Redevelopment Agency Sheds Light on City Improvements

According to Tarpon Springs Economic Development Manager Karen Lemmons, the city is on its way to rebuilding 227 acres of land within the city.

After the Commision meeting, Lemmons told Patch that a few of the projects will be finished later this year and that there are more improvements in store for the area.

"We will be working more on Pinellas Avenue and then obviously the downtown and Lemon Street corridor is going to be another focus of our efforts," Lemmons said.

The boundary lines of the redevelopment area lie between Dodecanese Blvd. and Meres Blvd. along Pinellas Ave. and the areas of downtown Tarpon Ave. and Lemon St.

Through highlighting the improvements within the city between October, 2011 and September, 2012 Lemmons' presentation showed impressive progress for one fiscal year. 

Among the noted changes, presented at Tuesday's Board of Commissioners meeting, were:

• More than 25 new businesses opened in the community redevelopment area
• Lemon Street improvements, including new sidewalks, pavement resurfacing, landscaping and pedestrian light fixtures
• Tarpon Avenue enhancement project, which includes extensive landscaping, benches and the installation of southern magnolias, palm trees
• Addition of Tarpon Avenue public parking lot and restrooms 
• Completion of Tarpon and Safford avenues pedestrian safety enhancements
• Downtown flag and city banner program, which allows business owners to hang American flags along Tarpon Avenue
• Completion of signage plan, which includes maps for way-finding around Tarpon Springs 
• Acquisition by CRA of properties of vacant Tarpon Avenue lot, former Lemon Street fire department (the properties are being marketed and proposals are being accepted)
• Boost in foot traffic through community-wide events like food truck rallies, Christmas festival
• Construction is underway for North Safford fitness park and Safford/Live Oak recreation area

Economic development has been on the minds of many Tarpon Springs residents. The presented additions seemed to be a breath of fresh air for City Commissioners as their responses were supportive of the Community Redevelopment Agency and its progress. 

Lemmons told Patch that the revenue used to complete projects through the CRA has been limited due to the current state of the economy. But she said that the group is pleased with the current improvements.

"The available revenues have really taken a hit," Lemmons added. "In light of that, I think it's really been amazing what we've been able to accomplish."

What do you think, Tarpon Springs? Are you happy with the additions? What else do you think is important for the Community Redevelopment Agency to consider? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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