City of St. Augustine 2024 CRA Annual Report : simplebooklet.com

CRA History and vision Established in 2013Plan Amended in 2017541.4 AcresSunset April 20336 Projects Initiated 3 Projects Completed 9 Active Projects Expended $852,796 Established in 2000Plan Amended in 2024216.6 AcresSunset January 20541 Project/Plan Initiated 1 Project/Plan Completed2 Active ProjectsExpended $1,736,367 The St. Augustine Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) was created in 2000 with the establishment of theHistoric Area Community Redevelopment Area (HACRA). The implementation goal of the HACRA was to rid thehistoric downtown district of transportation and parking blight and create pedestrian connectivity. The HistoricDowntown Parking Facility and Visitors Information Center was constructed in 2006, to help adhere to the plan goals.The HACRA continues to pay down the debt service related to the parking garage. The amended plan, which wasadopted January 2024, extends the sunset date to 2054 and expands on the initial goals with focuses on fivestrategic elements; mobility, parking, open space, resiliency and overall redevelopment. The Lincolnville Community Redevelopment Area (LCRA) was established in 2013 and the plan was amended in2017. The plan defines three focus areas; African-American heritage and historic preservation, the stabilization oflong term residents, and neighborhood improvements. The West City Community Redevelopment Area (WCCRA) was established in 2024. At the time this report waspublished, the CRA plan was being developed with anticipated adoption intended for June 2025. Community Redevelopment Agencies by legislative definition are designed to rid communities of “slum and urbanblight”. At the time this report was published the City of St. Augustine City Commission had authorized a Finding ofNecessity be completed, proposing the establishment of a potential third Community Redevelopment Area- West CityCRA. Special District Individual Data 8Established in 2024604 AcresSunset April 20440 Projects Initiated 0 Projects Completed 1 Active Projects (plan)Expended $0

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In service to the community, Mayor and CRA Board ChairAnother year of meaningful redevelopment means more historicpreservation, more infrastructure improvements, more residential repairs,more improved recreational spaces, and more ways to make our CommunityRedevelopment Areas even better places to live, work, and thrive.As mayor of the Nation’s Oldest City and the Community RedevelopmentAgency (CRA) Board Chair, I am proud of all that we accomplished duringFiscal Year 2024 and I look forward to the years ahead, optimistic abouthow we will continue to evolve. In 2024 the CRA adopted an amended plan for the Historic Area CRA, focusing on its original goalsrelated to parking and transportation, improvement of open spaces, continuing resiliency efforts, historicpreservation, and overall redevelopment improvements. The Lincolnville Community Redevelopment Area (LCRA) continues to sustain residents through its Fix-It-Up program which focuses on residential health and safety repairs, and through the through InstitutionalRehabilitation program which addresses the importance of historic preservation. The LCRA is lookingahead in 2025 with the implementation of several recreational and streetscape capital improvement projects,including the much anticipated kayak launch!Currently, the plan for the West City CRA is being developed and the board is excited to embark onredevelopment investments that will undoubtedly help in revitalizing such a remarkable area of our city. As we enter the new fiscal year, embarking on 25 years of redevelopment; I have no doubt that we willcontinue to accomplish the goals we initially set out to attain. A message from the chair- Nancy Sikes-Kline

