Diamond Square CRA Regular Meeting

MINUTES   
CITY OF COCOA  
DIAMOND SQUARE CRA  
REGULAR MEETING  
December 16, 2024 
 
The Regular Meeting of the Diamond Square Community Redevelopment Agency was held on 
December 16, 2024, at the City of Cocoa, City Hall, 65 Stone Street, Cocoa, FL, as publicly 
noticed.  
 
I. Call to Order  
Chairperson MOORE called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. 
Invocation:  Chairperson MOORE provided the invocation.  
 
Pledge of Allegiance:   Agency Member  A. SMITH led  the Pledge of Allegiance to the 
flag of the United States of America. 
 
ROLL CALL:  
Tracy A. Moore  Chairperson 
Crystal McQueen  Vice Chairperson 
Larry Brown    Agency Member 
Brenda Fox   Agency Member 
Jackie Isom    Agency Member 
Angelia Smith   Agency Member 
Marilyn Smith   Agency Member 
Joseph Colombo  Agency Attorney 
Ryan Browne   Recording Secretary  
 
PRESENT: 
Tracy A. Moore  Chairperson 
Larry Brown    Agency Member 
Brenda Fox   Agency Member 
Jackie Isom   Agency Member 
Angelia Smith   Agency Member 
Marilyn Smith   Agency Member 
Joseph Colombo  Agency Attorney 
Ryan Browne   Recording Secretary  
 
 
ABSENT:   Crystal McQueen  Vice Chairperson 
 
  


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STAFF PRESENT: 
 
Community Services Director NEUTERMAN, City Manager WHITTEN, and Agency Liaison 
GOINS were in attendance.   
  
II. Approval of Agenda and Minutes:   
 
AGENDA:  
Agenda - Regular Meeting of December 16, 2024. 
*MOTION by  Agency Member BROWN; SECONDED by  Agency Member ISOM t o 
approve the Agenda for the Regular Meeting of December 16, 2024, as written.   
AYES: MOORE, BROWN, FOX, ISOM, A. SMITH, M. SMITH. 
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (6-0) 
 
MINUTES:  
Minutes – Regular Meeting of May 20, 2024 - Revised. 
*MOTION by Agency Member BROWN; SECONDED by Agency Member FOX to approve 
the Minutes for the Regular Meeting of May 20, 2024 - Revised, as written.   
 
AYES: MOORE, BROWN, FOX, ISOM, A. SMITH, M. SMITH. 
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (6-0) 
 
Minutes – Regular Meeting of June 17, 2024 - Revised. 
*MOTION by Agency Member BROWN; SECONDED by Agency Member FOX to approve 
the Minutes for the Regular Meeting of June 17, 2024 - Revised, as written.   
 
AYES: MOORE, BROWN, FOX, ISOM, A. SMITH, M. SMITH. 
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (6-0) 
  
 
 Minutes – Regular Meeting of August 19, 2024 - Revised. 


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*MOTION by  Agency Member ISOM ; SECONDED by  Agency Member BROWN  to 
approve the Minutes for the Regular Meeting of August 19, 2024 - Revised, as written.   
 
AYES: MOORE, BROWN, FOX, ISOM, A. SMITH, M. SMITH. 
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (6-0) 
 
 Minutes – Regular Meeting of September 16, 2024. 
*MOTION by Agency Member BROWN; SECONDED by Agency Member FOX to approve 
the Minutes for the Regular Meeting of September 16, 2024, as written.   
 
AYES: MOORE, BROWN, FOX, ISOM, A. SMITH, M. SMITH. 
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (6-0) 
 
Minutes – Special Meeting of October 14, 2024. 
*MOTION by  Agency Member ISOM ; SECONDED by  Agency Member BROWN  to 
approve the Minutes for the Special Meeting of October 14, 2024, as written.   
 
AYES: MOORE, BROWN, FOX, ISOM, A. SMITH, M. SMITH. 
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (6-0) 
 
Minutes – Regular Meeting of November 18, 2024. 
*MOTION by Agency Member BROWN; SECONDED by Agency Member A. SMITH  to 
approve the Minutes for the Regular Meeting of November 18, 2024, as written.   
 
