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While the COVID-19 pandemic presented unique challenges for the Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (BBCRA) in fiscal year 2019-2020, downtown redevelopment continued full speed ahead with the completion of the new City Hall/Library building, Historic High School/Cultural Center, Amphitheater and Public Spaces within the long awaited Town Square project. In addition, the past fiscal year saw the completion of the $1.6 million Sara Sims Park Renovation and the ground breaking of the 123 unit Ocean Breeze East Affordable Multi-Family Apartment Project.
As a redevelopment agency, we look forward to the fiscal year ahead and continuing our mission to guide redevelopment activities such as the creation of new affordable housing, assisting and promoting local businesses and area beautification projects in an effort to create a vibrant, livable and healthy community for all its citizens.
At their September 8, 2020 meeting, the CRA Board adopted the Fiscal Year 2020- 2021 budget allocating year’s tax increment revenue funding to reinvest and guide revitalization of Boynton Beach through our various redevelopment projects and commercial grant programs.
One of the most significant projects that will be occurring during the upcoming year is the highly anticipated Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard Corridor Redevelopment Project is expected to break-ground in early 2021. This project features 124 affordable multi-family rental units as well as 8,500 +/- square feet of leasable commercial space. The project’s developer received funding from the Florida Housing Finance Corporation’s 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credit Funding Program. The BBCRA has budgeted approximately $1,192,000 in funding to assist with the completion of the project and leasing of the commercial space.
In response to the community’s desire to improve the amphitheater pavilion in the newly renovated Sara Sims Park, the BBCRA budgeted $50,000 in funding to complete this request. The agency looks forward to the community events and celebrations that will be hosted in Sara Sims Park.
After another successful year, the BBCRA has allocated approximately $400,000 for use in our Economic Development Grants which provide funding assistance to used incentivize new businesses to choose Boynton or existing businesses to grow and expand their business in Boynton Beach. The Commercial Property Improvement Grant and Commercial Rent Reimbursement Grant provide 50% matching reimbursable funding to eligible businesses located in the CRA Area.
The BBCRA, along with the City of Boynton Beach, is working to address crime and invest in our community in the Heart of Boynton by providing funding of the Neighborhood Officer Policing Program for the 5th year. By cultivating personal relationships with foot and bike patrol officers, the community can increase safety while building trust with law enforcement.
When a CRA uses the tools provided under existing statutory regulations to reinvest and guide revitalization, it provides building the blocks and incentives for other stakeholders to join the process. The end result is a more vibrant, livable and healthy community for all its citizens. As the Executive Director for the past four years and a member of the BBCRA team for over 14 years, I am proud of our Board and staff for the way our agency is transforming Boynton Beach neighborhoods and commercial corridors for the better.
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EXCITING CHANGES IN DOWNTOWN BOYNTON BEACH!
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Have you seen the exciting transformation that is underway in Downtown Boynton Beach?
The area along East Ocean Avenue, which was very much an active construction site merely months ago, continues to be redeveloped and is nearly unrecognizable. The Town Square Project has completely transformed the downtown district into a futuristic hub that is anticipated to attract a variety of new retailers and residents.
The new four-story City Hall building, which also houses the Boynton Beach City Library is absolutely beautiful. Visitors are welcome to visit the building for socially distanced lounging on the first floor or to explore the new library, which features spacious areas for both children and adults.
After lying dormant for decades, the Historic Boynton Beach High School has been renovated and restored to its original glory. The 28,000-square-foot-building will now be utilized as the City’s Cultural Center. A variety of Recreation and Parks functions will take place at the venue, which will also be rented for special occasions such as weddings, parties, and conventions.
State of the art equipment continues to be installed in the two playground locations that are located next to the Cultural Center. Soon laughter will fill the air as children run and play freely in the open space.
The new amphitheater which is located just east of the new City Hall building will be surrounded by lush greenspace and will make a fantastic venue for a variety of live events. We anticipate the time when music and merriment will once again fill the air along East Ocean Avenue.
Despite the redevelopment still being in progress, there’s already so much to see and do in Downtown Boynton Beach. This truly is one of the best cities in South Florida to work, play, and live.
Want to know more? Click the learn more button below to view our exclusive blog series on East Ocean Avenue and the businesses that contribute to the success of Downtown Boynton Beach.