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from the WCCRA Steering Committee Chairfrom the LCRA Steering Committee ChairIn the short time that I have served as Chairperson for theWest City CRA Steering Committee, I have learned so much. I am happy to have been apart of such an important and criticalprocess; establishing the Community Redevelopment Plan. I have had theprivilege to meet and speak with many members of the West City community. I’ve learned about their needs and expectations for redeveloping West City.Attending workshops, coordinating with city staff, and community stakeholderswill always be the highlight of serving as WCCRA Steering Committee Chair. Ihope that the final plan will embody the vision, passion, and concern that bothmyself and my fellow steering committee members have for the future of theWCCRA. Each year that I have the opportunity to serve as the LCRASteering Committee chair I become even more elated about thecommunity I get to call home. Lincolnville is such an amazing neighborhood and having the opportunity to take part in strategizing on the redevelopment goals outlined in our plan is a privilege I don’t take for granted.The planning and redevelopment process can often times be extensive andtedious. I am excited to say that in 2024 Lincolnville moved many projectsforward, including the opening of two very important recreational spaces, EddieVickers Park and Lincolnville Park in Honor of George and Ollie Smith. I lookforward to continuing the momentum in the years ahead! Respectfully, James St. George, MD LCRA Steering Committee ChairIn Gratitude, Arthur Culbert, PhDWCCRA Steering Committee Chair

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I’ve said it many times, but I must reiterate that developing andpublishing the CRA’s annual report is an effort I value most inthis role. Each year as I begin organizing the information toshare with the readers, I am often in awe of all the wonderfulthings that we have accomplished throughout our redevelopmentareas. I work boldly by the theory that “redevelopment is going tohappen, but it is my job to ensure that it happens in a meaningfulway”. Meaningful Redevelopment to me is ensuring that theintegrity of historic structures is not compromised, thatcommunities and long-term residents are stabilized as they are impacted by the effects of urban renewal, that capitalimprovement projects are designed and implemented with thestakeholder in mind, and that economic development is at theforefront of all of our revitalization efforts, as it addresses andimproves the quality of life for residents and business owners, alike. As we end Fiscal Year 24 and embark on the 25th year of theestablishment of the Community Redevelopment Agency in theCity of St. Augustine, I am optimistic about our future and thepositive impacts that redevelopment will have on ourcommunity. So, here’s to continued Meaningful Redevelopment andinvaluable investments into the communities that we are sohonored to serve.Onward, Neighborhood Services & CRA Manager A message from the cRA Manager- Jaime D. perkins

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Projects & ProgramsTrinity Independent Institutional RehabGreater St. Mary’s Church Institutional RehabElks Lodge Institutional RehabThe Institutional Rehabilitation Grant Program focuses on the rehabilitation ofhistoric institutions within the Lincolnville CRA. Trinity Independent is ahistoric African American Methodist Church in the Historic LincolnvilleCommunity. Cited as having the “city’s oldest congregation” the church datesback to 1821 and has significant ties to St. Augustine’s 1964 Civil RightsMovement. The church has been closed since 2014, when the city deemedthe structure unsafe. The CRA has appropriated $463k to begin the designand preliminary construction of the rehabilitation project. We anticipate thisproject to be a multi-year multi-million dollar improvement. The investment inthis historic structure is vital to the historic significance of Lincolnville and theCity of St. Augustine as a whole.Inclusive of structural stabilization, flood proofing, and several historicpreservation elements, the project scope looks to revitalize this historicinstitution in Lincolnville . The project cost is estimated to be close to $1 milliondollars. Partially funded by the African American Cultural and Historical Grant,Greater St. Mary’s was awarded $671k with a $250k match from the LCRA’sInstitutional Rehabilitation Grant Program. The project is currently in theconstruction phase and scheduled to be complete by Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. The Elks Lodge, a historic institution in Lincolnville, is known for its richcultural heritage. This $1.2M dollar revitalization project focuses onhistoric preservation; with the repair and repurposing of it’s famous jalacywindows, updates to all mechanical and electrical components,installation of an elevator for ADA access, structural stabilization, floodmitigation, exterior and interior painting. The project is partially fundedthrough the African American Cultural and Historical Grant, with anaward amount of $891k. The project is scheduled to be complete byJune 2025. 15

