Attiyya AnthonySun Sentinel
March 7, 2016
Boynton redevelopment agency to hear from new citizen advisory board members
Boynton Beach's redevelopment agency will for the first time Tuesday hear about its newly created citizen advisory board's progress.
In October, the city voted to change the makeup of its redevelopment agency board. It's now made up of the city's five commission members, a change from its former composition of five commissioners and two independent board members.
The redevelopment agency will hear an update on the advisory board's status for the first time. Board members say that the input from the city's citizens is vital to development, and that's why the advisory board was created.
With two meetings under their belt, advisory board members say that they are learning the rules, laws, limitations and guidelines of the city's redevelopment agency.
"So far it's been an educational process," said Linda Cross, advisory board member and retired certified public accountant. "It's very complicated."
Joe Casello, redevelopment agency board member and vice mayor, said that he's excited to see what residents on the redevelopment advisory board bring to the table.
"I think it's going to be a great thing," he said. "They're going to be a big influence on the commission. We have seven great individuals up there who will give us ideas and direction. I think it's going to be a great team."
Board member David Merker, who last year voted against removing citizens from the board, said he feels the new structure of the redevelopment agency board reduces citizen input. "It's a mockery," he said. "It's disrespect to the citizens of Boynton Beach. There are smart intelligent and interested citizens in Boynton Beach and they should be on the board."
He said he is concerned the recommendations from the citizen advisory board may not be taken seriously.
Vivian Brooks, the redevelopment agency's executive director, said that she will be briefing the agency's board on the advisory board's input every month.
Brooks said that at every redevelopment agency meeting, she will add an informational packet to the agenda so "board members who could not attend the advisory board meeting can see what was discussed."