FAQs

How are Redevelopment Districts Funded?: Once an agency is established and redevelopment district created, the Agency gains access to a revenue source called Tax Increment Financing (TIF). It is important to note, this is not a taxing authority or a new tax. TIF revenues are generated based on the incremental growth in property values within a district overtime as public infrastructure projects are completed and private reinvestment is realized. These funds are deposited into a Redevelopment Trust Fund and can only be used for programs and projects geared to revitalizing the redevelopment district.

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CRA FAQ's

1. What is a Redevelopment District?: Redevelopment districts are established by local government agencies in response to conditions that are considered blighted, as defined in Chapter 163, Part III, Florida Statutes. If an agency, such as the City of Ocoee, is located within the jurisdiction of a Home-Rule County, then they must be delegated redevelopment powers by that County. If an area is determined to be blighted, and they receive delegation of powers, then the next step is to establish a community redevelop agency or CRA. Once a CRA is created then they oversee the development and implementation of a redevelopment plan to guide revitalization efforts over a period of years.

2. How are Redevelopment Districts Funded?: Once an agency is established and redevelopment district created, the Agency gains access to a revenue source called Tax Increment Financing (TIF). It is important to note, this is not a taxing authority or a new tax. TIF revenues are generated based on the incremental growth in property values within a district overtime as public infrastructure projects are completed and private reinvestment is realized. These funds are deposited into a Redevelopment Trust Fund and can only be used for programs and projects geared to revitalizing the redevelopment district.

3. Who makes up the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)?: The Ocoee CRA is comprised of seven (7) members. These members include the five (5) member City Commission plus two additional at-large members. One of the at-large members are nominated by Orange County.

4. When was the Fifty West Redevelopment District established and when is it scheduled to end?: The City of Ocoee’s Fifty West Redevelopment District was created in 2006 and is currently set to sunset in 2036, unless Orange County grants an extension of up to an additional 10 years.

5. Where is the Fifty West Redevelopment District?: City of Ocoee’s Fifty West Redevelopment District sits along a 2-mile stretch of SR 50 (W.
Colonial Drive) and is easily accessible from the Florida Turnpike, the East-West Expressway
(SR 408) and the Western Beltway (SR 429).

6. How large is the Fifty West Redevelopment District?: Approximately 1,070 acres.

7. What is the vision for the Fifty West Redevelopment District?: Fifty West will include centers of vibrant, urban, mixed-use development providing enhanced pedestrian and automobile connectivity, flexible land uses, diverse economic base, a mix of April 29, 2020 housing types, a shred responsibility of infrastructure financing, public open space and parks, creating an enhanced image and contemporary development form.

8. What type of projects has the CRA completed?: The CRA has completed several studies and master planning processes to further the
directives contained within the Ocoee Redevelopment Plan, including establishing three (3)
target areas. Target Area 1 is located south of SR 50 and west of Maguire Road and has seen
the demolition of the blighted Colony Plaza and new development. Target Area 2 is located
on the north of SR 50 and east of Bluford Avenue. Located in this area are new apartments
and will be home to City Center West Orange. City Center when completed will include over
54,250 sq. ft. of retail, 75,000 sq. ft. of restaurant, and 60,000 sq. ft. of office. Target Area 3
is located in the vicinity of Health Central medical campus.
Prior to 2020, the CRA improved the median landscaping on S. Blackwood Avenue, Old Winter
Garden Road and Clarke Road.

9. What projects is the CRA currently working on?: The CRA is currently working on the landscaping the medians of SR 50 in partnership with
FDOT who grant the City and CRA up to $775,000 in funding. Other projects include working
on stormwater and corridor plans for the entire redevelopment district.

10. Who do I contact if I have questions regarding the Fifty West Redevelopment District?: If you have a question or seeking additional information regarding the Ocoee CRA or the
work we are doing within the Fifty West Redevelopment District contact:
Ginger Corless, CRA Administrator
City of Ocoee
1 N. Bluford Ave.
Ocoee, FL 34761
Email: vcorless@ocoee.org
Telephone: 407-905-3100 ext. 9-1028