Commissioner Dozier Defends Property Purchase from CRA Developer After Vote

Commissioner Dozier Defends Property Purchase from CRA Developer After Vote

On October 23rd, 2014, the Community Redevelopment Agency voted 7-1 to provide IB Tallahassee, LLC, as the owner of the Doubletree Hotel at Adams Street, up to $682,000 in CRA grant funds. Among those elected officials that voted for the grant was Leon County Commissioner Kristin Dozier. Less than three months later, public records show […]

FBI Serves City with Subpoenas related to CRA Deals

FBI Serves City with Subpoenas related to CRA Deals

On June 13th, 2107 the FBI served the City of Tallahassee with subpoenas seeking information related to Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) projects and City of Tallahassee activities. See the subpoenas here and here. The subpoenas requested communications, documents, records, bids, applications, or proposals between a number of businesses/individuals and the City of Tallahassee and the […]

Gateway Building Will Not Repay Public Dollar Investment Until 2040

Gateway Building Will Not Repay Public Dollar Investment Until 2040

Tallahassee Reports has learned that the $1.4 million in public funds provided to the owners of the Gateway Building, home to Walgreens until February 21st, will not be completely recovered through property taxes until approximately 2040. This finding is based on financial information provided to TR by officials at the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). To […]

Which Festivals Do Tax Dollars Fund and How Many People Attend?

Which Festivals Do Tax Dollars Fund and How Many People Attend?

The Community Redevelopment Agency, which is composed of City and County Commissioners, recently released their annual report for fiscal year 2015. In the report was a list of “Promotional and Special Events” sponsored by the CRA. During the fiscal year, the CRA sponsored fourteen (14) events with approximately $65,000 in tax dollars. Listed below is a […]

Downtown Development Seeks $525,000 in CRA Money to Help with Restaurant

Downtown Development Seeks $525,000 in CRA Money to Help with Restaurant

Tallahassee Reports has learned that the new owners of the Florida Homebuilders Association property, located on the southeast corner of Park and Monroe, is seeking $525,000 in tax money through the Community Redevelopment Agency to help fund a proposed development. The property was purchased by Brian Ballard, CEO of Ballard Partners, and his wife for […]

CRA Gives $205,000 in Tax Money to Piggly Wiggly

CRA Gives $205,000 in Tax Money to Piggly Wiggly

Today the Community Redevelopment Agency voted to give $205,000 in tax revenue to the company which is locating a Piggly Wiggly’s at the former home of a Harvey’s grocery store. City Commissioners Gil Ziffer and Scott Maddox were the only two no votes. CRA staff reported to elected officials that: “Cogen, Inc. is requesting $205,000 […]

Proposed $1.5 Million CRA Grant for Southside Health Facility Generates Heated Debate

Proposed $1.5 Million CRA Grant for Southside Health Facility Generates Heated Debate

UPDATE The CRA voted 6-2 in favor of the $1.5 million grant to Big Bend Cares. Voting for the grant were County Commissioner’s Maddox, Lindley, Dozier, City Commissioner’s Miller, Richardson, and Mayor Gillum. Voting against were City Commissioner Scott Maddox and County Commissioner Bill Proctor. Those who supported the project talked about the redevelopment upgrade […]

The Southside Gets An Advocate…Will It Matter?

The Southside Gets An Advocate…Will It Matter?

With the election of Curtis Richardson to the City Commission, the southside of Tallahassee will get someone on the Commission that actually lives in their part of town. Mr. Richardson makes his home in Tuskegee neighborhood off of Orange avenue which is located in the heart of District 1, which is represented by Commissioner Bill […]