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Eddie Vickers Park Kayak LaunchDr. Robert B. Hayling Freedom Park | Eddie Vickers ParkLincolnville Park in Honor of George & Ollie SmithIn 2017, proposed kayak launch construction was postponed whenfunds needed to be reallocated to a more critical improvement due tomillions of dollars in damage that the St. Augustine Municipal Marinasustained following Hurricane Irma. In 2022, the CRA included thekayak launch construction in its Eddie Vickers Park Masterplan and in2024 the CRA received a $85k grant from the Florida InlandNavigation District (FIND) Water Assistance Program (WAP) to assistwith costs related to further design and construction. The CRArecently requested additional FIND funding to address additional costchallenges. All necessary permits have been received and the CRAintends to begin construction in Fall 2025. Dr. Robert B. Hayling Freedom Park and Eddie Vickers Park representover 25 acres of recreational space situated in the southeast area ofthe Lincolnville Community. The masterplan, adopted in October 2023,conceptualizes a multi-phase improvement project inclusive ofgathering areas, improved walking paths, sports courts, seating areas,a dog park, kayak launch and historic signage representative ofindividuals with historically significant relevance to the 1964 Civil RightsMovement and other matters of historical significance within theLincolnville Community. A major highlight of the park improvements isthe development of Hayling Plaza within Freedom Park. A statue of Dr.Hayling is proposed to be installed in Fall of 2025. On July 2, 2024,during the ACCORD Civil Rights 60th Anniversary luncheon, model ofthe statue was unveiled. Lincolnville Park in Honor of George and Ollie Smith wasconstructed on a small City-owned parcel in Lincolnville. It’s a passive recreation space and meets the CRA’s plan goals of relieving the Lincolnville CRA of blight and preserving historyand heritage. The park name honorees are long-time residentsand business owners in Lincolnville. Inclusive of design andconstruction, the final project cost was $202k. Pocket parks, ormini parks as some planners refer to them, are designed toprovide a safe inviting space for the community to gather, relax,and socialize. Lincolnville Park was constructed complete withnative plantings, synthetic turf to minimize maintenance andwater usage, chess and checkers tables, and shady seating. 16Scan the QR code to watch the ribbon cutting videoScan the QR Code to learn more about Dr. Haylingand the St. Augustine Civil Rights Movement of 1964

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St. Joseph Neighborhood CenterDr. Martin Luther King Jr. Streetscape ProjectFix-It-Up Residential Repair ProgramThis project has been a successful effort to save and revitalize St. Benedict the MoorSchool, a historic African American schoolhouse in Lincolnville. This multi-million dollarproject is partially funded by the African American Cultural and Historical Grant.Additionally, the project was awarded $155k in grant funding through the LCRAInstitutional Rehabilitation Grant Program. The CRA’s contribution will be used toimprove a very critical historic exterior feature, window shutters. The window shutters aresignificant to the historic integrity of the building. The design and materials have beenselected to replicate previous features. The CRA’s project contribution is scheduled forcompletion by Fall 2025. Scan QR code to see rehab progress photosDr. Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Avenue Streetscape Project willenhance pedestrian connectivity, vehicular access, introduce trafficcalming, underground utilities, and overall improve the aesthetics ofthe corridor. The project cost is estimated at $7M dollars. At thetime this report was written, CRA staff had acquired 90 percentdesign documents and had submitted a grant application toRebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity(RAISE), which is a Department of Transportation (DOT) fundingsource designed to help with cost for surface transportationinfrastructure projects with significant local or regional impact. Fix-It-Up is a residential repair grant program whichaddresses deficiencies related to affordable housing andprovides health and safety repairs for qualifying applicants.Applicants may apply for up to $100k in grant funding torepair their home. Our applicants may request funds toaddress long-term repair issues or issues related toemergency circumstances. During Fiscal Year 24, the CRAexpended $226,965 on residential repairs. 17Scan the QR Code to learn more about Fix-It-Up and to obtain an application