AYES: MOORE, BROWN, FOX, ISOM, A. SMITH, M. SMITH. 
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (6-0) 
 
III. Delegations:  None.       
 
IV. Presentations:   
 


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1. Updates to the UpStart Cocoa Grant Program (was originally to be given by 
Samantha Senger, Director of Communication and Economic Development; 
however, due to a scheduling conflict, the information is being presented to the 
Agency by Director NEUTERMAN.) (Ms. Senger attached an updated Resolution 
packet, which has been attached to the Agenda for the record.) 
i. Director NEUTERMAN presented the changes to the program.  Updated 
copy at your desk. 
1. Name of department updated that runs the program. 
2. Timeframes added to encourage current businesses to apply. 
3. May reapply after 6 months vs. 1 year. 
4. Remove business plan requirement, since WeVenture helps them to 
create one. 
5. Black and Hispanic Chamber added. 
6. Small Business Development Center at EFSC – now meet prior to 
applying, so they can review business plans to help improve them.  
7. Resolution will go before City Council. 
ii. Questions.  
1. Agency Member BROWN asked if certain types of businesses were 
being targeted.  Director NEUTERMAN replied that the program is 
open to any businesses.   She explained that s ometimes applicants 
have not decided where they are going to locate within Cocoa, since 
they can be directed to either Cocoa CRA or Diamond Square CRA. 
2. The current award is $15,000.   
3. Chairperson MOORE stated that as a committee member, she  can 
speak to some of these issues.  She explained that the short amount 
of time the applicant has to explain their business has been a 
challenge.  With now sending them to the SBDC first, it is intended 
to help them learn from professional help and have a better business 
pitch ready for the committee .  Regarding the e xpansion of time 
period to qualify:  some companies may have had a business on 
paper, but, may not yet be bringing in revenue.  Now, there will be 
more time to get to that point.  It could also be possible to help 
expand businesses too.  Lack of locations for new businesses in 
DSCRA is an issue that she  hopes will change  soon.  She is 
interested in helping to look for “incubator” space.  Affordability is 
also an on-going issue.  Existing businesses already located in 
DSCRA, hope to get more interest. Still has to go to City Council 
for approval.  These changes are the committee t rying to help get 
ideas polished and help mentor the applicants be better prepared to 
present about their business opportunity.    
2. Space Coast Habitat for Humanity provided updates to the Agency regarding the 
following two items: 
i. Rock The Block (RTB) Event (PowerPoint presentation) 


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1. Kay Dulio.  Thanked partners and showed event group photos.  
Agency Member BROWN commented that he is very happy that the 
neighborhood was being cleaned up. 
ii. Update on the Major Abbie Sweetwine Female Veteran Village Sign 
Design (Handout)     
1. Anna Taylor. 
2. Sign cost $5,280, minus permit.  Asked if the DSCRA budgeted to 
help? Not budgeted, but, asked Habitat to return with a proposal 
and how much they need to complete the project.  There may be a 
Gap – finances need to be figured out.  Probably $2,000 from 
Habitat.  Chairperson MOORE asked where the sign will be 
located.  Director NEUTERMAN stated that the location may be 
dependent upon the results of the utility line scout.  Probably will 
be in the Center of the six homes.  The sign is double-sided. 
Chairperson MOORE encouraged the Agency to Google Abbie 
Sweetwine.  She asked if we could add a QR Code that could link 
to a website with history. Agency Member BROWN asked what 
the total turnaround time would be, once approved.  Probably 6-8 
weeks.  He followed up, asking, if there was light for it?  She 
answered no, and said that there is no electrical set-up at that site.  
He asked about solar.  She said that she will ask.   
3. Agency Attorney COLOMBO asked if we had a photo of her in 
her uniform.  Director NEUTERMAN explained that the photo 
used now is of her in her nursing uniform.  Chairperson MOORE 
asked if there was funding available for completing this project and 
whether the City will they assist in funding.  Agency Member 
BROWN asked if it would be possible to split the cost between the 
three entities:  Habitat, DSCRA, and City.  Director 
NEUTERMAN said that she had walked the property today.  We 
will bring back in January 2025.  Chairperson MOORE asked if 
there was any new housing?  Director NEUTERMAN responded, 
yes.  There are new homes being built on Barbara Jenkins – 
beginning in January.  And another one on Kentucky that is set to 
begin in the early summer.  Habitat also has two 3-D Printed 
Homes being built in Melbourne.     
 
V. Action Items: 
 
1. Request Agency acceptance of the 2024 Annual Report for the Alliance for 
Neighborhood Restoration (ANR).    
i. Introduction.  Director NEUTERMAN introduced the item.  Unfortunately, 
Delores and the ANR staff could not attend tonight, they are at the Florida 


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PAL Training.  They will come back at the January meeting and give their 
presentation.     
ii. Discussion.  Chairperson MOORE said that she looks forward to their 
presentation in January.  Agency Member BROWN mentioned that this gives 
the Board time to look over the report.    
iii. Vote.   
  
