Lynn Haven CRA Debates Exclusion of Fast Food in New Commercial Incentive
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Meeting Type:
Community Redevelopment Agency
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Meeting Date:
05/28/2024
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Recording Published:
05/28/2024
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Duration:
16 Minutes
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State:
Florida
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County:
Bay County
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Towns:
Lynn Haven
- Meeting Overview:
The Lynn Haven Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) recently deliberated on a new commercial incentive program intended to attract businesses to the area. Among the most issues was whether to exclude fast-food establishments from the incentive program, a move aimed at fostering a family-oriented, walkable community with a vibrant, small business-friendly downtown that preserves the town’s heritage. Public commentary and commission responses highlighted the challenges of defining “fast food” and the potential implications for future business development in Lynn Haven.
During the meeting, there was an extended discussion about the new CRA commercial incentive and its eligibility criteria. A question was raised regarding the types of businesses that would qualify for the program, especially in relation to sales and service stations, with a clarification that gas stations were included. However, a significant dialogue ensued about the possibility of excluding fast-food establishments from the program. The intent behind this proposed exclusion was to encourage the development of businesses that align with the CRA’s vision statement and the community’s desire for more sit-down restaurants rather than additional fast-food options.
Members of the public and the commission engaged in a nuanced debate about what constitutes fast food and the need to differentiate between various types of quick-service establishments, including those with drive-thrus and those without. Suggestions were made to potentially focus on excluding establishments with drive-thrus as a way to target the program more effectively.
Another point raised was the role of the commission in reviewing and deciding on applications for the program on a case-by-case basis, which would allow for discretion in determining whether a business is considered fast food.
The meeting also addressed a public comment about the paint incentive program for the city and why the Fuel Depot area was not included. In response, it was explained that the program was designed for older homes to assist residents in updating their properties, and since the Fuel Depot area does not have residential homes, it was excluded.
The CRA considered the feedback and suggestions, and ultimately, a motion was made to approve the new CRA commercial incentive with an amendment to exclude fast-food establishments. The motion was met with a mixed vote.
Jesse Nelson
Community Redevelopment Agency Officials:
Sam Peebles, Jamie Warrick, Judy Vandergrift, Pat Perno, Bernd “Ben” Janke (Economic Development Director/CRA Director)
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Meeting Type:
Community Redevelopment Agency
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Meeting Date:
05/28/2024
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Recording Published:
05/28/2024
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Duration:
16 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Florida
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County:
Bay County
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Towns:
Lynn Haven
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