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A YEAR IN REVIEW –
THE BBCRA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANT PROGRAM
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After another successful year of operation, the BBCRA’s Economic Development Grant Programs assisted 14 new businesses, adding over $23,500 square feet of new retail, restaurant and professional office space to the BBCRA area. Additionally five existing business were able to expand and/or make façade improvements totaling just over 17,700 square feet of commercial space.
These grants, which act as 50% matching, reimbursable grants, continue to further the agency’s mission to activate vacant commercial space, create jobs and develop a vibrant downtown. In total, the BBCRA awarded $662,538 in funding for Commercial Rent Reimbursement Grants and Commercial Property Improvement Grants. With these grant dollars, the CRA added 8 new restaurants or specialty food businesses, 2 hair salons, 3 retail stores, 3 medical/professional offices and 3 commercial property façade improvements to the CRA area.
We also had the unique challenge presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CRA approved commercial rent reimbursement to current and/or previous grant recipients from the past 5 years with an additional six months of 50% matching rent reimbursement for the months of March – August 2020. This program assisted 42 additional businesses with relief funding totaling $289,119.
Lastly, the CRA Board approved $1 million is funding for the Small Business Disaster Relief Forgivable Loan Program to offset the business’s costs associated with utility, payroll or inventory expenses. Over the course of 7 weeks, the agency distributed a forgivable loan of up to $10,000 to 101 businesses within the CRA area.
As the new fiscal year begins, we look forward to welcoming new businesses to the community. The BBCRA has allocated approximately $400,000 for our Commercial Property Improvement Grant and Commercial Rent Reimbursement Grant which provide 50% matching reimbursable funding to eligible businesses located in the CRA area.
For more information on the BBCRA’s grant programs, contact Bonnie Nicklien at: nicklienb@bbfl.us or 561-600-9090.
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NOW LEASING!
OCEAN BREEZE EAST APARTMENTS
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Now accepting rental applications! 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.
This 123-unit rental apartment project is located at 700 N. Seacrest Boulevard in the Heart of Boynton. Project completion is anticipated in December 2020.
Interested residents can contact the project developer, Centennial Management, at obreeze@centennialmgt.com or (305) 455-5006 for more information on the application process.
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Be dazzled at Link Custom Jewelry! As a second-generation jeweler, Link Custom Jewelry specializes in precious metals – gold, silver and platinum – creating custom one-of-a-kind pieces that cannot be found in chain stores. They begin with hand sketches, progress to wax or resin models and finish with a completed jewelry piece. Link Custom Jewelry also offers expert repair of all fine jewelry. For more information, visit Link Custom Jewelry’s new storefront located in Ocean Plaza at 640 E. Ocean Avenue, Unit 2.
Link Custom Jewelry participated in the BBCRA Economic Development Grant Programs and will receive approximately $13,000 in 50% matching reimbursable funds for rental assistance for their first 18 months of business. Thank you for choosing Boynton Beach, Link Custom Jewelry!
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E&C’S BEAUTY SALON EXPERIENCE
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E & C’s Beauty Salon Experience was one of the first to see the potential in the new 500 Ocean development and now nearly 2 years later, the salon is open and welcoming new clients. Located at 510 E. Ocean Avenue, Unit 102, E & C’s Beauty Salon Experience offers clients a premier destination for staying beautiful. This full-service salon has a staff that is expertly trained in hair color, cuts, makeup, as well as other salon services. E & C’s founder, Curreen Ellis, hails from Toronto and has over 20 years of experience in the salon industry. E & C’s is the place to be for an excellent beauty salon experience.
E & C’s Beauty Salon Experience participated in the BBCRA
Economic Development Grant Programs and will receive
approximately $42,900 in 50% matching reimbursable funds for
rental assistance for their first 18-months of business as well as
funds for eligible interior build-out improvements.
Join us in welcoming this new business to Boynton Beach!
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Guaca Go is the epitome of young entrepreneurs following the American dream! What began as a small to-go stand in Key Largo for owners Amber Benjamin and Carson Bennett has now grown into their first brick and mortar location in up and coming Downtown Boynton Beach. Located at 510 E. Ocean Avenue, Unit 106, Guaca Go hand picks the perfect avocado and combines it with a choice of your favorite fresh ingredients, bringing you a fun, fresh way to enjoy guacamole – perfect for lunch, dinner, or a quick bite.
