This CRA Board Meeting was conducted utilizing Communications Media Technology. Some Staff members were present in the Commission Chambers while others were present via the Zoom application to respect the social distancing guidelines.

 

CRA Board Members Present in Chambers:

Shirley Groover Bryant, Presiding Officer

Sheldon Jones

 

Staff Present in chambers:

Jeff Burton, CRA Director

Vanessa Cochran, Assistant City Clerk

 

Staff Present Electronically:

Todd Williams, Information Technology (IT) Consultant

 

Mr. Burton, CRA Director, called the meeting to order at 2:06 p.m.

 

1.     PUBLIC COMMENT

None

 

 

2.        CONNOR PARK AND OTHER CRA ACTIVITIES (J. Burton)

Mr. Burton, CRA Director, gave a presentation on the sustainable redevelopment of an EPA/FDEP identified Brownfield into a stormwater pretreatment/preserve/park and trail.  The presentation is a part of the minutes.

 

CRA owns property and was deeded from City to CRA in 2014/15.  The City purchased the property in 1998 from the Edenfield family.

 

   Mr. Burton stated Connor Park will be part of the larger nine mile trail system that has been planned and continues to be developed within the City of Palmetto. 

 

   Mr. Burton reviewed the numerous grants to help offset funding for this project.  Grants include $200k from Environmental Protection Agency, $700k from Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), $50k Tampa Bay Environmental Restoration Fund, $100k FPL grant, and $800k Voluntary Cleanup Tax Credits.  CRA would provide $1.9M towards the remaining cost for the improvements.

 

Mr. Burton reviewed the site map for the project including proposed improvements such as a boardwalk, pavilion, parking, and observation deck.

 

Mr. Burton asked for questions and there were none.

 

 

Community Meeting

March 24, 2021

Page 2 of 2

 

 

  Mr. Burton discussed the survey that was performed by USF.  Surveys were obtained by going door to door and also at Heritage Day Festival in 2019.  A total of 61 surveys were collected and included 24 questions regarding water quality, understanding brownfields and demographic information as it relates to Connor Park.

 

  Mr. Burton noted that the survey indicated the almost 30% wanted a walking trail which was the highest ranked response with a rest area and bike path ranking slightly lower.

 

  74% of those surveyed indicated they agree that a public park is appropriate for this site.

 

Mr. Burton continued to review the results of the survey which is also included and made part of these minutes.

 

Mr. Burton asked for question and there were none.

 

Mr. Burton adjourned the meeting at 2:36 p.m.