WPB Officials: CRA Making Great Strides To Improve Quality Of Place In Historic Northwest, North End

From the City of West Palm Beach:

November 4, 2020

The West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board unanimously approved two resolutions on Monday, November 2, 2020 that are designed to improve the quality of place for residents and visitors in the Northwood/Pleasant City District and in the Historic Northwest District.

In the North End, the commissioners sitting as the CRA Board approved a contract with the architectural and engineering firm Chen Moore and Associates to develop the vision and plan for the redevelopment of the 14-acre Currie Park, located on the intracoastal waterfront just 2 miles north of Downtown West Palm Beach.

The project will be undertaken in two phases: 1.) Information Gathering, Public Engagement and Visioning Phase, and 2.) Construction Administration Phase. Chris Betancourt, a principal with Chen Moore, presented his firm’s process which will include a thorough site investigation, a robust public engagement program even during the pandemic, the development of a master plan, cost estimating, development phasing plan and a strategic funding plan within existing budget limitations. The process for the first phase is anticipated to be complete in just over 100 days. Chen Moore will also investigate grants, private-public partnerships, and other means of developing sources of revenue to construct, maintain, and operate Currie Park.

“We’re excited to work with Chen Moore on this project. The City, CRA and entire community have long anticipated the visioning and upgrades to such an important public asset in our city,” said Mayor Keith A. James. “We are a world-class city, and we have a steadfast vision for our future. Investment in our public spaces is one of the attributes that sets us apart from other cities in our region and serves as a critical attractor for new talent and new businesses to choose West Palm Beach as home.”

In the same spirit of improving quality of place and public amenities, the CRA Board also unanimously approved a reimbursable grant of up to $500,000 to develop a linear park on land owned by the CRA. The grant will go toward development of the linear park adjacent to the new project Flagler Station, a 94 unit affordable/workforce housing development located in the City’s Historic Northwest neighborhood adjacent to downtown. The parcel runs parallel to Banyan Boulevard between Tamarind Avenue and 2nd Street. The 34’ wide linear strip is historically significant, because a Flagler Rail spur runs the length of the property. The initial plan involves paying homage to history and celebrating the storied railway.

“Public investment often spurs private investment, and the City needs private investment now more than ever,” said Chris Roog, CRA Executive Director. “We are grateful that our City leaders understand the value of public investment, and we are excited to be moving in a positive direction during such an unprecedented time.”

The West Palm Beach CRA is a local government agency that works in collaboration with residents, property owners, businesses, developers and other community organizations to foster redevelopment within the CRA districts. CRA districts include the Downtown/City Center CRA District and the Northwood/Pleasant City CRA District. To learn more about the CRA, click here!

This press release was produced by the City of West Palm Beach. The views expressed are the author's own.