Comments on: Century To Consider Forming CRA To Improve Community

By: Melodies4us

Melodies4us — Sat, 16 Jan 2016 02:28:57 +0000

This is a great idea. We need an outsider’s perspective. Just look at how nice Fairhope is. It used to be a sleepy little dumpy town . But they got a great plan to improve. The restrictions were mandated and everyone was forced to comply, but the outcome was well worth the growing pains. Now it is a lovely town.

By: Paying attention

Paying attention — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 19:41:58 +0000

I am also researching info about this and happy to see the town council carefully considering this. In my research I am becoming more aware of the thought and effort that comes into attempting to improve an area. It is complex. You can’t just snjap a finger, point or complain and see anything happen. You can’t guarantee the property values will improve and the consequences of that particularly in a residential area that is in poverty may effect the ability of the residents to pay. The eminent domain could effect and displace some one who may not see that their home is an eyesore or in the way. I think to be on the town council or mayor in Century is an enormous responsibility with little financial compensation. Bless you in your efforts. I still think the area along highway 29 could improve as the gateway and wonder why the county hasn’t enforced that blight even without the necessity of forming the CRA. I have also seen downtown areas in other places revitalized and thriving via the redevelopment efforts but I think these areas had abandoned buildings not residents. Thank you for your efforts toughtful consideration for the town. I don’t know much about this but am interested.

By: jeeperman

jeeperman — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 16:32:08 +0000

This can be a good thing. But as I understand it any results take a very long time to occur.
When the CRA is established, the current amount of property taxes generated are frozen at that level and continue to go to the county and Century’s general funds.
Then if and when something is built or improved that would add/generate more property taxes, those taxes and only those taxes would go to the CRA fund.
Which would then be plowed back into the CRA district to make improvements that might attract more construction, etc.
So there is a “snowball effect” where it takes awhile to get the new property taxes rolling into the CRA fund.
The above is how I believe it works, but some of it could be incorrect.

By: Liana L

Liana L — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 15:46:25 +0000

This is something that we desperately need! As one of the POOREST CITIES IN FLORIDA we need all the help we can get! If this is an opportunity to bring in investors and/or different businesses I consider this a win. I hope the Town of Century really puts some effort into finding out the most about this.