PALMETTO — The Palmetto Community Redevelopment Agency showed residents and business owners the services it has to offer and the projects it has spearheaded at a community information session June 3 at the Palmetto Branch Library.
The CRA is a special district of the city that aims to revitalize designated blighted areas through infrastructure projects and housing and business programs.
Residents who qualify can get financial help to renovate their homes to increase safety and code compliance through the Residential Rehabilitation Program.
Low-income homeowners within the CRA’s boundaries who have an active city code enforcement violation are eligible to apply to address housing conditions in their primary residence that affect health, safety and code compliance. Up to $35,000 can be allocated to a residence once every 10 years. Wood-frame homes are not eligible for rehabilitation.
Commercial property owners can apply to upgrade their building facades with up to $75,000 in assistance from the Commercial Façade Enhancement Program.
Eligible enhancements include exterior paint in CRA-approved colors, landscaping, fencing, doors, windows, bike racks, benches, security cameras and more.
For more information on the programs, visit https://palmettofl.org/1422/Programs-Incentives.
The Palmetto CRA, in partnership with the Bradenton CRA, provides free transportation within the two CRA districts through Freebee, Wednesdays through Sundays. Call 855-918-3733 or visit www.RideFreebee.com to sign up for the app.
Other projects highlighted at the event include:
• A seahorse sculpture installation at the historic Palmetto Woman’s Club by artist Ron Berman.
• A Flood Vulnerability Assessment report with suggested adaptations to protect property, including seawall construction and elevation.
• A proposed landing for the Gulf Islands Ferry at the foot of the Green Bridge, where parking is already available, and the addition of a pedestrian overpass across the bridge.
• An eagle sculpture under consideration for installation at the Palmetto Estuary Preservation Project at the foot of the DeSoto Bridge.
• An oyster-planting project to improve water quality.
Cindy Lane is a staff writer for the Tampa Bay Beacons. She can be reached at clane@tbnweekly.com.