Last week’s program was provided by Rotarian Tatyana Austin. Tatyana’s guest speaker was Karen Collin’s, Community Services Director for the City of Plant City. Through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), Karen is tasked with Code enforcement and assistance to rectify code violations and community visual improvements to structure and businesses in Plant City. The City of Plant City’s Facade Improvement & Code Correction Matching Grant Program is designed to improve the visual appearance of structures within the Plant City Redevelopment Area (CRA).The program provides funding for property owners and building occupants to repair and rehabilitate buildings located within the CRA. Assistance is provided through matching grants for the purpose of rehabilitating or restoring the principle facade or to make eligible repairs to correct any code deficiencies within existing buildings used for commercial or industrial activities. Matching grants, up to $10,000 per building, will be provided to assist eligible property owners or building occupants with up to 50% of the project costs required to complete rehabilitation of the principal facade, including windows, awnings, canopies, balconies, external signage and lighting. Grant funds may be utilized to correct identified code violations, including but not limited to, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire protection, or health and safety issues. Karen has many various projects underway at this time and is continually identifying new projects. Some completed projects include the “Whistle Stop” and “Crazy Cup” façade improvements. Karen is basically a “community planner” providing resources, information, support and assistance for residents. She also works with homeowners in the CRA area with financial or social services and works closely with Carefest (somebody cares Plant City) and Habitat for Humanity’s a “brush with kindness” program. She also oversee’s the development of “Brownfield’s”…Midtown, Lincoln Park, Lakeside Station and the Airport. Her mission is to spur reinvestment in the community. For more information or to schedule a Pre-Application Conference contact:
Karen E. Collins, Director
Community Services Department
302 W. Reynolds Street, 3rd Floor
P.O. Box C, Plant City, Florida 33564-9003
Telephone: (813) 659-4209
Fax: (813) 659-4232
Email: kcollins@plantcitygov.com
-submitted by Mike Arndt
.jpg)