boyton beach annual report

ANNUAL REPORT 2007

message from CRAChairmanJerry Taylor

message from CRAExecutive Director

Lisa A. Bright

2007 groundbrea

king ceremony on

SeacrestBlvd.

Brian Hinners from the Aubu

rn Group

presentssponsor

ship check

2007 Marina Summer Fest

2007 Holiday Extravaganza

The 2007 city elections established a new citycommission/CRA board. This CRA leadership has theexpertise and instincts to help guide Boynton Beach’sgrowth into a bright and prosperous future.

Through project funding, property acquisition,partnerships with developers and other proactiveactivities, the CRA board will work passionately andproductively to greatly expand homeownership

opportunities, beautify our city from downtown to the suburbs,

create jobs, and strengthen our local economy.As our CRA board joins with residents, businesses and community leaders

in 2008 to steer Boynton Beach along the path of progress, we will continueto move swiftly forward in our drive to create rewarding new opportunities.

Mayor Jerry Taylor, Board ChairmanBoynton Beach CRA

Because they do much of their work quietly behind the scenes, some people may not be aware of the unique role ofCRAs as mechanisms for funding new housing units, shops and businesses, job opportunities, community improvementsand cultural events and festivals.

I am proud that here in Boynton Beach, our CRA’s efforts in guidingquality growth are creating dynamic changes in our city’s long-termlivability and economic health. During the past year, the CRA hasadvanced many projects, plans and programs to keep our commercial

and residential renaissance going strong. This annual report highlights much ofthat activity, with additional details available on our website at www.boyntonbeachcra.com.

In the year ahead, it is our goal to raise commerce and investment, affordable housing,culture and entertainment, and community pride to the next level. I am excited thatour CRA will continue to play a leading role in ensuring that the quality of life and caliberof opportunities in Boynton Beach will keep getting better and better.

Lisa A. Bright, Executive DirectorBoynton Beach CRA

Mayor Jerry Taylor

CRA Executive Directo

r

Lisa Bright

915 South Federal HighwayBoynton Beach, Florida 33435www.boyntonbeachcra.com

PLACESTAMPHERE

BUILDING THE FUTUREBOYNTON BEACH STYLE

Boynton Beach’s “Main Street

in the making,” East Ocean

Avenue, stands poised to push

forward in 2008. The CRA

hosted community visioning

workshops in 2007, enabling

residents and other local

stakeholders to contribute ideas and opinions on the future development of

downtown Boynton Beach. EDAW, the international urban planning and

consulting firm hired by the CRA to conduct the workshops and develop the

master plan, is incorporating the input in an initial report on the plan and an

interpretation of the community’s vision in a comprehensive, visual

presentation. Their final draft of the master plan will be presented to CRA board

members and city commissioners in early 2008. Among the ideas reflecting

residents’ vision for the unification and future growth of the downtown area are:

• Encourage year round, self-sustaining downtown business activity

such as locally-owned produce and fish markets that cater to

local residents

• Revitalize Federal Highway with pedestrian-friendly redevelopment

• Increase residential densities to encourage downtown living in a

variety of housing types that support local businesses and add value

and character to the area

• Preserve the city’s heritage by making optimum use of the

waterfront, natural environments and existing structures

DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN

CRA-supported projectsare defining BoyntonBeach’s commercial andresidential renaissance.

‘


PLACESTAMPHERE

BOYNTON HARBOR MARINA

BOYNTON HARBOR MARINA

In the summer of 2007, the CRA renamed the Two Georges Marina to

Boynton Harbor Marina. Selected from Palm Beach County resident

submissions, the name change reflects the ongoing revitalization of the

marina. Since the CRA’s purchase of the land in 2006, the marina has been

updated through a series of renovations designed to create a first rate public

access facility for boating and fishing.

“The purchase and restoration of this marina has ensured our residents

public access to the waterways for generations to come,” said CRA Executive

Director Lisa Bright. “To signify this milestone, we named the marina with

the help of Palm Beach County residents.”

“It seems fitting to rename a public location in honor of all of the

redevelopment that is taking place,” said Kurt Marschall, who submitted

the winning name. “The new Boynton Harbor Marina will bring a much

needed ‘haven of rest’ to those who want to experience beautiful

Boynton Beach, Florida at its best.”


