Redevelopment Works Newsletter – Spring 2020

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SPRING 2020

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VOLUME 3 ISSUE 3

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COVID – 19 UPDATE

Over the past few weeks Boynton Beach residents, along with individuals living all across the globe, have experienced the direct effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are certainly living in unprecedented times that are rapidly changing and evolving on a daily basis. Despite so many unknowns and ever-evolving policies and regulations, we are all navigating this new way of living to the best of our ability. The Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) remains unwavering in our commitment to support the local community with guidance and resources during these difficult times.

We are monitoring real-time updates and directives from the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), the State of Florida, Palm Beach County, and the City of Boynton Beach. We are taking this pandemic very seriously and encourage you to do the same. Please continue to stay closely informed about this quickly evolving situation by monitoring local news outlets and utilizing the information outlined below under Additional Resources.

OFFICE CLOSURE

In an effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus, and to protect the well-being of our staff and community members, the CRA office is currently closed to the public. During this time of social distancing CRA staff members are temporarily working remotely from home. Our staff is eager and ready to assist however we can, so please don’t hesitate to reach out as you normally would by email or phone. Visit our website to view a full directory of staff and contact information.

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

The SBA is offering loans through funding provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act. They will work directly with state Governors to provide targeted, low-interest loans to small businesses and non-profits that have been severely impacted.

Click here for more information.

Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program

The Bridge Loan Program, which is managed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), provides short-term, interest-free loans to small businesses that are experiencing economic issues from COVID-19. Applications will be accepted through May 8, 2020, contingent on the availability of funds.

Click here for more information.

Emergency Business Damage Assessment Survey

Introduced by Governor DeSantis, this survey will assess the impact on Florida’s local business operations to determine which businesses may qualify for relief programs.

Click here to complete the survey.

Reemployment Assistance

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has announced that individuals who have had their employment negatively impacted because of mitigation efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, may be eligible to receive Reemployment Assistance.

Click here for more information.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH COVID – 19 UPDATE

The video below was released by the City of Boynton Beach on March 30, 2020, and provides details on some of the initiatives that have been implemented by the City to address the COVID-19 pandemic. You can receive weekly updates directly to your inbox by signing up for the City of Boynton Beach newsletter. Click here to sign up.

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REDEVELOPMENT

OCEAN BREEZE EAST CONSTRUCTION IS UNDERWAY

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Ocean Breeze East is a highly anticipated project in the Heart of Boynton neighborhood. This urban infill project will consist of 3-story affordable multi-family rental apartment buildings, recreational amenities, upgraded landscaping, and associated parking, in addition to about 990 square feet of ‘flex space’ to be used as the Neighborhood Officer Program (NOP) office and a community center.

The key to this project’s success was CMC’s experience and ability to apply for and be awarded project funding of approximately $2.07 million in annual funding for ten year from the Florida Housing Finance Corporation and its 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program. The CRA assisted financially by selling the land at below appraised value and partnering with the City of Boynton Beach to provide $567,500 as a local government funding match.

The collaboration between the FHFC (Florida Housing Finance Corporation), City of Boynton Beach, Boynton Beach CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency), and Ocean Breeze East Apartments, LLC, (OBEAL) will result in quality modern affordable one, two, and three bedroom units. Eligible applicants must earn household incomes of no more than 33% or 60% of Area Median Income to qualify. As part of the purchase and development agreement with the CRA, OBEAL has also committed to prioritize the use of local contractors, sub-contractors, and to hire local residents as a part of the development operations team.

“The CRA was fully committed to financially assisting OBEAL to complete this important housing project if we were unsuccessful during this application cycle. By receiving the 9% LIHTC funding award, millions of CRA dollars can now be used on other priority projects throughout the CRA boundary area over the next ten years,” says Michael Simon, CRA Executive Director.

For more information regarding Ocean Breeze East, please contact Theresa Utterback at 561-600-9094 or UtterbackT@bbfl.us.

#HitTheBiz

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Small businesses within the Boynton Beach Community have already been hugely impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic and its social distancing requirements. The CRA is committed to assisting our small businesses during these difficult economic times. Here are a few ways in which you too can help the local businesses:

Order takeout or delivery from local restaurants
Buy a gift card for later use or for future gifts
Choose local stores and establishments versus a large chain
Leave a positive review for your favorite businesses

Click the learn more button below for a listing of restaurants within the CRA District that are currently offering takeout and delivery, as well as retail and services businesses that are following the social distancing protocols that have recently been implemented.

LEARN MORE

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BOYNTON HARBOR MARINA

In accordance with the order issued by Palm Beach County, the Boynton Harbor Marina fuel docks, ship store, and transient dockage slips are temporarily closed until further notice. Please monitor the CRA website and social media channels for updates about the reopening of the marina.

HISTORIC WOMAN’S CLUB OF BOYNTON BEACH

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the CRA will not be showing or booking the Historic Woman’s Club of Boynton Beach until after May 1, 2020.

For building information or to submit a booking inquiry, please call (561) 600-9097 or email WomansClub@bbfl.us.

SOCIAL MEDIA OUTREACH PROGRAM (SMOP)

LEARN MORE

The CRA SMOP Program is still operating and wants to assist your business!

Please contact Renee at robertsr@bbfl.us with information on what your business is doing during the COVID-19 crisis. If you offer delivery, or online ordering, we would like to assist you in getting the word out to others.

Do you need ideas on how to market your business during this time? Renee is available for a phone or video chat meeting. Contact her to set up your appointment today.

Please continue to follow the Boynton Beach CRA on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, as well as the CRA website for future updates on office hours.

UPCOMING EVENTS

The safety and well-being of the local community is of the upmost importance to the CRA. Following the CDC recommendation to cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more to prevent the possible spread of COVID-19, the BBCRA has decided to postpone the Rock the Plaza event that was scheduled to take place on April 25, 2020. An alternative date will be selected and shared with the public once determined.

The latest updates on CRA Business Promotional Events will be shared via social media and on the CRA website.

GET UPDATES FASTER!

You can now receive important messages and information from the CRA directily on your phone. Just text EZBBCRA to 484848 to sign up!

2020

BOYNTON BEACH

CRA CALENDAR

APRIL

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CRA ADVISORY BOARD MEETING

THE MEETING SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 2ND HAS BEEN CANCELED

CRA BOARD MEETING

April 14th @ 5:30 PM – 2240 N. Federal Hwy.

MAY

CRA ADVISORY BOARD MEETING

THE MEETING SCHEDULED FOR MAY 7TH HAS BEEN CANCELED

CRA BOARD MEETING

May 12th @ 5:30 PM – 2240 N. Federal Hwy.

JUNE

CRA ADVISORY BOARD MEETING

June 4th @ 5:30 PM – 2240 N. Federal Hwy.

CRA BOARD MEETING

June 9th @ 5:30 PM – 2240 N. Federal Hwy.

To protect the health and safety of the CRA Board, staff, and community members social distancing measures will be implemented for upcoming CRA meetings.