The approval of facade grants was a key agenda item. Members reviewed two applications: one for Mango, receiving $2,142, and another for the property now known as Ocean Crown, previously the Salt building, receiving $2,529. The grants were approved unanimously following a roll call vote. Ocean Crown will continue operating as a restaurant, providing clarity on its intended use. The grant approvals aim to enhance the visual appeal and structural integrity of local businesses, contributing to the city’s broader redevelopment goals.

In further financial matters, the agency addressed the appropriation of tax increment funds, with a notable focus on the end-of-year financial resolutions. The anticipated fund balance for the agency was approximately $13.7 million, subject to minor adjustments as the fiscal year-end close process concludes. These funds are earmarked for specific projects across fiscal years 2025, 2026, and 2027. Two major projects were highlighted: the America Avenue work, requiring additional funding, and the reconstruction and replacement of the South Basin Pump Station, with anticipated costs of $1,670,260 and $994,000, respectively. Both projects have been in planning for several years and are critical to the city’s infrastructure improvements.

Another financial topic was the reappropriation of funds within the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The Marsh Landing Isabella Boulevard project, scheduled for a funding award on October 21, received a budget update reflecting a total of $2.1 million in funding, increasing the overall project budget to $7.6 million from 2025 to 2029. The agency acknowledged the challenge of evolving project descriptions and expressed a commitment to improving clarity by defining projects geographically rather than using complex phase names.

Resolution 20252, concerning Southend tax increment reappropriations, was adopted unanimously. This resolution allows the agency to strategically plan and allocate funds for future projects, a shift from the previous year’s focus on already awarded projects. The downtown trust fund also showed a strong projected balance of $3,358,918, allowing the agency to consider future opportunities.

The meeting addressed the Le and Plaza master plan, with the agency now able to appropriate the entire $4 million project budget upfront. Additionally, $100,000 was allocated for legal and consulting services related to a Public-Private Partnership (P3) project. The central Basin Pump Station project required an additional $1,177,178, necessitating fund reallocation to meet bid and contingency costs.

The agency also discussed upcoming meetings, including a potential special call meeting on the 28th to expedite certain projects. Concerns were raised about downtown paving, particularly around stormwater inlets, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance.

The sidewalk seating program was another topic of interest, with plans to discuss its continuation and expansion in the November agenda. This program initially began with CRA’s assistance and now requires council implementation. Suggestions for improvements in parking and roadway configuration were made in relation to the program.

Finally, there was mention of the city council’s current reluctance to engage in pier discussions, though they remain open to exploring suggested designs and structural opinions.