PLACESTAMPHERE

HEART OF BOYNTON

Seacrest Blvd. affordable housing groundbreaking ceremony Carolyn Sims Center at Wilson Park

HEART OF BOYNTONThe ongoing initiative to bring quality commercial and residential

redevelopment to the Heart of Boynton continued to be a top priority in

2007. The CRA is partnering with the Auburn Group, LLC, a leader in

providing innovative solutions for affordable and workforce housing, to

spearhead the revitalization of the 26-acre corridor that encompasses

Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. from Seacrest Blvd. to U.S. 1.

The CRA and Boynton Beach Faith Based Community Development Corp.

held a groundbreaking ceremony in November to kick-off construction of

three new affordable homes on Seacrest Boulevard. The property purchased

by the CRA at Seacrest Boulevard and NW 5th Court originally contained two

lots with a vacant home on each and was converted into three lots for three

new homes. Financial assistance is being provided by the CRA and the City

to three local families who were previously unable to afford homeownership.

The new Carolyn Sims Center at Wilson Park held its grand opening in

February. The 14,000 square foot recreation center, which features a large

multipurpose room, computer lab, game room and classrooms, will be a

focal point of community activities for Boynton Beach residents of all ages.

As part of the City’s participation in the Youth Violence Prevention Project,

the center is designated as a Youth Empowerment Center. The Carolyn

Sims Center is the centerpiece of a nearly $7 million renovation at the Heart

of Boynton’s Wilson Park complex at 211 NW 13th Ave.

The CRA acquired land along Seacrest Blvd. to move forward in 2008

with a streetscape initiative consistent with the beautification goals

of the Heart of Boynton plan. To date, the CRA has invested over $15 million

in projects and programs that support the revitalization of the Heart

of Boynton.


PLACESTAMPHERE

promenade of boynton beach

ocean breeze las ventanas

sunshine square

The CRA Board unanimously voted to begin

negotiating with American Realty Development

LLC of Lake Mary to bring an affordable housing

community to the site that was once home to

the Boynton Terrace Apartments. American

Realty plans for the Ocean Breeze project to

include a mix of 84 income-restricted rental

apartments on the east side of Seacrest and 56

townhouses for sale on the west side.

Developer Epoch Properties, Inc. broke ground

on Las Ventanas, a 494-unit complex featuring

rental apartments and retail space. Located on

15 acres at the corner of Woolbright Road and

Federal Highway, the project will include more

than 43,000 square feet of ground-floor retail

space with 70 loft apartments situated above.

There will also be 20 three-bedroom

townhouses, two five-story towers with 404

OCEAN BREEZE

LAS VENTANAS

PROMENADE OFBOYNTON BEACH

Woolbright Development for $23 million in

November 2007.

A major remodeling of the older suburban shopping

plaza is underway, including new facades, updated paint

scheme, landscaping and lighting renovations.

Expanding Publix Super Market and updating the

shopping center will revitalize an important and highly

visible crossroads location.

apartments, three parking garages, three pools,

a community clubhouse and a fitness center.

A luxury high-rise condominium at the corner

of Boynton Beach Boulevard and U.S. 1,

Promenade will feature 318 condo residences,

77 fully furnished condo-hotel suites, and

20,000 square feet of street-front retail

and restaurant space in two 14-story

towers. Developer Boynton Waterways

Investment Associates, LLC is

spearheading the project, which will offer

an ideal waterfront location in the center

of the downtown revitalization.

The 14-acre Sunshine Square shopping

center at the southwest corner of U.S. 1

and Woolbright Road was sold to

SUNSHINE SQUARE


PLACESTAMPHERE

HOMEBUYER’SASSISTANCEPROGRAM

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CRA

CRA Chairman Jerry Taylor and CRA ExecutiveDirector Lisa Bright welcome Faith Dickens anddaughter Gabrielle McDowell to their home atThe Preserve.

Residents share ideas on the redevelopment of downtownBoynton Beach and affordable housing.

AFFORDABLEHOUSING


PLACESTAMPHERE

The CRA continued its legislative mission to make the American

Dream of owning a home a reality, funding and creating affordable housing

opportunities for local residents through grants, programs and partnerships.

In 2007, over $1 million was approved to support the CRA’s Homebuyer’s

Assistance Program and Residential Improvement Grant Program. The

Homebuyer’s Assistance Program offers up to $50,000 in interest free down

payment assistance to qualified individuals and families trying to buy a home

within the CRA district. The Residential Improvement Grant Program gives

qualified residents living in the CRA district the opportunity to add value to

their properties with up to $20,000 in funds for exterior repairs, including

hurricane shutters, landscaping, painting, and roofing.

