Palatka CRA tables City Hall mural repairs after preservation committee requests more time

CRA staff asked the agency to authorize phased renovation of several downtown murals and recommended starting with a group of six panels on the side of City Hall at an estimated $3,500 for that group.

Committee members and commissioners asked for a holistic cost estimate for all murals needing restoration. Allegri Kitchens, a long‑time member of the Connelly Snider mural committee, said the committee has some funds set aside and asked the CRA to table the item until after the committee meets on April 9 so they can coordinate and possibly mitigate costs. "We voted to redo all the murals on city hall... let us talk about this... we may come back with... clarification and maybe help mitigate the cost," Kitchens said.

A motion to table the mural authorization until after the committee's meeting was made, seconded and approved by the CRA. Commissioners also discussed whether the CRA is taking on ongoing maintenance responsibility; staff said there is no standing contract obligating the CRA to maintain all murals and that historically the mural committee and grant funds have supported placement and maintenance.

The mural item was tabled; staff will return with additional details and any committee proposals after the Connelly Snider committee meets.