Development News for Bradenton, Florida

Love Park Redevelopment Project Moves Forward Amidst Procurement Process Discussions

The Bington Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is moving forward with the Love Park project, which has received bids through the city's purchasing department. Due to the bid amount, the project must go before the city council, which is expected to place it on a July agenda. There is discussion regarding the timing, with some questioning why it cannot be on the June agenda. The process involves CRA board approval followed by city council approval, a formality that adds time. Amendments to the CRA statute require CRAs to follow city purchasing policies. The CRA board is considering whether the city could amend its purchasing policy to include a caveat for CRAs to expedite processes, potentially shaving off months by streamlining the final approval step, although bidding would still be required. The Love Park project itself is a true redevelopment, involving a complete rebuild from scratch, and upon completion, it is expected to be the best park in the city until City Park is finished.

CRA Explores Strategies to Promote Workforce Housing

The Bington Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is exploring solutions to promote workforce housing. While discussing extending a contract for 'met four I think it is or three,' the CRA acknowledged the desire to promote affordable or workforce housing. They plan to work with the city to find a solution and will likely review the financial details in staff meetings to show the CRA's contribution and the additional funds needed. For workforce housing projects outside the CRA, the CRA suggests the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) might be a suitable entity to consider for assistance, indicating a potential collaborative approach to addressing housing needs.