CRA Proposes New Programs to Boost Downtown Newberry

NEWBERRY – The Newberry Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board reviewed ongoing and proposed initiatives for downtown at its Aug. 11, 2025, meeting, including a new mural, the first application for a commercial façade grant, and potential programs to support business marketing and residential improvements.

Work began Aug. 4 on a mural for the west wall of the city-owned building at 25439 W. Newberry Road. Artist Jesus Martinez was selected after a public call for submissions. The mural is partially funded by a $2,000 matching Art Tag Grant, supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, Visit Gainesville, and sales of “State of the Arts” license plates. The project also includes landscaping, a bench, and sidewalk improvements to encourage visitors to stop downtown.

In other business, the board approved the first application under its new Commercial Façade Grant Program. Pabst Personal Care, PLLC, the owner of 25050 W. Newberry Road, received approval for improvements including seal-coating and painting the parking lot, repairing handrails, pressure washing, exterior painting, updated signage, and landscaping.

The work is estimated at $12,125, with the CRA covering up to 75 percent of the final cost, capped at $9,093.95. Board members unanimously supported the application.

Members also discussed creating a Business Marketing Grant Program to help downtown merchants with advertising, branding, digital campaigns, and promotional events. The proposal, modeled in part after Boynton Beach’s program, could reimburse businesses for marketing efforts and align with Newberry’s Downtown 5-Year Action Plan.

Organizers suggested collaboration with the Newberry Main Street Organization, Visit Newberry, and the Chamber of Commerce to promote downtown through consistent messaging and small-scale events. No decisions were made, but staff will continue exploring the idea.

The board also reviewed the possibility of launching a Residential Paint Program in fiscal year 2026. Similar programs in other Florida cities provide free or discounted paint, vouchers, or contracted labor to assist homeowners with exterior improvements, historic preservation, and blight prevention.

Board members were shown examples of local homes in need of repair and asked to consider options that might best serve the CRA district. No final action was taken.

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