Message from Commissioner Leslie Campione on Mount Plymouth - Sorrento CRA

Thank you for your participation in the community meeting for the Mount Plymouth-Sorrento CRA that was held on August 29th. We had an excellent turn-out. I want to thank Principal Mollie Cunningham for the use of the Sorrento Elementary School cafeteria.

At the meeting, we discussed the merits and benefits of a CRA for this area. Under a CRA, it would be possible to fund roadway, drainage and sidewalk improvements as well as lighting, signage, landscape projects and enhancements to building facades.

Under state law, a CRA is an area that is targeted for redevelopment and revitalization by a local government. It must meet a number of state requirements and be approved by the Board of County Commissioners. The creation of a CRA does not increase a property owner’s taxes and does not change the land use designations. The improvements are paid for by a designated portion of the tax revenue collected within the CRA for a limited period of time and are intended to encourage private investment in the area.

It was the consensus of the audience to move forward with meeting the state requirements for establishing a CRA. Initially, we must delineate the boundary of the proposed CRA and prepare a CRA plan. A map depicting the proposed CRA boundaries is on this website for your review and comment. In order to prepare a CRA plan, we must also identify the type of activities and facilities that will be funded through the CRA. A list of eligible facilities and activities is also on this website for your review and comment.

I plan to discuss the Mount Plymouth-Sorrento CRA with the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) in December with the public hearing for adoption occurring in January. If the BCC supports the adoption, the next step will be to establish a CRA Advisory Board comprised of Mount Plymouth-Sorrento residents who will be responsible for conducting community meetings and advising the BCC. The Advisory Board will be asked to make recommendations regarding priorities and the selection of projects and to propose amendments to the CRA Plan as needed.

Please take a few moments and share your thoughts with us. I truly hope that we can be partners as we work to make Mount Plymouth-Sorrento a better place to live and raise our children.

Thank you,

Leslie Campione
Lake County Commissioner, District 4