The CRA’s financing partnership with The Cornerstone Group to

include affordable housing at The Preserve opened the door to home

homeownership for Faith Dickens and her daughter Gabrielle. They became the

first affordable housing homeowners to move into the new master-planned

luxury community at 1801 NE 4th Street.

The CRA teamed up with Habitat for Humanity, donating a lot on

NW 12th Ave. to build workforce housing. In exchange for the land, Habitat

agreed to build upgraded, single-family homes with metal roofs, spacious

bedrooms and one-car garages.

The CRA helped local business owners rehabilitate their properties

with initiatives like the Commercial Facade Improvement Grant Program.

The program helps businesses improve the exterior of their buildings,

enhancing the appearance of major corridors within the CRA.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

CRACULTURAL EVENTS

Kool & The Gang

The onethat didn

’t get away

is displayed at the M

arina

Summer Fest

Heritage Celebratio

n

Mini-cheerleaders f

rom the Congress Middle

School Cougars

Three Dog Night

Commissioner Woodrow Hay and wifeMildred enjoy the Holiday ExtravaganzaLisa Brig

ht, SteveScaggs,

Margee Adelsperge

r

37th Annual Holiday Pa

rade

CULTURAL EVENTSCrowd-pleasing events and festivals continued to be a trademark of

the CRA District and a growing source of income and exposure for

local businesses. Residents and visitors shared good times in 2007

at a lively lineup of downtown happenings.

February’s 2007 HHeerriittaaggee CCeelleebbrraattiioonn paid tribute to black cultural heritage

and multicultural unity, and featured a free concert by rhythm and blues

legends KKooooll && TThhee GGaanngg.

In August, Boynton Beach honored its boating and fishing traditions with

MMaarriinnaa SSuummmmeerr FFeesstt, a sprawling land-and-sea celebration culminating in

the renaming of the Two Georges Marina to Boynton Harbor Marina.

In December, the HHoolliiddaayy EExxttrraavvaaggaannzzaa presented an uplifting variety of

holiday traditions and festivities, capped by a free concert featuring famed

1970s rock band TThhrreeee DDoogg NNiigghhtt.

HERITAGEHERITAGE

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CMYK


PLACESTAMPHERE

TROLLEY EXPANDS SERVICE

BOYNTON BEACH CRA

LeisurevilleGolf Course

(Tri-Rail)

02/08

PublixQuantumVillage

SW 22nd Way

BoyntonBeach Mall

TRANSFER STOP

PublixBoyntonPlaza

ClubHouse

ClubHouse

ClubHouse

Venetian

SuperWal-Mart

Target

Linens ‘nThings

Catalina Centre

Publix

BethesdaMemorialHospital

TRANSFER STOP

ClubHouse

ClubHouse

ClubHouse

17

18

19

21

24

25 26

30

322

33/1

28

16

29

34

31

3

4

5 6

7

8

9

10

11

14-A14-B

13-A

13-B

12

15

27

22

20

Gateway Blvd

N C

ongr

ess

Ave

NW Commerce Park Dr

Gateway Blvd

N S

eacr

est Bl

vd

N S

eacr

est Bl

vd

S C

ongr

ess

Ave

SW 13th Ave

S Se

acre

st B

lvd

S Se

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st B

lvd

NE

4th

St

N F

eder

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wy

S Fe

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N F

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Boynton Beach Blvd

Ocean Ave

SE 2nd Ave

Boynton Beach Blvd

Ocean Drive

MLK Jr Blvd

NE 15th Ave

High Ridge Rd

Old Boynton Rd

SW 1

8th

St

SW C

ongr

ess Bl

vd

W Woolbright Rd

SW 23rd AveSE 23rd Ave

SW 5

th S

t

W Woolbright Rd

SE 18th Ave

SE 5th Ave

Col

onia

l Clu

b D

r.

SW 1

8t

h St

SE 2

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SE 4

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Hours of OperationMonday-Friday 7:0 am - 7:30 pm Saturday-Sunday 9:15 am - 5:45 pm North Route

South RouteTransfer Stops

0

23

807

SterlingVillage

The Boynton Beach CRA Trolley expanded its free service to include a southern route

that incorporates key stops at Bethesda Memorial Hospital, Leisureville, Colonial Club,

and Sterling Village.

The trolley also added two new stops to its original northern route: Super

Wal-Mart at 3200 Old Boynton Road, and the new Target, located at 1901 South

Congress Ave. The trolley’s last weekday run was extended until 7:15 p.m.

With the southern route expansion, the CRA-operated trolley system has 34 total stops in a “full circle” service area that

covers Boynton Beach via major east/west connectors Gateway Blvd. to the north and SW 23rd Ave. to the south, and

north/south connectors Federal Highway to the east and Congress Ave. to the west.

