Fahe’s Post

The FRA is proud to share the 2023 Roy F. Kenzie Awards winners celebrated at the 2023 Conference and to acknowledge the exceptional accomplishments of city and county organizations and entities from across the state of Florida in the field of redevelopment and community enhancement. Congratulations to the City of Palmetto Community Redevelopment Agency for their FRA Award for “Outstanding Rehabilitation, Renovation, or Reuse Project” for “Connor Park.” From the FRA Awards “Best Book,” the City of Palmetto CRA explains, “Connor Park is a stunning addition to the City of Palmetto. Always forward-thinking, the Palmetto CRA looked at a contaminated Brownfields site and saw a future community park. While dealing with Brownfields sites is often complicated and expensive, they offer a tremendous opportunity to transform environmentally impacted properties into end uses that can benefit the entire community in a holistic manner. Spending time in nature helps us develop a better understanding of the relationship between humans and the environment. When we become stewards of nature, we can see why it’s important to support healthy waterways.” Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRAs) and development organizations serve as catalysts for the enhancement of cities and urban areas through redevelopment initiatives. These organizations are overseen by boards that are composed of five to seven members, separate from local governments. CRAs primarily focus on projects and plans that contribute to economic development, stimulate growth, and foster increased community engagement. To see the 2023 FRA Best Book, visit https://lnkd.in/eGFg6RMK. FRA Members can now search ALL previous FRA Award Entries and gain inspiration from hundreds of detailed listings – members can view that here: https://lnkd.in/eSU8QB-8 Want to join the FRA? Visit https://lnkd.in/eQB7uWZd #redevelopmentworks #floridaredevelopment #flredevelopment #cityofpalmettoCRA #cityofpalmetto #palmetto #palmettoCRA #connorpark

Our cities are built of neighborhoods. And our neighborhoods were built with a hundred little things (benches, bike lanes, parks, sidewalks, light posts, flower gardens, cafes, street vendors, etc.). What would happen if we took our dreams to rebuild a better neighborhood and combined it with our ability to do little things? Maybe we could build a better block. Here are my thoughts on building a better block based on what started in Oak Cliff, Texas (near Dallas) and spread from Portland to Detroit and Melbourne to Tahran. https://lnkd.in/gi8HVnmd *What are your dreams for rebuilding a better block in your city?

Inspiration Point Letchworth State Park NY

The recently revitalized Putnam Block is reason to be optimistic about the economic future of downtown Bennington. Formerly Hotel Putnam, the Putnam Block property faced decades of vacancy and decline before a comprehensive redevelopment begun by Bennington Redevelopment Group (BRG). To get through the complex redevelopment, BRG needed more partners, and a lot of funding sources, including $15.2M in New Markets Tax Credit financing through Evernorth Rural Ventures (ERV). The Putnam Block investment represents ERV's largest single NMTC investment to date. The Putnam Block apartments and commercial space in downtown Bennington has come alive with an array of new businesses and a thriving restaurant scene. Read more about the economic development success that is the Putnam Block in this Vermont Biz article! https://lnkd.in/eu7QGdFi Mascoma Bank - Community Development U.S. Bank - Impact Finance #BenningtonVermont Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA) VT Agency of Commerce & Community Development The Vermont Community Foundation #MidCityCommunityCDE #NMTC #NewMarketsTaxCredit

