Downtown Community Redevelopment Area - Planning

The Downtown Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) was established in 1982 as a special district that is dedicated to the revitalization of our historic downtown. The Downtown CRA seeks to encourage "a vibrant mixed use district that celebrates and reflects ecological and space heritage and culture." The Community Redevelopment Act provides Florida cities with the ability to designate "community redevelopment areas." Through special funding tools, such as tax increment financing and grants, the CRA is able to complete special projects that include the development of recreation and open space and streetscape improvements. The CRA is also committed to assisting businesses and developers upgrade their buildings and design developments that capitalize on our historic assets.

Downtown Community Redevelopment Area

What is Tax Increment Financing?

Tax increment financing provides most of the funding for the Downtown CRA. This special funding tool provides all increases in taxes within the CRA beyond the year the CRA was established into a redevelopment fund. The year the CRA was established is the "base year." Any increases in taxes beyond the base year are provided to the redevelopment fund. Therefore, as the property taxes increase due to redevelopment projects, the redevelopment also increases. Tax increment financing is not an additional tax to the property owner.

What else is does the Downtown CRA entail?

The Downtown CRA has design guidelines for new development and rehabilitation. These guidelines regulate façade treatments, infrastructure, landscaping, and site design. All building improvements and site plans must be reviewed by the Community Development Department and all improvements over $50,000 must be approved by the Community Redevelopment Agency, which includes a public hearing. For more information regarding the guidelines, please contact Courtney Harris at (321) 383-5824.

The Downtown CRA has completed numerous successful projects:

Riverview Place Realignment
Emma Parish Theater Street Lighting
Washington Avenue Streetscape
Historic Properties Survey/Placement of Downtown Commercial District on the National Register
Space View Park
Titusville Commons: Plaza and Parking
Veteran’s Memorial
Waterfront Master Plan
Space Walk of Fame
Municipal Marina Rehabilitation
Commercial Façade Grant Program
Sand Point Park (ongoing)
Marina Park (ongoing)
Historic Walking Tour
Stormwater Treatment Facility/Space Walk of Fame (ongoing)
Historic District signage