PURPOSE

The purpose of the City of Alachua Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Business Façade Grant Program (Program) is to provide assistance to rehabilitate the facades of commercial buildings within the Community Redevelopment Area.

Grant funds are awarded to projects that best facilitate and foster the goals and objectives of the CRA Amended Community Redevelopment Plan and the CRA Market Study and Economic Development Implementation Plan. A copy of these plans may be found on the CRA’s webpage.

The Program Policies and Procedures are meant to provide applicants with important information about the Business Façade Grant Program requirements. Applicants should use this document as a guide when applying for a grant in order to make sure that all requirements are met. This document may be downloaded by clicking the links provided below.

AVAILABLE GRANT FUNDING AND MATCHING REQUIREMENTS

The Program provides a 50% matching grant between $500 and $5,000 for façade improvement project costs. Grant recipients must provide a cash or loan match of 50% of total project cost. Funding is appropriated annually by the CRA, and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants must finish the project and pay all project costs before being eligible for reimbursement.

Grant funds may only be used for projects that improve the aesthetics of the exterior facade of a building. Improvements must be compatible and complementary to buildings located on the same block on both sides of the street. The total project costs may only include labor and materials. No building owner, lessor, lessee, tenant, occupant, employee, or immediate relative of an applicant, either personally or corporately, shall be paid to serve as a contractor or subcontractor for the work to be performed.

ELIGIBILITY

Properties that are eligible under the Program must be located within the Community Redevelopment Area and be occupied with a commercial business or have plans to be occupied upon project completion. Eligible buildings must have a facade that is visible from a street or parking lot.

If a building is a multi-use building (e.g. residential and commercial), only the commercial portion of the building is eligible under the Program. Buildings used exclusively for residential purposes are not eligible for the Program.

Interested parties are encouraged to review all Program Policies and Procedures eligibility requirements or to contact the CRA Coordinator to discuss eligibility.

The purpose of the Community Redevelopment Area is to rehabilitate, conserve, and redevelop areas within its geographical boundaries as shown on the Community Redevelopment District Map in accordance with a Community Redevelopment Plan.

The Community Redevelopment Agency was established in 1982 upon a finding by the Alachua City Commission of slum and blight within a designated area. The City Commission serves as the Community Redevelopment Agency and governing board. The Agency receives recommendations from an appointed five member advisory board.

Third Thursday on Main
Every Third Thursday of the month from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Third Thursday on Main is the perfect place to get your "pre-weekend" on! Each month Main Street Alachua comes alive with the sound of music, unique dining at local restaurants, specialty shopping, an art sale, the Alachua Farmer's Market, and so much more!

 Call to Artists and Crafters:

Join Third Thursday on Main to display and sell your art or handicrafts. Participation is free. Email or call Chelsea Bakaitis, CRA Coordinator, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (386) 418-6134.

ABOUT

The purpose of the Community Redevelopment Area is to rehabilitate, conserve, and redevelop areas within its geographical boundaries as shown on the Community Redevelopment District Map in accordance with a Community Redevelopment Plan.

The Community Redevelopment Agency was established in 1982 upon a finding by the Alachua City Commission of slum and blight within a designated area. The City Commission serves as the Community Redevelopment Agency and governing board. The Agency receives recommendations from an appointed five member advisory board.

PLANS

The City of Alachua CRA has developed planning documents to serve as a blueprint for redevelopment and reinvestment within the Community Redevelopment Area. In 2013 the Agency updated their primary planning document, and in 2016 passed a CRA Market Study and Economic Development Implementation Plan.

• CRA Plan Update
• CRA Market Study & Economic Development Implementation Plan

CONTACT

MEETINGS

Agendas and Minutes

All CRA and CRAAB meetings are hosted in the James A. Lewis Commission Chambers, City Hall, 15100 NW 142nd Terrace, Alahcua, FL 32616.

Community Redevelopment Agency Public Meeting Schedule:

Time: 5:00 PM

• November 5, 2018
• January 14, 2019
• March 11, 2019
• May 6, 2019
• July 22, 2019
• September 9, 2019

Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Board Public Meeting Schedule:

Time: 3:00 PM

• October 15, 2018
• November 19, 2018
• January 14, 2019
• February 11, 2019
• March 18, 2019
• April 15, 2019
• May 20, 2019
• June 17, 2019
• July 15, 2019
• August 19, 2019
• September 16, 2019

AGENCY BOARD MEMBERS

*NEWS*: The City of Alachua will be accepting applications for two appointments beginning March 25, 2019 and with a submission deadline on April 18, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. It is planned that the CRA will review and appoint individuals for the positions at its meeting on May 6 , 2019, at 5:00 p.m. Terms begin June 12, 2019 and end June 12, 2022. Questions about the CRA or application process may be directed to the CRA Coordinator.

Information about the CRA Advisory Board and the Application for Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Board Membership may be downloaded HERE.

The City Commission serves as the CRA governing body and receives recommendations from an appointed five member advisory board. If you would like to contact a member or multiple members, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request your message be forwarded.

CRA Members:

Gib Coerper, Chair & Registered Agent (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) (Term: April 2016-2019)
Shirley Green-Brown, Vice Chair (Term: April 2018-2020)
Gary Hardacre (Term: May 2018- 2020)
Dayna Miller (Term: April 2018- 2020)
Robert Wilford (Term: April 2017-2019)

CRA Advisory Board Members:

To be an eligible candidate for the Advisory Board, members must live or work within the Area and cannot hold another municipal office.

Rudy Rothseiden, Chair (Term: June 12, 2018-2021)
Bryan Boukari, Vice Chair (Term: June 12, 2017-2020)
Marvin Bingham (Term: June 12, 2017-2020)
Kelly Harris (Term: June 12, 2017-2019)
Rick Robertson (Term: June 12, 2017-2019)

BUSINESS FACADE GRANT PROGRAM

The purpose of the City of Alachua Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Business Façade Grant Program (Program) is to provide assistance to rehabilitate the facades of commercial buildings within the Community Redevelopment Area.

Grant funds are awarded to projects that best facilitate and foster the goals and objectives of the CRA Amended Community Redevelopment Plan and the CRA Market Study and Economic Development Implementation Plan.

The Program Policies and Procedures are meant to provide applicants with important information about the Business Façade Grant Program requirements. Applicants should use this document as a guide when applying for a grant in order to make sure that all requirements are met. The Program Policies and Procedures and more details about the program may be found by clicking the link here.

REPORTING