*MOTION to accept by Agency Member BROWN; SECONDED by Chairperson MOORE, 
as amended. 
Amended by Agency Member BROWN:  requested that the vote be done by “Roll Call Voice 
Vote.”   
Chairperson MOORE granted the request.   
Recording Secretary BROWNE called the Roll and Recorded the following Voice Votes:     
 
AYES: MOORE - Y, BROWN - Y, FOX - Y, ISOM -Y, A. SMITH -Y, M. SMITH - Y. 
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (6-0) – via voice vote. 
 
VI. Attorney’s Report: None. 
 
 
VII. Updates and Staff Report   
 
1. Director NEUTERMAN:  
i. CRA Plan Update Consultant – Inspire Placemaking 
1. Finishing a final social media push for completing the survey on the 
project website. 
2. Working to complete DRAFT Plan later this week. 
3. Staff will review, then bring to the Agency for comment. 
4. After that, the Agency will get the FINAL Plan for approval.  
5. Chairperson MOORE asked if it was a lot of reading?  Director 
NEUTERMAN replied that the CRA Plan Update DRAFT will be 
reviewed by Staff first.  Which will take about a month to read it.  
The plan is to bring the DRAFT to the March meeting.  We will keep 
you up to date on that.  Chairperson MOORE asked whether they 
feel like they got good feedback.   Director NEUTERMAN replied 
that they did.  The Consultants will give a presentation.  
ii. Updates from City Council’s Regular Meeting from December 10, 2024. 
1. City Business – Affordable Housing Project. 


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a. RFP P-25-02-COC (Michael C. Blake Affordable Housing 
Project):  City Council has APPROVED the Evaluation 
Committee’s Recommendation to select Lennar Homes, 
LLC to construct the homes on the remaining lots in the 
MCB Subdivision. 
b. The next step in the process is the City Manager and City 
Attorney will negotiate a Project Agreement that will go 
back to City Council for Final Approval – Jan. or Feb. – then 
quickly to Construction! 
i. Agency Member FOX asked if they would be  shot-
gun style homes.  Director NEUTERMAN replied 
that is not exactly the style, but, they are long and 
narrow.  Manager WHITTEN stated that this product 
has been built elsewhere – it is a proven product line.  
The 17 remaining lots will be split into 32.   He will 
talk to them about primary bedroom on first floor for 
some.  He responded that the construction materials 
are typical:  concrete first floor, wood frame on 
second floor.  Negotiations begin tomorrow.  Council 
wants landscaping at the Moore Center.  They will 
purchase the lots and the split of the lot.  Goal is to 
recycle the dollars that DSCRA put into the five 
homes, with the city contribution.  Barbara Jenkins, 
we will try to purchase from Housing Authority, then 
we could get another six or seven more homes that 
Lennar can build there too.  They will have a 
consistent look.  By end of 2025 entire buildout.  
Average sizes are between 1,500 – 1,700 sq. ft.  Must 
fit within HUD max limits.  All within the MCB 
subdivision.  Platting will be redone  from 17 to 30  
spaces.  Three car spaces per home:  two  in the 
driveway, and one in the garage.  Should be enough 
space to prevent parking on the street.  Chairperson 
MOORE asked if there would be a ny greenspace at 
all.  Manager WHITTEN responded, probably at the 
Collins Museum (Moore Center). Not enough space 
between the homes.  Will discuss e nhanced 
landscaping.  They will look like townhomes.  
Council gave good direction.  Agency Member M. 
SMITH asked if they will be single family, detached? 
Response, yes.   Agency Member BROWN  asked 
who owns the property on the South side of the 
Moore Center on Blake?  City owns.  Chairperson 


