Boca Raton CRA Regular Meeting: Fee Schedule and Downtown Plan Amendments – September 8, 2025
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Boca Raton Community Redevelopment Agency Regular Meeting – September 8, 2025
This regular meeting of the Boca Raton CRA convened at 1:30 PM on September 8, 2025, under Chair Marc Wigder. The board approved two resolutions: one updating the urban design review deposit fee schedule, and another amending the Amended Downtown Plan to update policies and reallocate project funds. Chair Wigder also delivered a report on the CRA's future, emphasizing the need for continued planning and budgeting.
Public Comments & Testimony
- John Pearlman (498 NE A Street) commented on Resolution 2025-05-CRA, noting that a prior August 25 CRA presentation revealed a 40-fold increase in capital outlay from 2024 to 2026 (from ~$1 million to over $40 million) and that ~$80-90 million in funds are being appropriated over three years. He requested a detailed list of all project expenses for fiscal years 2024, 2025, and 2026, and noted that the Historic Preservation Board had designated the site of the Singing Pines building as historic, potentially conflicting with the proposed relocation. Staff committed to providing the requested information.
Discussion Items
- Resolution 2025-04-CRA – Fee Schedule Amendment: Arlene Cheese Nelson (CRA Planning Analyst) presented. The resolution changes the pre-permit urban design review deposit from a flat $2,500 to a tiered fee: $500 for projects valued up to $500,000, and $1,000 for projects over $500,000. This was in response to applicant feedback about the high deposit for small projects. The effective date is October 1, 2025. Commissioner Thompson asked about staff time for refunds; staff confirmed the current refund process is lengthy. The board voted unanimously to adopt.
- Resolution 2025-05-CRA – Downtown Plan Amendments: Ms. Nelson presented. The resolution updates the Amended Downtown Plan to: revise the Marketing Policy, add a Community Policing Policy, update Section XI (Planned Services and Infrastructure) by removing completed projects (downtown walkability enhancements, metered parking, Meisner Park Amphitheater roof replacement), adding a new project for all Meisner Park Amphitheater improvements, adding a project for relocation of a historic public building, and removing fiscal year references from each project. The companion ordinance (No. 5748) was introduced at the August 26 City Council meeting and will be heard on September 9. Chair Wigder clarified that TIF funds are reserved but can be reallocated through future plan amendments and budgeting. Commissioner Thompson asked about how changes would be handled if the Singing Pines building relocation is no longer needed; staff responded that a plan amendment would be required.
- Chair’s Report: Chair Wigder gave an extensive overview of the CRA’s role, noting its termination in approximately 16 years (around 2042). He highlighted the risk of state legislation to dissolve CRAs early, which could redirect TIF funds to the county. He stressed the need for a holistic downtown plan update, including public input, and mentioned ongoing projects (Alta Downtown Study, quick builds on Meisner Boulevard and Palmetto Park Road, downtown Boca Connect, and autonomous vehicle testing). He also noted that the city does not control all roads within its boundaries, requiring advocacy at county and state levels. Commissioner Drucker raised the timing concern of potential CRA bills in the upcoming legislative session, suggesting they may need to act quickly. Commissioner Nachlas emphasized early public input.
Key Outcomes
- Adoption of Resolution 2025-04-CRA (fee schedule update): Motion by Commissioner Thompson, second by Commissioner Drucker. Vote: 5-0 (all present). Effective October 1, 2025.
- Adoption of Resolution 2025-05-CRA (downtown plan amendments): Motion by Chair Wigder, second by Commissioner Drucker. Vote: 5-0. The companion ordinance will be considered by City Council on September 9, 2025.
- Staff committed to provide a detailed list of all CRA project expenses for fiscal years 2024, 2025, and 2026, as requested by John Pearlman.
Meeting Transcript
Okay. Let's get going. Good afternoon, everyone. Let's call this meeting to order. It's a regular meeting of Oklahoma Tones Community Redevelopment Agency. Today is Monday, September 8th, 2025. The time is 1.30 p.m. Welcome everyone. Let's call the meeting to order. Please, everyone, rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. Thank you very much, everyone. Ms. Siddons, please call the roll. Chair Wakter. Here. Vice Chair Thompson. Thankful to be here. Commissioner Drucker. Here. Commissioner Naklis. Commissioner Singer. Here. All present. Thank you very much. Mr. Brown, are there any amendments to the agenda? No amendments this afternoon. Thanks. Very good. Are there uh there are no minutes to review today? And there are no presentations today, nor are there any quasi-judicial or related public hearings. So we will turn to the time for public requests. If anyone wishing to speak about the downtown CRA, you'll have up to three minutes. Please state your name and address. We've received one card from Gary Linnell, who I've talked to. His comments are more appropriate for the workshop, and he will come back at that time. Anyone else about the CRA? Public request. Seeing no one, we'll close the time for public requests and move on to reg resolutions and regular public hearings. Ms. Siddins. Resolution number 202504 CRA. A resolution of the BoCaritone Community Redevelopment Agency amending the CRA application review and processing fee schedule by updating the pre-permit urban design deposit based on the value of the project. Repealing resolution number 2024-04 CRA. Providing for severality, providing for appealer, providing an effective date. Thank you. Mr. Brown. Thank you, Chair. Arlene Cheese Nelson, the DDRI planning analyst will make the presentation on resolution 202504 CRA.
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