Council member urges adding deferred maintenance, signage and wayfinding to CRA budgets

Council member Wigdur urged the Boca Raton Community Redevelopment Agency on May 29 to include deferred maintenance needs and downtown signage upgrades in the amended fiscal 2024 budget and the tentative 2025 budget.

Wigdur told colleagues the city has funds available now that certain bonds and loans have been paid off and said the CRA should prioritize replacing aging signage, continuing a painting program at Meisner Park and improving directory and wayfinding systems downtown. "I do think it's important that we consider some of these maintenance items," Wigdur said, adding that some signs have “exceeded their useful life” and are in need of replacement rather than a fresh coat of paint.

Wigdur also proposed researching digital display advertising for future installation downtown to promote events, assist with wayfinding and improve safety. He pointed to examples on college campuses and in other cities where displays provide event information and emergency notifications.

No formal motion or budget action was taken at the meeting; his comments were part of the commissioner reports ahead of budget season. Chair Nackless and staff noted the item will be considered during the CRA’s budget discussions and strategic planning work; the board is awaiting a report from the consultant Trainovations that will outline vision, priorities and projects for the CRA.

The CRA took one formal action during the meeting: it unanimously adopted the minutes of its May 13, 2024 regular meeting. The agency adjourned at 1:43 p.m.