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MOORE asked if they would get to see the homes ?  
Manager WHITTEN replied, yes.  First they have to 
go through process of Site Planning.  Preliminary 
went to Council last week (Director NEUTERMAN 
will forward to the Board.) 
c. Thanks to Agency Member Angie SMITH for serving on 
this Evaluation Committee.   
iii. Upcoming City Hall Administrative Office Closures - Holidays 
1. Wednesday, December 25, 2024 
2. Thursday, December 26, 2024 
3. Wednesday, January 1, 2025 
iv. Upcoming ANR Event: 
1. “Community Day” (flyers at your seats) – try to recruit youth 
a. Date:  Saturday, January 4, 2025 
b. Time:  10 AM – 2 PM 
c. Location:  Dr. Joe Lee Smith Community Center 
d. Address:  415 Stone Street 
e. Admission:  FREE 
v. Agency Liaison GOINS gave the following updates: 
1. Four Speed “Cushions” have been approved for Blake Ave. 
2. Stop Signs – Solar with lights?  Council approved these to help slow 
down. 
3. Pine Grove, west of Virginia Park.  Two signs forgotten.  Rosa Jones 
and Aurora.  Faded.  New Lettering.  Consider replacing as a project.   
4. Agency Member ISOM asked about the roadways between  Pineda 
to School Street.  County?  Grove on Pineda.  Agency Member M. 
SMITH said that some of the street lights School to Pineda – out. 
Agency Member BROWN asked about the apartments on Blake .  Any  suggestions for on Rosa 
Jones, near those apartments.  Looking at Orchid Lakes recently.  We consider on the 2.5 acres – 
Manager WHITTEN:  that property reverted to the City.  We have not yet discussed what that 
could be used for.  We could RFP for a Multi -Family (we can start looking in the new Year…)  
Agency Member BROWN:  Assistant County Manager met with him.  Talking about the Benches 
on the bus route.  City of Rockledge did not pay.  Advertising grant?  Manager WHITTEN:  they 
at County have not told him about the grant.  Creative Accessibility, just the benches.  Chairperson 
MOORE:  grants and opportunities – big subject at FRA Conference –  how to maximize.  Some 
City’s are holding information meetings about grants available.  How to apply was a session.  We 
should partner with others for those.  Agency Member BRO WN:  Rockledge, getting ad dollars 
back from the benches.   
2. Chairperson MOORE:  FRA Conference.  Skills building.  Old Joe Lee Smith.  Pro 
basketball give back to community, teach classes to skill development.  Teaching 
kids programming, using drones, etc.  They are willing to present to us what they 
do.  Maybe someplace else than Old Joe Lee, but, an interesting opportunity.  They 


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are willing to help start.  Possible to open new doors to help make things happen.  
Are we still looking at zoning for mixed-use.  Manager WHITTEN: we have to get 
them to match.  Remember Four Corners Visioning.  SR 520 to Fiske – second 
round visioning process.  Already did setbacks in DSCRA done.  Perfect timing 
with CRA Plan Update.  RVI doing the Visioning.  These two products will be 
looking how these can connect.  Chairperson MOORE:  murals – we don’t have 
that many buildings, but, we do have our creative crosswalks, Spartanburg, SC (in 
Destination Guide – she showed to the Board) had this type in safer and community 
effort to (She passed the book that has it) – We can make copies so you can see 
better).  Painting and upkeep should not be an excuse.  Art drives people to your 
city.  Even if just in front of cultural centers.  Hopefully incorporate. 
3. Agency Liaison GOINS:  two places that need murals.  Bald head store and Fiske 
and Peachtree.  Prime candidates to get owners to allow to be fixed up.  Very ugly 
now.  Could be a community project.  Chairperson MOORE:  artist guild could 
help.  We can look for partners.  Liaison GOINS:  will bring back news from the 
owners.  If we put on our website, publicize.  Cocoa High had a muralist recently.  
Chairperson MOORE:  Shauna Ginn reached out from Cocoa Housing Authority, 
she was looking for a Minority Artist in the CHA.  Agency Attorney COLOMBO:  
people donated to have their faces on a mural.  Money raised.  People involved with 
the City.  Joint efforts. Agency Member ISOM:  inspiring quotes too.   
1. Director NEUTERMAN:  Agency Member M. SMITH – Thank 
You card from Marilyn’s family.        
 
VIII. Next Meeting Date:    
The next scheduled meeting of the Diamond Square Community Redevelopment Agency will 
be on Monday, January 27, 2025 at 6:00 pm at the City of Cocoa, City Hall, 65 Stone Street, 
Cocoa, FL, unless a business need arises earlier. 
 
IX. Adjournment  
*MOTION to adjourn by Agency Member BROWN ; SECONDED by Agency Member 
ISOM 
 
AYES: MOORE, BROWN, FOX, ISOM, A. SMITH, M. SMITH.  
 
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (6-0) 
 
MEETING WAS ADJOURNED at 7:25 pm. 
 


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__________________________ 
       Tracy Moore, Chairperson   
 
Respectfully Submitted by: 
________________________________   
Ryan Browne, Recording Secretary