In March 2016, the BOCC approved a document called the Finding of Necessity, which indicates that Kass Circle does meet the definition of a “blighted” area. It also designated itself as the governing agency which would have full control of the redevelopment program. This was accomplished with the BOCC Resolution 2016-44, which was filed with the State of Florida.
While waiting for the State to return a plan to the BOCC, no other official work could be done on the redevelopment project. Fast forward to this week. County Planner Patricia McNeese, reminded the BOCC about the resolution and the need to select officers for the CRA’s governing agency. For simplicity’s sake, Assistant County Administrator Ron Pianta recommended that the officers have a structure like the BOCC (Chairman, Vice-Chairman, etc.).
The next step was to choose the person who would receive information from the State, and send notices to the State as to the progress of the CRA. McNeese stated that County Administrator Leonard Sossamon was a logical choice given his experience in North Carolina.
Included in the 2017 budget is the Kass Circle CRA. For now, expenses are small, and consist only of the annual $370 filing fees and membership registrations. Pianta explained that going forward, the County will seek grants to offset costs. Tax Incremental Financing (TIF), assessed on improvements at Kass Circle only will also be reinvested into the CRA, but that will take time to accrue.
ATA Career Education is one of the businesses thriving at Kass Circle. Mike Mandl, Director of Academic Affairs, stated that they moved to the location in 2011 with a student body of 60 individuals seeking a career in the medical field. Now, there are 243 students enrolled in both day and evening classes.
There have been 10 graduation ceremonies in which 700 degrees or diplomas have been conferred. Mandl states the graduation rate is approximately 85%, with a placement rate of 82%. Many graduates work in medical and dental practices in Hernando County. Mandl said the success of the program has meant the company is investing in that location with a 5,200-sq. ft. expansion, new equipment, eight additional faculty members and new programs.
Mandl feels very connected to the community, as he lives in the Kass Circle area. ATA has been involved in Breast Cancer Awareness, Relay for Life, Walk with a Doc, as well as festivals in the fall and winter. Providing a path for students to have a better life is what Mandl believes is ultimately helps to grow a community.
Noting that Spring Hill is 60 years old, “This is definitely an opportunity to provide some renewed vigor,” Mandl said. Kass Circle will have a Community Clean-Up effort on 01/28/17 from 8 – 10 am, followed by a “Block Party” from 12 – 4 pm. Mandl invited the BOCC to participate in the events. The Walmart Foundation has offered a grant to cover the cost of the clean-up under its “Strengthening Local Communities” program.
The next regular meeting of the CRA is scheduled for 02/28/17 at 2 pm. Two additional meetings on 05/23/17 and 08/22/17 were announced. McNeese stated special meetings could be called, and if there was nothing to discuss on the scheduled dates, they could be cancelled.