The CRA meeting’s most compelling topic was the development agreement for the Station Street project, a plan for subdividing a 3.43-acre site into two lots. The agreement, as presented by the Community Development Director and CRA Director, involves conveying lot one to the developer for construction purposes, while lot two remains with the city for public use. The project’s scope aims to enhance downtown Apopka with the addition of new residential units, public parking spaces, and trail extensions. The public plaza is a particularly notable feature of the agreement, including proposed amenities such as a pavilion, lawn, tower, restrooms, and a dedicated area for food trucks.

Members of the CRA examined the legal and practical aspects of the development agreement. Central to their concerns were the deed conveyance process and the measures in place should the development not be completed within the established time frames.

The absence of legal counsel at the meeting sparked a discussion about the city’s protection in property agreements. Members debated the definitions of affordable housing, the specificity required for the Plaza amenities, and the city’s ability to recapture property in the event of a default by the developer. The necessity for precise language in the agreement to safeguard the city’s interests was a recurring theme, with opinions divided on the level of detail that should be incorporated into the agreement.

As part of the conversation surrounding the public Plaza’s design, the importance of clear specifications for the Plaza components was emphasized. Questions were raised about the approval process, with the possibility of the board approving the agreement with conditions, rather than a binary choice of acceptance or rejection. Public comments included frustrations over a lack of responsiveness from council members and the importance of the development for community growth. Additionally, the public’s input on the design specifications for the public Plaza was solicited.

The board discussed various amendments to the developer’s agreement, including an extension of 180 days, a $50,000 contribution to the public Plaza’s development, and the inclusion of a reverter clause to address property reversion in case of default. These amendments were clarified by the attorney present.

Following a public hearing, the board approved the development agreement with the necessary corrections. The meeting also tackled financial aspects of local projects, resulting in the approval of a resolution to amend the CRA budget for fiscal year 2024. This amendment allocated $180,000 to counteract a funding shortfall for the skate park and pump track project and the downtown Apopka Trail.