First CRA Residential Incentive Project Completed
The first residence utilizing Lynn Haven CRA’s new “Residential Incentive Program” has been completed. The 1,516 square foot residential building was constructed by Jeremy
Longshore of JLBN Investments, LLC on a vacant lot at 314 Indiana Avenue.
The Lynn Haven Community Redevelopment Agency (Lynn Haven CRA) implemented this new incentive earlier this year. The goal is to promote the development of unimproved lots within the CRA area. Lynn Haven CRA will pay up to $5,000 to the lot owner if he or she builds a new detached single family home on their residential lot. The amount of the incentive depends on the size of the new home. The program is on a first-come, first-served basis.
“We are very excited to see new construction going on here in our historic part of Lynn Haven”, Mayor Kelley pointed out. “New homes in Lynn Haven mean more business activity for our community while the City better utilizes its existing infrastructure. This is a win-win for everybody!”
“We have about 90 vacant lots within the CRA today”, says Ben Janke, Director of the Lynn Haven CRA. “This is a lot of underutilized space for an urban area. So our goal is to encourage our property owners to do something with their vacant land. Let’s put it to a good use.” About a dozen interested residents have contacted the CRA so far regarding the program. Some of them are property owners, others are home builders.
[box type=”shadow” ]The Lynn Haven CRA was established in 2003 by the Lynn Haven City Commission. It includes an area of approx. 695 acres located between Bailey Bridge and 17th Street, and Tennessee Ave. to Illinois Ave. Its goal is to promote a family-friendly, walkable downtown area, while preserving our local, small-town heritage. This will be achieved through planned activities, such as construction improvement projects and incentive programs. For further information, please contact Ben Janke, CRA Director, Lynn Haven CRA at (850) 265-2961 or by email to bjanke@cityoflynnhaven.com.[/box]