Newtown CRA Advisory Board Meeting

Newtown CRA Advisory Board Regular Meeting Minutes 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, 2026 R.L. Taylor Community Center, 1845 John Rivers Street, Sarasota, FL 34234 I. Call Meeting to Order – The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. II. Roll Call & Board Attendance Present: Carlos Yancy, Danny Preston, Jeanine Johnson, and Charles Walker Absent: Rachel Shelley (absent for medical reasons) III. Changes to the Order of the Day Staff requested a modification to the Order of the Day to add an item under Staff Reports to discuss the upcoming Juneteenth celebration in the community. The Board accepted the revised Order of the Day by consensus. IV. Approval of Draft Minutes from Regular Meeting of March 11, 2026 The March 11, 2026, Regular Meeting minutes were approved by consensus. V. Citizen’s Input There was no citizen input received. VI. Presentations & Reports A. North Sarasota Trail – Charles Hines, Program Director, Florida Gulf Coast Trail Charles Hines, Program Director for the Florida Gulf Coast Trail, provided an overview of the North Sarasota Trail initiative, including current planning efforts, regional connectivity goals, and opportunities for community engagement. Discussion included potential economic and mobility benefits associated with expanded trail infrastructure and connectivity within the Newtown area. B. Salvation Army Street Teams – Michelle Legarsky, Coordinator of Homeless Response Michelle Legarsky, Coordinator of Homeless Response, presented information regarding the Salvation Army Street Teams program, including litter collection activities, workforce development opportunities, and supportive services available to program participants. Board discussion focused on accountability measures, program scheduling, geographic service coverage, and data collection related to employment outcomes and community impact. Additional discussion addressed the importance of documenting services provided within the CRA district and identifying measurable outcomes associated with CRA funding support. Public comment was received encouraging enhanced reporting, route scheduling transparency, and demographic information regarding participants and service areas. Staff advised that additional information would be compiled in response to the Board's questions. The Board requested that the Salvation Army Street Teams return at a future meeting to provide a follow-up presentation addressing program operations, reporting metrics, service outcomes, and activities within the CRA district. VII. Unfinished Business A. Dr. MLK Jr. Way Redevelopment Projects i. Baker Gas Station Environmental Studies Staff provided an update regarding the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment completed for the former Baker Gas Station property located on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way. The report identified recognized environmental conditions, including soil and groundwater contaminants associated with prior fuel service

operations. Staff summarized the findings of the assessment and reviewed photographs and site conditions documented during the inspection process. The Board discussed redevelopment potential for the property, future environmental review requirements, and the importance of ensuring technical consultants attend future meetings to address questions regarding site conditions and remediation considerations. Staff advised that the previously authorized Phase II Environmental Assessment could proceed consistent with prior Board direction and approved funding parameters. The Board requested a future presentation from the environmental consultant to review the assessment findings, discuss redevelopment implications, and answer questions related to the property. ii. Town Hall Building Assessment Staff presented findings from the Town Hall building assessment associated with redevelopment discussions for the property adjacent to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park. Discussion included prior concepts related to food truck activation, park activity enhancement, and redevelopment opportunities along the corridor. The assessment identified significant structural and roof-related concerns that could trigger substantial improvement requirements under applicable building regulations. Staff summarized recent discussions with the property owners regarding phased demolition concepts and redevelopment concerns. Board discussion addressed redevelopment feasibility, project financing considerations, and the importance of preserving economic activity at a key gateway location into the Newtown community. Public comment encouraged the Board to ensure project funding commitments are established prior to any demolition activity and noted potential cost challenges associated with phased construction approaches. Following discussion, the Board determined additional conversations with the property owners were necessary before proceeding further. Motion by Pastor Preston to table discussion of the Town Hall redevelopment item until additional direction is received from the property owners. Second received. The motion carried unanimously. B. Newtown Business Incubator Location Discussion Member Preston presented an update regarding ongoing discussions related to the proposed Newtown business incubator initiative and recent conversations with a prospective property owner concerning the use of commercial space within the CRA district. Staff provided additional background regarding prior Board direction, lease considerations, operational needs, and coordination with potential community partners. Discussion focused on the need for a dedicated and sustainable location capable of supporting entrepreneurial development, workforce training, and small business assistance services within the Newtown community. The Board discussed concerns regarding the proposed shared-use arrangement, including operational limitations, scheduling constraints, and the overall suitability of the space for long-term incubator activities. The Board also discussed the importance of identifying a location that would provide sufficient visibility, accessibility, and flexibility to accommodate future programming growth. Reference was made to ongoing collaboration opportunities with organizations such as SCORE and CareerSource to support technical assistance, mentorship, and workforce-related programming associated with the incubator concept. Public comment encouraged the Board to continue pursuing a long-term solution that would support economic development and small business growth within the CRA district. Additional comments emphasized the importance of securing a location that aligns with the Board’s broader redevelopment goals and community investment priorities. Following discussion, the Board determined that the proposed location under consideration would not adequately support the intended incubator operations. The Board further discussed continuing conversations with community partners and evaluating additional potential locations within the CRA district. Discussion included possible future consideration of publicly owned or community-serving properties that may support interim or long-term incubator operations.

