for community gatherings and as a space for the pastor. The church invested $100,000 in a prior project. [Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave] An update was provided on the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave Streetscape project, which aims to underground utilities. Twenty-six easements are needed, and notices have been sent out with five responses received (three negative, two in favor). Efforts are underway with Florida Power and Light (FPL) to reduce the number of required easements. The project also includes introducing more street lighting. [Hayling Plaza / Dr. Robert B. Hayling Freedom Park] An update and recommendation for an interpretive plaque for Dr. Robert B. Hayling at Hayling Plaza was discussed. The plaque will identify Dr. Hayling and provide history of his work. Discussions included the length of the text, the possibility of multiple plaques, incorporating technology like QR codes, and the material for the plaque (bronze with raised lettering). The design will be provided for review at the April meeting. [Not stated (street renaming request, Hayling Park discussed as alternative)] A discussion occurred regarding a request to rename a street for a Civil Rights activist, with the alternative idea of creating a Civil Rights walk in Hayling Park to recognize multiple activists. Concerns were raised about the imposition of street name changes on property owners. Sign toppers were also discussed as a possibility. The family of the activist will be consulted.