PAL building loan commitment discussed; CRA members ask for verification, action deferred to June meeting

A representative for the PAL program told the North Miami CRA board that a construction loan of $250,000 has been secured for renovation work but that PAL needs an additional $150,000 to close. David Bernie, speaking during the public-discussion portion, said PAL has invested about $140,000 in the building and requested a timely written commitment from the city or CRA to meet a 30-day closing window.

Board members and staff questioned who owns the building and whether CRA funds may be used, noting that CRA tax increment financing rules can prohibit spending on certain types of city-owned administrative buildings. Legal staff and others said the critical question is whether the building improvement is owned by the PAL grantee or by the city under a ground lease; if PAL owns the improvements the CRA may be permitted to contribute, whereas CRA funds could not be used for acquisition or city-owned administrative buildings.

Staff offered to research ownership and follow up with the PAL board and council members. Mr. Bernie said PAL could wait for the June 9 meeting but that a written commitment or letter indicating a funding commitment would help PAL meet the lender's timeline. Board members agreed to coordinate with city staff and return the item to the next CRA meeting for a formal decision after due diligence on ownership and eligibility.