Title
Grant Application for Tourist Product Development (TPD) Capital Grant Project, Improving Bo Diddley Plaza Sound System (NB)
This item requests approval by the City Commission for the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs (PRCA) to accept the TPD Capital Grant if awarded.
Explanation
The Tourist Product Development (TPD) Capital Construction grant program provides funding to local public or not-for-profit organizations to build, renovate, enhance, expand and/or repair a facility that is directly targeted to growing the tourism economy in Alachua County. Projects can be awarded up to $25,000 and they have eighteen months to complete the project. This application proposes to enhance the Bo Diddley Community Plaza Stage Sound System in conjunction with other Plaza improvement efforts by the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). CRA's improvements include items such as the addition of a greenroom, redesign of the north side "face" or entrance to the Plaza, which are intended to improve safety, visibility, presentation, and quality of performance spaces. The City utilizes Bo Diddley Plaza for such popular events and tourist draws as the Downtown Festival and Art Show, Free Fridays concerts, Jest Fest!, and New Year's Eve Countdown.
Fiscal Note
No matching funds are required; however, priority will be given to capital projects that have matching funds. Dedicated CRA Plaza improvement funds are being shown as a match.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) authorize the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department to accept the grant if awarded; and 2) authorize the City Manager or designee to execute any grant related documents, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.