DIAMOND SQUARE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AGENDA ITEM
Memo Date: August 15, 2024
Agenda Date: August 19, 2024
Prepared By: Lucilene Ribiero, Planner
Through: Stockton Whitten, City Manager
Requested Action:
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Presentation on the minimum yard requirements applicable to properties located in the Diamond Square CRA.
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BACKGROUND:
On August 19, 1997, the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners passed Resolution No. 97-161, granting the City Council of Cocoa the authority to create and manage the Census Tract 626 Community Redevelopment Agency. Census Tract 626 was known for having high levels of poverty, unemployment, crime, and low income, making it one of the most disadvantaged areas in Florida.
Following this decision, the Cocoa City Council adopted Resolution No. 98-19 on March 24, 1998. This resolution identified Census Tract 626 as a troubled area in need of redevelopment, aligning with Florida's Community Redevelopment Act of 1969. It emphasized that revitalizing the area was crucial for the well-being of Cocoa's residents. To address this, the City Council established the Diamond Square Community Redevelopment Agency and formalized its structure, powers, and operations through Ordinance 13-98. This ordinance was reviewed and approved by the City's Local Planning Agency as consistent with Cocoa's Comprehensive Plan.
The Diamond Square area is characterized by a mix of residential homes, commercial businesses, and light industrial uses. Recognizing the Diamond Square CRA's limited resources, the City of Cocoa has invested millions to enhance streets and drainage, purchase land for affordable housing, and build a new community center.
To further support development, the City has proposed to relax yard requirements for single-family homes within the Diamond Square CRA. The proposed ordinance addresses the issues faced by nonconforming lots that have difficulty meeting the setback requirements of the RU-1-7 Zoning District. These pr...
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