City Commission and Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) board member Marlene Ross was one of the dozens of local officials, business leaders and citizens lined up to offer advice to state senators as they met at the Children’s Service Center on January 21 to address Florida's economic crisis.
The Senate Select Committee on Florida's Economy, convened by state Senate President Jeff Atwater, is holding a series of meetings around the state to ask for input before the legislative session begins this spring. State Sen. Jeremy Ring, D-Parkland, who serves as vice chair of the committee, said, “Florida can't cut or tax its way out of the recession and has to find a way to grow new companies and industries.”
Commissioner Ross, who represents Boynton Beach’s District IV, spoke on affordable housing and “Green” initiatives, urging the committee to support funding for affordable housing projects and encourage Governor Crist to veto any budget cuts for these programs. “I am proud to say the Boynton Beach CRA has spent more than $8.5 million since 2006 on affordable access initiatives, and am concerned the Legislature may drastically cut statewide funding.” The City of Boynton and its CRA were recognized in 2008 by the Palm Beach County Housing Leadership Council, Florida League of Cities, Florida International University and the International Downtown Association for implementing several strategies and best practices for affordable housing.
The Commissioner, who heads the Boynton Beach Green Task Force, also noted the city is aggressively developing a Green Ordinance, based on Governor Crist’s recent mandate that all new construction of public facilities be certified as “Green.”
“We are completing a “green incentive” program within the CRA District to offset short term costs of going green,” the commissioner said, “and welcome the opportunity to work with the state to develop business incentives to entice “Green Businesses” to set up shop in our downtown.”
Environmental Dynamics Inc.(edi), an architectural firm specializing in environmentally conscious design, opened a new office in Boynton Beach’s Marina Village complex in December, 2008; the first of the city’s "green" businesses and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified buildings.
The Boynton Beach CRA is committed to serving the community by guiding redevelopment activities and stimulating economic growth within its 1,650 acre district. The agency focuses on creating a vibrant downtown core, providing affordable housing, and revitalizing neighborhoods.
For more information on the CRA, its events and activities, call (561) 737-3256, or visit boyntonbeachcra.com.
