Palmetto CRA Addresses Environmental Liabilities from Agricultural Past

The Palmetto Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is celebrating its 40th anniversary, having been established in 1985 to bring investment and improvements to the city through redevelopment funding. The CRA focuses on projects ranging from infrastructure upgrades to environmental cleanup of brownfield properties. Due to Palmetto’s history as an agricultural community, some properties have been impacted by fertilizer and pesticide contamination. The CRA works with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to manage the cleanup of these sites, such as the eco-park, Connor Park.

The CRA utilizes redevelopment funding to support businesses and residents while addressing environmental issues. Successful cleanup of contaminated sites allows them to be returned to the market and contribute to the tax base, enabling continued reinvestment into the community.