Chris Taylor criticizes CRA's landscaping project for horse drawn carriage business in St. Augustine

The St. Augustine City Commission meeting on July 14, 2025, featured significant discussions regarding the management of public land and the condition of facilities leased to private businesses. A key point raised by a local resident highlighted concerns over a landscaping project proposed by the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) around a property currently leased to a horse-drawn carriage business.

The resident criticized the CRA's plan, arguing that it would merely serve to mask the deteriorating state of the facility rather than address the underlying issues of neglect. They emphasized that using public resources for landscaping to conceal blight raises serious questions about the city's management of publicly owned properties. The speaker urged the commission to reject the CRA's proposal and take decisive action to end the use of horse-drawn carriages in St. Augustine. This, they argued, would not only rectify the misuse of public land but also reinforce the city's commitment to transparency and accountability.

The discussion reflects ongoing community concerns about the standards of care for public properties and the responsibilities of leaseholders. As the city navigates these issues, the implications for local governance and public trust remain significant. The commission's response to these concerns will likely shape future policies regarding public land management and community engagement.