“We listened to our residents and expanded our routes and schedules

to fit their needs,” said Mayor Jerry Taylor,

CRA board chair. “Our residents depend on

the trolley as a reliable and affordable

mode of transportation and our businesses

have embraced it as a highly visible source

of advertising.”

For a printable version of the Boynton Beach

Trolley’s schedule and stops, log onto the new

trolley website at www.boyntonbeachtrolley.com.

BOYNTON BEACH CRA

Trolley does not stop on week-ends at these times.

BOYNTON BEA CH CRA

#22AM

7:348:369:51

10:51

PM12:061:062:213:214:365:366:51

PM12:241:392:393:544:546:097:09

AM7:549:09

10:0911:24

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Trolley does not stop on week-ends at these times.

CMYK


PLACESTAMPHERE

WIFI NEW WEBSITE

As part of its ongoing downtown revitalization,

the CRA expanded the City’s free outdoor WiFi

network. With 11 active hot spots and a total of

12 planned, anyone with a wireless device can access the

Internet outdoors throughout downtown Boynton Beach.

The CRA launched its new website, www.boyntonbeachcra.com in April

2007. The user-friendly website includes up-to-date information on affordable

housing, public and private projects under development in the CRA District,

trolley schedules and advertising opportunities, as well as agency news

and events.

Visitors to the site get a very active and real understanding of what is

going on in Boynton Beach. The website showcases projects in the

community that make Boynton Beach the right choice for business and a

great place to live. In development for 2008: a virtual tour of the CRA District

with aerial views of key areas and projects. The CRA and trolley websites

attract a combined total of over 2,000 visits daily.

“The CRA is working to improve the availability and quality of free public

WiFi,” said Lisa Bright, CRA executive director. “The downtown WiFi network

increases productivity and convenience for our residents, and aligns with the

CRA’s goal of stimulating economic growth and redevelopment.”

NEW WEBSITE

CMYK


PLACESTAMPHERE

BOARD MEMBERSCChhaaiirrmmaannMayor Jerry Taylor

Vice Mayor Jose A. RodriguezCommissioner Ron WeilandCommissioner Woodrow HayCommissioner Marlene Ross

Executive DirectorLisa A. Bright

AAssssiissttaanntt DDiirreeccttoorrVivian Brooks

MMaarrkkeettiinngg aanndd CCoommmmuunniiccaattiioonnss DDiirreeccttoorrMargee Adelsperger

FFiinnaannccee DDiirreeccttoorrSusan Harris

FFiinnaannccee AAssssiissttaannttGhishlane Villanueva

DDeevveellooppmmeenntt MMaannaaggeerrMike Simon

SSppeecciiaall EEvveennttss MMaannaaggeerrKathy BiscuitiAAddmmiinniissttrraattiivvee SSeerrvviicceess MMaannaaggeerrAshley BuckleyMMaarrkkeettiinngg aanndd EEvveennttss AAssssiissttaannttAlina Wiser

FISCAL YEAR 2007FINANCIALS

REVENUES EXPENDITURES

ASSETS & LIABILITIES AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2007Total Assets $37,827,007Total Liabilities $33,461,797

Tax Increment Revenue (T.I.F.)$9,088,068

Interest/Other Revenue$1,997,664

GeneralGovernment$2,807,032

Redevelopment Projects$1,949,672

Debt Services$2,882,988

Capital Outlay$15,052,126

CRA STAFF

Audited StatementsAs an agency of the City of Boynton Beach, the Boynton Beach CRA presents

its financial statements in accordance with the reporting model required by

Governmental Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 34, Basic

Financial Statements – and Management Discussion and Analysis –

for State and Local Governments.

Overview of the Financial StatementsThe CRA’s basic financial statements are comprised of:

1) Government-Wide Financial Statements

2) Fund Financial Statements

3) Notes to the Financial Statements.

This report also contains other supplementary information in addition to

the basic financial statements themselves. The CRA adopts an annual

appropriated budget for its General Fund. A budgetary comparison schedule

provided for the General Fund demonstrates compliance with this budget.

Copies of the Boynton Beach CRA’s financial statements may be requested

by telephone (561-737-3256) or by mail at the CRA’s address listed in

this report.

FINANCIALS

CMYK


PLACESTAMPHERE

CMYK

915 South Federal Highway • Boynton Beach, Florida 33435 • 561-737-3256 www.boyntonbeachcra.com

boyton beach annual report

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