Don’t love avocados? Not to worry because they also offer a sweet potato bowl. Guaca Go’s mission is simple, “We love this planet of ours, and here at Guaca Go we do everything we can in our power to show our devotion to its healing. By doing our best to be self-sustaining, eco-friendly and healthy, we plan to leave our communities a little better than we found them.”
As part of the BBCRA’s Economic Development Grant Program, Guaca Go will receive approximately $73,800 in 50% matching rent reimbursement for their first 18 months of business as well as funds for eligible interior build-out improvements.
The BBCRA is proud to be the home to the BEST guacamole in Boynton Beach!
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Have you heard about the new “must go-to” restaurant and bar in downtown Boynton Beach? We have! We are thrilled to announce the opening of The Butcher & The Bar located at 510 E. Ocean Avenue, Unit 101. The Butcher & The Bar features a full-service retail butcher shop, premium bar, and dining venue. The Butcher shop is a whole animal butchery featuring regionally sourced and clean meats and food. The bar emphasizes local and regional liquor, wine, and beer.
The Butcher & The Bar provides a “premium, not pretentious” experience with an old-school vibe and emphasis on high quality food, beverage, and service. The Butcher & The Bar is perfect for a date night in, cooking one of their prepared meats from the butcher or enjoying a night out with friends at the bar and restaurant.
As part of the BBCRA’s Economic Development Grant Program, The Butcher & The Bar will receive approximately $81,500 in 50% matching rent reimbursement for their first 18 months of business as well as funds for eligible interior build-out improvements.
The BBCRA is proud to welcome The Butcher & The Bar to the neighborhood.
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Have you visited the newly renovated Prime Catch restaurant? The island themed waterfront dining venue, which is located at 700 East Woolbright Road, debuted a new look earlier this year. The redesign features a larger lobby, upgraded hostess area, renovated bathrooms, as well as a restructured upstairs dining room and bar that boasts stunning waterfront views. Check out the video above for an insider look at the sophisticated design.
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The waterfront dining experience in Florida is a key element to what locals call “Living the Good Life”. Here are three recommendations of how to Dine Like A Local at the Boynton Harbor Marina.
Two Georges Waterfront Grille
This favorite waterfront restaurant known for its casual vibe, has been a hot spot for locals for the past 60 years. Under the iconic thatched roof with a dockside view of the Intracoastal Waterway, you will find locals sipping their favorite cocktail, enjoying world-famous Maryland crab cakes while watching their favorite team on the big screen. The waterfront backdrop and causal fare is the perfect combo for a laid-back afternoon on the water. Boaters are welcome to dock and dine. Open for lunch and dinner, Monday – Sunday with Happy Hour at the bar Monday – Friday 3 – 6 pm.
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Banana Boat
Dining outside on the patio at this local landmark is an “Authentic Florida Experience”. Dine al fresco overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway while enjoying a tropical cocktail and fresh delicious seafood. This family owned restaurant opened in 1978 and has recently undergone a trendy makeover, making it feel like you have arrived at a tropical getaway. A local favorite is the Seafood Platter with fresh local Mahi Mahi, colossal shrimp, sea scallops, lemon chive butter and grilled asparagus. Boaters are welcome to dock and dine. Open for lunch and dinner, Monday – Sunday with Sunday Brunch from 11 am – 3 pm and Happy Hour at the bar Monday – Saturday 4-7 pm.
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Marina Café
Relax and enjoy the sea breeze at “Florida’s favorite café by the water”. Outdoor seating with a spectacular view sets the stage for delicious house-made fare and libations. If you love coffee, choose from the finest coffee and espresso from the world’s top 1% of espresso beans; Kona, Huehuetenango Guatemalan coffee or Italian roast. A popular dish is The Hangry Vanessa, a ½ pound locally farmed angus burger with provolone cheese, avocado, applewood bacon, and a fried egg on a brioche bun. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (dinner only on Friday and Saturday) and Happy Hour on Friday and Saturday 3 – 7 pm.
