TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - As the Capital City keeps developing, groups behind several upcoming projects are asking the city and county for help with funding.
They include Proof Brewing Company, a Railroad Square-based brewery that's moving and expanding to a Southside building abandoned for years.
Proof bought the old Coca-Cola facility on 1320 South Monroe Street.
A handful of residents spoke out against the development at Monday's Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) board meeting.
"We're two stop lights from the Capitol, right next to out $7 million bridge," said resident Scott Carswell. "Do these tanks and all that go with it really fit the planning of what that one-acre site would be?"
"Lots of times, this is great industry -- good money for community, so more power -- but to use that money from the coffers of the CRA is my discussion here," added Frenchtown resident Miaisha Mitchell.
Proof was asking for $450,000, which could've been used for interior renovations. That particular use of CRA funds prompted a debate among board members, who voted 3-2 against the proposal.
"I'm not in favor of any CRA dollars unless it goes to infrastructure or exterior renovations, so the entire community can benefit from it," said city commissioner Scott Maddox.
The request was 7 percent of Proof's projected cost of the project. The brewery is already in line to receive tax incentives from the city and county.
Proof founder Byron Burroughs released the following statement to WTXL after the meeting:
"Although we are disappointed with the CRA board's decision, Proof Brewing Co. will continue moving forward with renovation of 1320 South Monroe, will continue creating jobs, giving back to the community, and expanding our production and distribution footprint."
The CRA also considered several projects that applied for $3 million in grant money. Monday's vote was a bit of a shocker -- going against a committee recommendation.
Initially, the LeMoyne Arts Gallery, Big Bend Community Development Corporation, and the Riley House Museum were lined up to split the $3 million.
But the board voted to give the most money to TLH Arts, Inc., which wasn't recommended.
The proposed performing arts venue in the Southside received $1.8 million. Resident Terry Galloway said TLH Arts, Inc. deserved the grant.
"If anything fit all of the criteria, that project did," she told the CRA board. "It's a public building, and it's a nonprofit. It's supporting the arts on all sides. It's beautifully, uniquely located."
The CRA board also awarded $1 million to the LeMoyne Arts Center annd $189,000 to the Riley House Museum. The Big Bend Community Development Corporation didn't receive any funding, despite being previously recommended.
The spending plan goes to the county commission Tuesday.
