The Apopka Community Redevelopment Agency will consider two property acquisition matters, a new homebuyer assistance program and a downtown lighting project when it meets Monday, Aug. 24. 

The CRA Board will meet at 5 p.m. Monday at the Apopka Community Center. The agenda includes three new-business items and several continuing redevelopment matters. 

The board will consider a $156,000 purchase contract with Duke Energy Florida for a vacant 0.45-acre property at 205 E. Eighth St., advancing an acquisition the CRA voted in April to pursue. Preliminary discussions have included using the property for a future homelessness resource center or another community-serving project, although its ultimate use has not been decided.  

Under the proposed contract, the city would provide a $10,000 earnest deposit and pay the remaining $146,000 at closing.  

The board will also revisit the possible acquisition of 161 E. Sixth St., a vacant property listed for $299,000. Its 2025 tax-assessed value is $110,286, according to the agenda packet. Staff has identified several possible uses, including parking to support the Museum of the Apopkans and other downtown destinations, commercial or mixed-use development, cultural or community space, or a future public-private redevelopment project. 

Staff recommends obtaining a formal appraisal if the board wants to move forward because the asking price substantially exceeds the assessed value. A temporary parking lot could also serve the property in the short term while preserving it for future redevelopment. 

Under new business, the board will consider a Down Payment Assistance Program offering homebuyers within the CRA district up to 25 percent of a property’s purchase price, capped at $30,000. Assistance would take the form of a deferred, zero-interest second mortgage. Recipients would have to use the property as their primary residence and maintain homestead status for five years, after which the assistance would be fully forgiven. The program does not impose income-based eligibility requirements. 

The CRA will also consider a Fifth Street lighting project between Park and Central avenues. Duke Energy’s proposal calls for 10 concrete poles and approximately 950 suspended bistro-style lights. The proposal offers several payment options, with upfront construction costs ranging from $50,000 to $103,000 and monthly fees ranging from $55 to $474 under a 20-year contract. 

Finally, the board will consider requesting an extension of the CRA’s term. The proposed resolution says redevelopment work remains necessary to complete capital projects, encourage private investment and improve housing conditions. If approved by the CRA, the request would go to the City Commission for approval and then be transmitted to Orange County.