BY LEON B. CREWS
Sentinel Staff Writer
Unknown to a lot of people, the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners approved a CRA years ago, but it has never been used.
Commissioner Les Miller said when he came aboard, he realized the county wasn’t using its CRA to help areas that have now been designated as blighted.
“After two years of discussions, we’ve decided to put a CRA in our budget. I know areas like Progress Village, Palm River, Clair-Mel, Orient Road near the fairgrounds, are in dire need of help. I’ve asked that a report be presented to us March 20th outlining what action can be taken.
“Specific blighted areas haven’t been designated, but I’ve pointed out the need for something to be done in my district.”
Comm. Miller said infrastructure repairs are desperately needed in areas where flooding is still a problem, and water quality as well.
“No dollar figure has been mentioned as to how much money will be used on infrastructure repairs in my district.
“(County Administrator) Mike Merrill hasn’t presented his budget to us yet, and after he’s done that, we can assess dollars.”
Comm. Miller said they will be referring to the blighted areas as TIF (Tax Increment Finance) districts.
“But, we haven’t gotten to that point yet. I want to look at how we will get this implemented, and we won’t know that until we have a budget to work with.”
Comm. Miller said although there are city water lines close by, Palm River has never had running water from the city or county.
“They’re all using well water, and it’s not always the best water to use.
“We want to bring Progress Village, Clair-Mel, Palm River, and the other areas back to where they should be, especially with Bass Pro Shops coming and generating more than $3 million in property tax revenues.”