Motion by Member Preston to discontinue discussions regarding the proposed incubator location and continue seeking alternative sites for the business incubator initiative. Second received. The motion carried unanimously. Motion by Member Walker to coordinate with community partners regarding operational needs and feasibility considerations for the proposed business incubator initiative. Second received. The motion carried unanimously. Member Walker was assigned by the Board to coordinate outreach to SCORE and CareerSource Suncoast. Staff will explore feasibility considerations associated with the Children’s First property as a potential future incubator location and return with additional information at a future meeting. VIII. New Business A. Cultural Event Grant Guidelines Staff presented revisions to the Cultural Event Grant Program guidelines intended to clarify restrictions regarding overlapping or competing events receiving CRA support simultaneously. The revisions were designed to reinforce the program’s purpose of generating economic activity and coordinated attendance within the CRA district. The Board reviewed the proposed language revisions and application updates. Motion by Member Johnson to accept the guidelines as revised. Second received. The motion carried unanimously. IX. Board/Member Reports A. Chair/Member Board Reports Member Johnson provided an update to the Board regarding planning for the upcoming Hurricane Expo scheduled for June 13, 2026. Staff reminded the Board that, at a previous meeting, Member Johnson had been asked to explore opportunities for the CRA to participate in an existing community event rather than organizing a separate CRA-sponsored event. Staff provided background on that prior discussion and noted that participation in the Hurricane Expo would allow the CRA to conduct community outreach while leveraging an established event. The Board discussed the Hurricane Expo as an opportunity to increase public awareness of the CRA, its redevelopment initiatives, Advisory Board meetings, and available programs without the additional cost and logistical requirements associated with hosting a standalone event. Discussion also included the preparation of informational materials and opportunities to engage residents and businesses within the CRA district. Motion by Member Johnson: Authorize staff to secure a vendor booth for the June 13, 2026, Hurricane Expo and prepare informational materials for community outreach. Second received. The motion carried unanimously. B. Community Organization Reports & 2026 Assignments The Board reviewed the current list of community organization assignments and discussed ongoing participation expectations. Staff reminded members of public meeting and Sunshine Law considerations related to attendance at outside organizational meetings. Discussion included balancing assignments among Board members and ensuring continued communication between community organizations and the CRA Advisory Board. Several assignments were confirmed, while remaining appointments were deferred for future consideration. X. Staff Report A. FY26-27 Budget Recommendations Staff briefly reviewed the Board’s budget recommendations to the City Commission for Fiscal Year 2026– 2027 and outlined the upcoming budget development process. Discussion focused on aligning future budget priorities with the goals of the Community Redevelopment Plan. The Board also discussed the importance of maintaining flexibility to address emerging redevelopment

opportunities while ensuring available funding is directed toward projects with measurable community benefits. B. Dr. MLK Visioning Project Staff provided an update on the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way Visioning Project and ongoing efforts to establish the community's long-term redevelopment vision for the corridor. Staff also discussed opportunities to leverage the Visioning Project as a framework for identifying future funding priorities, coordinating redevelopment efforts, and pursuing partnerships that support implementation of the plan's recommendations. The Board encouraged property owner engagement and regular progress updates as outreach activities move forward. C. America’s 250th Anniversary Staff provided an update regarding planning efforts for the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary commemoration and discussed opportunities for the CRA to participate in community activities recognizing the milestone. D. Juneteenth 2026 Community Celebration Staff requested the addition of an agenda item to discuss the CRA's participation in the upcoming Juneteenth celebration. Staff advised that vendor booths were available for the June 20, 2026, event and presented the opportunity for the CRA to participate by hosting an informational booth to promote the CRA, redevelopment initiatives, and community engagement. The Board discussed the value of maintaining a presence at established community events as a means of increasing public awareness of the CRA and connecting with residents and business owners. Board members expressed support for participating in the event, and members volunteered to assist with staffing the booth during the celebration. Public comment under this item expressed support for the CRA's participation in the upcoming Juneteenth celebration and suggested that the CRA consider serving as an event sponsor in addition to hosting an informational booth. The commenter noted that the event attracts local entrepreneurs and businesses and provides an opportunity to promote economic development initiatives within the CRA district. Motion by Member Johnson to authorize staff to secure a vendor booth for the Juneteenth celebration. Second received. The motion carried unanimously. E. Agenda Items for July 8, 2026 Meeting • Salvation Army Street Teams • NCRA Marketing & Communication • Tempo News • Dr. MLK Jr. Way Redevelopment Projects • Newtown Business Incubator Location • Sidewalk Project Update XI. Citizen’s Input There was no citizen input received. XII. Adjournment – The meeting was adjourned at 7:37 p.m. Next REGULAR Advisory Board Meeting July 8, 2026.

Newtown CRA Advisory Board Meeting

NEWTOWN CRA ADVISORY BOARD MEETING

R.L Taylor Community Center

1845 John Rivers Street, Sarasota, FL 34234 05:00 p.m. May 13, 2026

26-0513 Notice NCRAAB Mtg

26-0513 Agenda

Notice to Public

26-0513 Agenda Backup Docs

I.

Call Meeting to Order

II.

Roll Call & Board Attendance

III.

Changes to the Order of the Day

IV.

Approval of Draft Minutes from Regular Meeting of March 11, 2026.

V.

Citizen’s Input - Citizens may address the Board on topics NOT on the Agenda. Questions and answers are not permitted by the Board during this period A “Request to Speak Form” must be submitted to Staff prior to speaking. Three (3) minutes time limit per speaker and Fifteen (15) minutes maximum time for all public input per meeting. Note: Should a citizen(s) have concerns regarding a topic on the agenda, they MUST wait until the end of the presentation, complete a “Request to Speak” form and then provide their input on said topic, at which time the board or presenter may address the citizen’s concern.

VI.

Presentations & Reports

VII.

Unfinished Business

A.

Dr. MLK Jr. Way Redevelopment Projects

i.

Baker Gas Station Environmental Studies

ii.

Town Hall Building Assessment

B.

Newtown Business Incubator Location Discussion

VIII.

New Business

A.

Cultural Event Grant Guidelines

IX.

Board/Member Reports

A.

Chair/Member Board Reports

B.

Community Organization Reports and 2026 Assignments