Downtown development to be discussed at today's Palmetto press conference

Palmetto Mayor Shirley Bryant and other city officials will gather for a press conference today, Jan. 15, at 5 p.m. at the Regatta Pointe Marina Riverhouse Reef and Grill to discuss redevelopment projects in the city's downtown area.

In December, Palmetto city commissioners passed a resolution designating a portion of the Community Redevelopment Agency district as a brownfield area.

The designated area consists mainly of downtown Palmetto, with the bulk of the district planned along 17th Street West between 11th Avenue West and Canal Road.

Administered by the Florida Department of Environment Protection, the brownfield redevelopment program assists in the development of properties that may have environmental issues as a result of past uses, such as agricultural or industrial.

The program would make property owners in the brownfield eligible for grants, tax credits and other benefits. It also will lure private investment to the area. Applicants for the grants can receive refunds of $2,500 per job created on the taxes it pays.

The area will be called Palmetto Economic Enhancement District.

The CRA has also made plans to put out bids for builders and developers to purchase property at 926 Fifth St. W. The property, which can accommodate six small buildings, is vacant and officials hope attracting businesses will stimulate the local economy.

Follow us on www.bradenton.com and @bradentonherald and @_1NickWilliams on Twitter for news following the press conference.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/12/04/4302868/palmetto-moves-forward-on-redevelopment.html#storylink=cpy