The City of Boynton Beach is set to shift gears on its spending strategy by reallocating unused Community Development Block Grant funds from years past, as outlined in a notice by the City of Boynton Beach Financial Services Department/Community Improvement Division. The move comes after a substantial amendment to the HUD FY2022 Program Year funding highlighted a total of $363,997.20 in surplus to be repurposed.
In a play to optimize funding utility, City of Boynton Beach will direct the bulk of the Community Development Block Grant funds toward the Galaxy Park Field Lighting Improvement project. Approved by the City Commission's resolution R24-089 on May 7, this project aims to quickly enhance recreational facilities in a low-to-moderate income location—a requirement set by HUD's regulations. Despite the urgent reallocation, the city has opened a 30-day comment period starting May 21, 2024, for the public to voice their thoughts on the plans.
Specific details of the Galaxy Park upgrade include the installation of programmable LED fixtures atop 6-8 galvanized steel poles, designed to illuminate the field in line with Class 4 specifications for enhanced play and spectator comfort. The enhancements are not merely aesthetic; security too is set to improve. While the total project will cost $450,000, the Community Development Block Grant funds will cover the lion's share, with the remainder sourced from the Park Impact Fee Fund.
Citizens eager to weigh in have until June 21, 2024, to submit their comments to RJ Ramirez, Community Improvement Manager. The city stands ready to adjust the document in alternative formats or languages to ensure wide accessibility. Once complete, these improvements promise to bring a new level of vibrancy, inclusivity, and security to Galaxy Park, propelling the community forward under the shine of new lights.
