EAST TAMPA — Development grants and urban renewal plans are usually sponsored by a local organisation called a Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). If you’re unfamiliar with what a CRA is, it’s essentially an organisation that helps revitalise urban areas. Tampa has eight different CRAs, with the one in East Tampa being one of the largest in the state. Some of the founders of this CRA have spoken about its positive impact on their community and the progress that has been made as a result.

Chloe Coney retired in 2006 as the founder and president of the Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa, Incorporated. However, the impact of her award-winning work in development can be seen throughout East Tampa. A building has been named in her honour. As a native of East Tampa, she has witnessed the community come out of blight and into a resurgence with her involvement in its Community Redevelopment Agency.

A Community Redevelopment Agency is a government body dedicated to urban renewal.

“East Tampa was disinvested for about 30 years. So that was the main reason we went down to advocate for the CRA,” said Chloe Coney.

What You Need To Know

  •  Development grants and urban renewal plans are usually sponsored by a local organisation called a Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)

  • Tampa has eight different CRAs, with the one in East Tampa being one of the largest in the state

  •  400 new homes were built, a clean team was formed, and a police station was constructed with the support of CRA TIF funds

After a series of meetings with 15 community leaders, including then-City Councilman Bishop Thomas Scott, current District 63 State Representative Dianne Hart, and the neighborhood association, the East Tampa Community Redevelopment Area was launched and initially led by Betty P. Wiggins, and Sam Kensey.

“We had over a hundred vacant lots in East Hampton. The C.R.A. gave us the ability to clean those lines, tear down any dilapidated structures, and beautify communities,” said Hart.

According to Hart, over 400 NEW homes were built, a clean team was formed, and a police station was constructed with the support of CRA TIF funds or taxes paid by homeowners and businesses. This enables a Community Redevelopment Agency to combine public funds with private investments to facilitate redevelopment projects.

According to Hart, funds obtained from a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) area must be used solely for redevelopment purposes within the designated area and not for general governmental purposes.

“It’s critically important that we remember that the dollars we’re getting to our story must be used back in our communities. You know, one of the things that probably concerns me the most is that I don’t know if we have enough community participation, but I advise my series Use Your Money because the state will come for it,” said Hart.

Throughout East Tampa, Coney says it has been money well spent.                                 

“We try to use the money within 2-3 years,” she said.

The community continues to attract private investment.

“You had very competent people who brought a lot of skills to that committee. But the greatest thing was that the love of East Tampa and wanted to see it prosper,” said Coney.

She believes that the impressive revitalization of East Tampa can be attributed to the unwavering dedication of its Community Development Agency founders. Their tireless efforts have not only transformed the area but have also provided a much-needed boost to the local economy.