Embarking on a journey fuelled by an irresistible fascination, my intrigue with the imminent Woolloongabba redevelopment has evolved into more than a mere curiosity—it has become a compelling obsession. I am captivated by the prospect of witnessing a decade of extraordinary metamorphosis unfold before my eyes. In the tapestry of urban development, few experiences are as profound as witnessing the rebirth of the entire Woolloongabba precinct. I recently reposted Mel Pikos interview with Adrian Schrinner https://lnkd.in/gDhnv8V2 regarding the Gabba redevelopment. Since that interview was published the debate over securing sites has been revisited. If we put aside for a moment, the mounting pressures of the cost of living, inflation, and a shortage of workers - a decision must be made! No point in spending countless millions on ideas, reviews and proposals if nothing is built. I’m firmly against putting the new stadium at Albion – blame it on my Southside loyalty 😊. QEII is a strong contender. I’ve practically dedicated my entire fatherhood to watching my daughter run around the track. But, let’s face it, the infrastructure in that area is somewhat lacking – not the most ideal location for a super stadium. As we await the public release of the ‘independent reviews’, let’s hope there is an opportunity to consider Mel Pikos idea: positioning the new stadium next to the Gabba. Once the Heat and the Lions are safely settled into their new home, the Gabba has potential to be demolished and converted to something remarkable? What this is? I don't know. But there are plenty of talented architects and design minds to come up with something extraordinary. Hopefully by the time we ‘knock down’ the existing Gabba, Brisbane is no longer gripped by cost of living / inflationary pressures, and we can all take a deep breath, and enjoy the games (from our living rooms – 😁 ).

Lake Pointe community to be developed in Virginia

Precincts are incredibly important in shaping our cities. From urban renewal, densification, and civic centres – getting it right is not easy. At this morning's Property Council of Victoria's Outlook series on Precincts & Cities moderated by our Founding Director Laurent Deleu, a standout panel openly shared their lessons learned in achieving successful precincts. Our Associate Director, Chris Hube, shares his insights: / The right product mix – build-to-rent, build-to-sell, social and affordable, are necessary for inclusive, equitable and quality outcomes / Vibrant neighbourhoods – start from the ground up. A focus on activation, open space, and retail forms a critical role in creating vibrancy / Legacy – strategic planning to allow for adaptation, long-term programming, local jobs & skills, sustainability and climate resilience to ensure quality and long lasting value / Partnerships – at early stages partnering with government, community organisations and private sector will build trust and an understanding of how a development is adding value to a neighbourhood. / Innovation – there a large appetite for innovation, from both public and private sectors. The question is how do we harness innovative ideas to achieve and deliver more quality outcomes. Many thanks to the panellists: Tom Mackellar, Lendlease Lissa van Camp, Suburban Rail Loop Authority Matthew Chun, AFL - Australian Football League Sarah Horsfield, Urbis #ThinkADP Property Council Victoria

FRA TAKE 5: 5 Questions with Jessica Newman, Wauchula Community Redevelopment Agency Director Q: What is your best piece of business advice for a new FRA member? Jessica: My best piece of advice is to have patience with perseverance. Redevelopment can take time. There will be setbacks and unexpected obstacles; however, your work will make a lasting change and will be worth it all. Q: If you had a superpower, what would it be and why? Jessica: You mean I don’t already have superpowers? My superpower would be the ability to see into the future. This would help move projects forward faster by seeing potential obstacles that may come up and therefore being able to address them early on. Q: We are going out for dinner/entertainment in your CRA District. Where are we going and why? Jessica: We have such good dining options in Wauchula, all of which are independent and locally owned, except our fast food. American, Mexican, Greek, Italian, Peruvian, or Chinese: dinner can be whatever your tastebuds desire. Depending on your idea of fun, I would either take you to the Peace River to hunt fossils at Crews Park or to enjoy a play in our historic city auditorium. Q: What do you hope to be remembered for? Jessica: I hope to be remembered for my commitment to my community and passion for improvement, while always being mindful of what makes Wauchula special and being careful to preserve it. I would hope my passion and my pride were evident and contagious and spread to others to carry forward. Q: What is the most exciting part of being in redevelopment? Jessica: The most exciting part of redevelopment is being able to see the results. Whether it is new construction on a vacant lot, the renovation of a blighted building, creating homes for families, or creating amenities for the public to enjoy here in our own city – these are tangible, visible things that are transforming my city and bringing joy and pride to my community. https://lnkd.in/eYpBrFsE #RedevelopmentWorks #Redevelopment #FloridaRedevelopment #MyFRA #FLRedevelopment

Masterplan for Con Smith Park moves a step closer

The halted Poppleton redevelopment deal is a stark reminder of the need for creativity and adaptability in urban development. What role can technology and futurism play in reshaping Baltimore's approach to revitalizing neighborhoods and ensuring project success? #Technology #Futurism #UrbanRevitalization