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Cordova Street Design ProjectCordova Street, once part of the Rosario Line, whichmarked the western boundary of the walled city, is nowa vital connection in the center of the Historic AreaCommunity Redevelopment Area. After amending theplan, the conceptual streetscape design of CordovaStreet became one of the CRA’s first capitalimprovement projects. $189k has been allocated towardthe design and public engagement efforts. The LCRA continues to pursue the path of establishing affordablehousing within the Lincolnville Community Redevelopment Area. Theseefforts are being realized by vetting out opportunities to acquire propertyfor the affordable housing component of the LCRA Plan. CRA Staff hashired consultants to assist in developing a housing program anddetermining acquisition opportunities. During FY 24 $39k was expendedtoward this goal and inclusive of prior year carryforward, $659k wasallocated for future use. This is an ongoing effort to establish affordableand attainable housing. With the increasing cost of property in theLincolnville community staff continues to look for creative ways toaddress the housing deficiencies in the LCRA. Utilizing the combined funding source of LCRAdollars and $221k in ARPA funds contributed by theSt. Johns County Parks and Recreation Department,the courts have been improved to two full basketballcourts and six pickleball courts with coveredbleachers for spectators. The total cost of this projectwas $539k. We held the grand re-opening of thesports courts in April 2025 with equipment giveawaysand some friendly competition among residents andcity staff.Property Acquisition & Affordable Housing Eddie Vickers Park Sports Courts18Scan QR Code for public engagement website Scan QR Code to watch the re-opening video

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West City Community Redevelopment AreaThe West City Community Redevelopment Area(WCCRA) was established in 2024. At the time thisreport was published, the Community RedevelopmentPlan (CRP) was in its final stages of review, approval,and adoption. The plan elements are consistent withinformation and data collected during several publicengagement efforts. The 6-Point Strategic Action Plan focuses on: Community Stabilization Public Space Enhancement/Beautification Local Business Development Mobility/Connectivity Improvements CRA Branding Historic Preservation To learn more about the WCCRA scan the QR code. 19

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98%ExpendituresCounty TIF $1,426,840City TIF $2,560,072Grants, Int., Carryforward, Other Sources $3,470,684Debt Service $1,325,166Community Improvements/Capital $2,435,045Plans/Studies Professional Services $198,743 Historic and Cultural Preservation $2,561,035Resident Stabilization $406,095Affordable Housing/Property Acquisition $498,477 Administrative/Other Costs $42,061 Total Revenue Total SpentTotal Revenue59.6%Total Spent40.4%Total Revenue Total SpentTotal Revenue50.1%Total Spent49.9%Financial PerformanceFY 24 CRA Revenue $7,457,596 FY 24 CRA Expenditures $7,466,622 Revenue Financials were unaudited at the time this report was publishedAdministrative Cost is not inclusive of staff salaries and benefitsExpenditure figures determined by encumbered/allocated fundsRevenue and expenditures are inclusive of carryforward fundsHACRA LCRA20

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Project List Elks Lodge Institutional Rehab Greater St. Mary’s Institutional Rehab First Baptist Institutional Rehabilitation Lincolnville Park in Honor of George & Ollie Smith Vickers/Hayling Park Improvements HACRA Plan Update MLK Streetscape Design Fix-It-Up Residential Repair Program Property Acquisition/Affordable Housing Plan St Paul Structural Repairs St. Joseph Neighborhood Center Trinity Independent Institutional Rehab $ 1,285,621$ 935,000$ 98,415$ 158,503$ 682,668$ 3,600$ 578,694 $ 406,095$ 498,477$ 98,415$ 150,000$ 163,205Unaudited financials reflect funds actually expended/appropriated in FY 2024. Projects FY 2024 Expenditures 21

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www.CityStAugCRA.ComHow We Stay Connected The CRA is always working on something exciting. We want to make sure that allwho are impacted are in the know and can be involved in the process. The tablebelow shows our many forms of communication, public outreach and how manypeople we reached with the initiative. Blank spaces indicate no recorded impact for that target audience. If there is no cost associated with a method of outreach, there may be no direct cost to the CRA or cost is built in with aproject or task order. 23

City of St. Augustine 2024 CRA Annual Report

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