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HISTORIC WOMAN’S CLUB OF BOYNTON BEACH
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Built in 1925, by architect Addison Mizner, the Historic Woman’s Club of Boynton Beach is a historic landmark of Boynton Beach. The building features pecky cypress boxed trusses on the ballroom ceiling with original Mizner light fixtures throughout the venue.
This classic building has been restored to its original glory and features three unique areas that are perfect for a variety of special occasions such as wedding ceremonies and receptions, parties, conferences, and meetings. Let us help you create a beautiful celebration and memories that will last a lifetime.
The BBCRA is now accepting tours for the newly renovated building. For additional information or to submit a booking inquiry, please call (561) 600-9097 or email WomansClub@bbfl.us.
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SOCIAL MEDIA OUTREACH PROGRAM (SMOP)
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Have you seen the BBCRA’s virtual business tours?
With over 6,000 followers, the BBCRA’s social media pages can help you reach more people in Boynton Beach. We want our audience to see YOUR business!
Contact the BBCRA SMOP team at RobertsR@bbfl.us to schedule your virtual tour today.
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BUSINESS PROMOTIONS & EVENTS
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Just in case you haven’t heard, the pirates are NOT coming to Boynton Beach this year!
As a precautionary measure to prevent the possible spread of COVID-19, the BBCRA has decided to cancel the 9th Annual Boynton Beach Haunted Pirate Fest & Mermaid Splash event, which was scheduled to take place at the end of October.
Multiple factors were evaluated prior to making this difficult decision. Ultimately, the CRA decided to cancel the event, which annual draws more than 50,000 people to Downtown Boynton Beach after analyzing directives from the CDC and State of Florida Department of Health. The cancellation will ultimately protect the safety, health, and well-being of both residents and visitors from possible exposure to COVID-19.
While the in-person event is cancelled we hope that the spirit of the Haunted Pirate Fest & Mermaid Splash will live on until next year when we hope the pirates will return for their usual antics and swashbuckling adventures.
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It’s official – we’ve moved!
On July 1st, the BBCRA relocated to the 4th Floor of the new City Hall building, located in Downtown Boynton Beach at 100 E. Ocean Avenue.
The BBCRA is open Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visitors must follow CDC guidelines, including social distancing, and the use of facial coverings will be required upon entering the building.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, BBCRA staff will continue to partially work remotely from home and rotate working onsite each day at the new location. To make an appointment with a staff member click on the learn more button below.
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The BBCRA is excited to welcome a variety of new businesses to our area! Celebrating the opening of a new business is an important element in showing customer support and constructing a healthy small business community within Boynton Beach. Due to the ongoing Covid-19 threat, our ribbon cuttings are now virtual events that you can attend at home!
Click on the buttons below to view the virtual ribbon cuttings that were conducted for Organic Kitchen & Mercantile (OK&M) and Guaca Go!
We encourage you to support and patronize these new establishments and welcome them to Boynton Beach.
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Neighborhood Sign Installation and Repair Grant Program
Designed to help improve the quality of the private residential signage for wayfinding purposes and to improve the visual blight within the Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Area, the BBCRA has approved $25,000 for the Neighborhood Sign Installation and Repair Grant Program. The Program provides a grant in the form of reimbursement funding for 50% of the cost of the project, not to exceed a maximum grant amount of $5,000 for installation of new signage or repair of existing signage that is in a visible state of disrepair or is structurally unsound.
Interested parties may contact Bonnie Nicklien, Grants and Project Manager, at (561) 600-9090 or NicklienB@bbfl.us for more information.
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CRA ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
October 1st @ 6:30 PM – VIRTUAL MEETING
CRA BOARD MEETING
October 13 @ 5:30 PM – VIRTUAL MEETING
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CRA ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
November 5th @ 6:30 PM – VIRTUAL MEETING
CRA BOARD MEETING
November 10th @ 5:30 PM – VIRTUAL MEETING
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CRA ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
December 3rd @ 6:30 PM – VIRTUAL MEETING
CRA BOARD MEETING
December 8th @ 5:30 PM – VIRTUAL MEETING
HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE
December 11th @ 6:30 PM – 735 CASA LOMA BLVD.
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Any changes regarding the location of the CRA Board Meetings will be communicated via social media and on the BBCRA website.
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Questions? Contact us today 561-600-9097
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Boynton Beach Insider 
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