Beautifying the District

One Improvement at a Time
There's nothing like a fresh coat of paint to breathe new life into the tired and drab. Yet, when Georgeta Fondos is holding the paintbrush, a freshly painted building becomes a masterful mural on the exterior north wall of the old Cash America Pawn building, located at 2623 Broadway in Riviera Beach. Ms. Fondos' work here, and that of other notable artists at a number of locations throughout the city, is integral to the beautification of the CRA District.

While art reflecting the city's cultural diversity and iconic elements plays a significant role in the long-term beautification plan, general utilitarian improvements are key as well. Take, for example, the new window covering just installed on a vacant space in this same Cash America building that conceals inside storage. Not only does this improvement add curb appeal, but it also enhances safety along the busy roadway. Soon, outdoor lighting will be installed on the building so that fans of Ms. Fondos' mural, depicting life under the the Blue Heron Bridge, may enjoy it at night too.

We'll keep you up to date about our ongoing beautification efforts in a number of neighborhoods throughout the District as we make progress, such as Riviera Beach Heights and the Broadway Corridor.

Improving the District

One Block at Time
Transformation is Underway

Broadway & Blue Heron Block Redevelopment Project

The Broadway and Blue Heron Boulevard Block Redevelopment Project is slated to begin taking shape shortly. The project will transform the vacant parcels just west of Broadway between West 27th Street and Blue Heron Boulevard into a public common area worth experiencing again and again.

The project encompasses signage improvements, parking lot reconstruction and overall block site enhancements including landscaping, irrigation, fencing, lighting, water features and safety elements throughout. Both the focal point of the improvement and a point of pride for everyone who lives, works and plays in the District will be an elaborate waterfall feature planned for the northeast corner of the property. Details are still being determined; however, the CRA will share them with you as they become available.

 Business Bound for Broadway

Frozen Pops & Treats Steps Up from Push Cart to Retail Shop

In 2015, Top Shelf Gourmet Pops started business as a push-cart concession providing event attendees with a variety of delicious frozen fruity treats. Ashley Walker's homemade fruit popsicles, fresh-squeezed lemonade and signature lemonade pops were so popular that she quickly found her company growing into a catering business. After all, what event can't be improved with popsicles?
Ms. Walker's continued success is allowing this certified minority-, small- woman-owned business to take its fruity frozen goodness to the location of the former Dairy Belle in Riviera Beach. Located on Broadway and West 27th Street, Top Shelf Gourmet Pops is slated to open upon completion of the Broadway and Blue Heron Block Redevelopment Project.

According to Ms. Walker, her pops contain just fruit, water, organic cane juice, and one special ingredient that's becoming increasingly hard to come by these days: "All our pops are handmade with love," her website says. Critical to the taste and success of her business, no doubt. We'll let you know when Top Shelf Gourmet Pops on Broadway opens.
Look for highlights of other CRA businesses in future issues.

CRA Items of Interest
Do you need an Ocean Walk Walking Buddy? Call: 561-707-9602

Do you need a Marina Village Walking Buddy? Call: 961-707-9015

Do you see something unsafe or unsightly in the District? Call: 561-693-1171

Thank you Palm Beach Post for covering the CRA's Inaugural June 22nd Neighborhood Day event.

Thank you Florida Trend for covering our plan to add ADA-compliant beach mobility equipment at the Marina Village waterfront, and for covering our renovation of the Riviera Beach home of blind war veteran, Mr. Jeffrey Perkins .