Dunedin Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Meeting – May 22, 2025

The Dunedin CRA Board held a regular meeting on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 4:30 PM at City Hall. Chaired by Mayor Maureen "Moe" Freaney, the Board approved a $1,108,165.40 carryforward budget amendment, adopted the CRA Mid-Term Review for submission to Pinellas County, appointed three new advisory committee members, received reports from the advisory committee chair and CRA director, and approved a three-year continuance of the Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Committee (CRAAC). The meeting adjourned at 5:24 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: Unanimously approved the draft minutes from the March 20, 2025 CRA meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the citizen input period or on any agenda items.

Discussion Items

• CRA Resolution 25-01 – FY2024 Carryforward Budget Amendment ($1,108,165.40): Finance Director Les Tyler explained the amendment covers outstanding encumbrances ($37,000) and uncompleted projects ($1,070,418.66) from the prior fiscal year. Projects include Skinner Boulevard Corridor Analysis ($584,720.00), Downtown Pavers/Walkability/Enhancements ($55,862.86), Downtown Median Removal ($15,000.00), Existing City Hall Adaptive Reuse (two phases totaling $214,835.80), and Affordable/Workforce Housing Program ($200,000.00). CRA Director Bob Ironsmith noted many are multi-year projects. The CRA Fund Balance remains above the 15% target reserve. The Board discussed timing of median removal (tied to Main Street project) and pushback of streetscape work to next fiscal year to avoid simultaneous road closures. The motion passed unanimously (5-0) via roll call.
• CRA Mid-Term Report Update (per Ordinance 12-26): Director Ironsmith presented the report required by Pinellas County as a condition of the 15-year CRA extension to 2033. The report reviews Tax Increment Financing (TIF) performance, Downtown Master Plan 2033 implementation, and blight mitigation effectiveness. The Board approved sending the report to County staff and eventually to the County Commission. Discussion included the county's tightening stance on CRAs (e.g., a recent 4-3 vote in Tarpon Springs), the need to amend the Interlocal Agreement to accommodate new debt for a downtown parking garage, and the success of the CRA in raising assessed downtown property values from $35 million in 1988 to $305 million. Commissioners noted the importance of demonstrating continued reinvestment and addressing the challenge of affordable housing downtown. Motion passed unanimously (5-0).
• CRA Advisory Committee Membership Recommendations: Staff recommended appointing Mary Blair Carr to a partial regular term ending 3/1/2027, Paula Upton to a partial alternate term ending 3/1/2027, and Sydney Marks to a partial alternate term ending 3/1/2027. Director Ironsmith noted higher-than-usual turnover but strong energy in the committee. Motion passed unanimously.
• CRA Advisory Committee Chair Report: Chair Alan McHale reported on the May 7, 2025 CRAAC meeting. Presentations covered the Main Street Exchange project (including a proposed 400-seat theater, with some traffic concerns) and the former City Hall park plans. The committee expressed ongoing concerns about e-bikes downtown, noting the sheriff has purchased three e-bikes to enforce speed limits. A discussion on the merger of the Downtown Merchants Association and the Chamber raised worries about the future of the Wines the Blues and Mardi Gras festivals. The committee also received updates on Skinner Boulevard, the parking garage, and other projects.
• CRA Director's Report: Director Ironsmith reported on: the annual lease renewal with Deborah Bushnell for key downtown parking (covering only property taxes); a five-year extension for the Tampa Bay Market; the Main Street Exchange owner now considering a boutique hotel only (instead of apartments plus hotel) and seeking adjacent property for parking; Skinner Boulevard progress (ahead of schedule, road to open both ways in September, utilities underground by January, landscaping in March 2026); strong downtown occupancy with a waiting list; and the parking garage moving to RFQ for a design-build team. Vice Mayor Gow expressed concern about shifting focus from a livable downtown (live-work-play) to tourism, highlighting the loss of residential components. Commissioner Dugard worried rising rents (now $40–$50/sq ft triple net) could push out boutique shops. Chair Freaney emphasized the need for balance and proactive efforts to preserve downtown character.
• CRAAC Continuance (per Ordinance 92-01): The Board approved a three-year continuance of the Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Committee. Commissioners praised the committee as one of the most important, noting its energy, cross-section of business and resident leaders, and valuable input. Motion passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• CRA Resolution 25-01 (Carryforward Budget Amendment): Approved unanimously, amending the FY2025 CRA budget by $1,108,165.40 for encumbrances and uncompleted projects.
• CRA Mid-Term Review: Approved unanimously for submission to Pinellas County; staff will work on amending the Interlocal Agreement for parking garage debt.
• Advisory Committee Appointments: Mary Blair Carr, Paula Upton, and Sydney Marks appointed to the CRAAC, terms as specified.
• CRAAC Continuance: Approved for an additional three years.
• Next Steps: CRA Mid-Term Review to be submitted to Pinellas County; parking garage design-build RFQ to be issued; Interlocal Agreement amendment to be drafted for County consideration; staff to explore strategies to maintain a balanced downtown mix of uses and address rental rate pressures.