The Stuart Board of City Commissioners will vote next Monday on approving the CRA expansion moving forward. I will be voting in favor. This will enable us to allocate funds toward improvements in those neighborhoods. For far too long, many neighborhoods of our city have not had the attention that the Downtown and East Stuart have enjoyed. I believe that the commission, city manager and staff have had too narrow a focus that has not encompassed all of Stuart’s neighborhoods.

While downtown is important, it is not the only center of economic and social life that Stuart has. Many of our residents never venture to Osceola or Flagler to shop, drink or eat. In 2013, the city’s median family income was $27,000 which does not afford much (if any) discretionary income to use in those downtown venues. The economics of continuing to spend so many city dollars in one area should be examined in relation to what the taxpayer is receiving for those expenditures.

East Stuart is part of the current CRA. Over the years, the city has spent CRA and other dollars to improve infrastructure and community services to the area. This is what should be done within a CRA. This type of actions should enable economic development to begin throughout East Stuart. With those improvements that neighborhood now needs private investment to piggyback on our public expenditures. No amount of public money will ever be enough to bring economic vitality without the private sector willing to invest.

As the CRA expands into new neighborhoods, it is the obligation of the residents and property owners within the expanded district to make their ideas on improvements known to the city. In order to facilitate that to happen, city staff will be organizing neighborhood meetings. I plan on attending as many of those meetings as possible so that I understand and can advocate for property owners and residents throughout the expanded areas. Earlier, when the CRA expansion was first announced, I did meet with the Stypmann Blvd neighborhood regarding a concern of theirs. Because of that meeting, I had a possible road expansion project removed from the plan at their request.

Any increase in taxes for projects within the expanded CRA won’t be immediate. Funds can be used from within the entire CRA to begin new projects that will increase property values within those new areas. Ultimately, the entire city becomes a better place because of the increased spending on infrastructure and community projects. This is a win for all our residents.

There have been many untrue statements made about CRA expansion. However, one statement does have some merit…that the city has spent too much on administration and “feel good” initiatives instead of on “bricks and mortar.” I intend to do everything possible to end this and make sure funds are invested in projects that have a return for the tax dollars expended.

I have been a big proponent of our tram system. I have done so with the expectation that it become truly a mini-transit system that serves the entire city. Such a system cannot happen overnight but the continued existence as a strictly downtown shuttle, a tourist convenience and occasionally being used for special events is not what I want to see moving forward. If the tram does not begin operating as it should, as a public conveyance, then I will not support keeping it at anything near its present capacity.

The CRA expansion is a good concept. We will have more dollars to spend on neighborhood improvements. It is ultimately up to your commissioners to make sure that the dollars are spent on those neighborhoods and not on larger budgets to pay more staff. I want to see all tax dollars spent to maximum efficiency. The people must be heard. They must make sure that their wishes are known to the commission, city manager and staff. Then use your vote if your wishes are ignored.