Fort Walton Beach Council agenda — 02-14-12 cra — reading text

-modal transportation system throughout the CRA. The planned increase in density within the urban core is heavily dependent on an efficient and safe transportation system. Without an effective transportation system, strategies for housing and economic development may fail. City of Fort Walton Beach February 2012 Packet Pg. 11  7. 1. a 2012 Community Redevelopment Plan Due to the already built -out nature of the CRA, the most effective strategies to provide an adequate transportation system include: ( 1) improving safety through traffic calming devices and congestion management techniques, ( 2) promoting the use of transit, ( 3) installing pedestrian features to encourage a walkable environment, and ( 4) installing bicycle improvements. Design Guidelines The goal of the Design Guidelines component is to promote a positive image while advancing the health, safety, welfare, and appearance of the CRA. Design guideI s will allow freedom of individual preference while encourage a strong, harmonious co . identity in order to attract redevelopment. , The recommended ways in which design objectives will ing the use of building massing and variations in height and ing articulation dept rclNig techniques to assist developers, ( 3) implementing b, n evelo pment Code that are partially based on CRA design 5b, mpgade Grant program based on CRA design guidelines, service equipment, parking, storage uses, and d spaces, ( 7) considering a consistent and uniform theme f N- ate nn offers of public signs, and ( 8) encouraging the for use of Crime Prevention Through Envirfytmental Design techniques. The goal of the Housing component is to im ve ,"' c qì " ff quantity of housing options in the CRA. Housing consf nifican[ sh of cons[ ru' on and development in the CRA, for this reason it is ess al to` e "" a wide ran* of quality housing. ss:> >. r Specific strategies to a the, " ectives of th' <eRA housing goal include: ( 1) continuing partnerships that offer to st -time homebuyer assistance programs, ( 2) amending ' .. elop ode to" ase density in the mixed -use zoning districts in the Cs`( 3) develo' Nuts Abatement Program to demolish dilapidated housing on a case- se basis, ( 4) ing "' dwelling units in specified zoning districts, ( 5) con ide ew and unique' ners s that contribute to increased quality housing stock in the Fort Walton:: ch CRA. - The goal of the EconoDevelopment component is to achieve economic stability through new and expanded busines9 es " and employment throughout the CRA. Economic stability is the basis for success in the CRA; this makes it vital that objectives and strategies are developed to insure economic growth and development. To create this environment of stability, the CRA must promote business retention, business expansion, and attract new businesses. Strategies to achieve these objectives include: ( 1) implementing a Land Value Investment Program to return previously undesirable property back to the market and on the tax roll, ( 2) implementing a Commercial Revolving Loan Fund to bring in new businesses and help expanding businesses close the gap between conventional financing, (3) creating a targeted infill City of Fort Walton Beach February 2012 PackeQp9. 12.  7.1. a 2012 Community Redevelopment Plan development list and maintain a database of information needed by prospective developers and businesses, ( 4) amending the Land Development Code to streamline permitting procedures and reduce permitting turn- around time for development and redevelopment, ( 5) implementing a Site Development Assistance Grant Program to provide monetary support to existing businesses with major expansion plans, ( 6) conducting annual business surveys, and ( 7) implementing an annual promotional program for the CRA to attract businesses to the area. Three major projects were identified during the development 1ERA Plan Update that satisfy several redevelopment objectives listed in the Plan, Transportation, Design Guidelines, Infrastructure, and Economic Development. The first special project includes promoting developme veto* t along Hollywood Boulevard to create an economic hub along this impo . I co that in[ ts with two state highways: Eglin Parkway and Beal Parkway. The second special project accomplishes eompletirt :(} C& oject for a Comprehensive Improvement District to implement capital improve programs, economic incentive etc. in an attempt to gauge th cress of various ' The third special project creates a Brooks= t Program to improve the ft # dc Iml 0v6 appearance of businesses along Brooks S t in I to nit6ve the " entrances" of these businesses from Miracle Strip Parkwav to Brooks cet.""`<_ Although not a specific the Ian recognthe importance of continuing maintenance on completed to ects. As ..... toperties are improved it is essential that these improveme ually taine "'' plan looks at several areas where this continued mainte a is nee Th:" improvements include: ( 1) water and sewer lines, ( 2) sto managemen'° ities, I ement, ( 4) sidewalk, ( 5) curb and gutter, and ( 6) any pub to p , facility , o is -of - Ly located in the CRA district. A continual and effective maintenau , gram will e e thecontinued benefit of the project. The integrated six -g approach outlined above is designed to address the major factors affecting the Fort Wa n Beach CRA presently and over the next five to ten years. Several of the suggested programs and strategies meet more than one objective in more than one category. In summary, all objectives and strategics are intended to provide a solid foundation for stimulating further growth and reinvestment. City of Fort Walton Beach February 2012 Packet Pg. 13  7. 1. a 2012 Community Redevelopment Plan Introduction Contents: History of Fort Walton Beach The Built Environment of the Fort Walton Beach CRA Economic Characterization of the Fort Walton Beactlt The Need for a CRA Plan Update Rosa Sound. The City of Fort Walton Beach is a seaside comity, try located along the % mmunity. ith the nefits of an " Founded in 1937, the City has a " small town" no the Santa Sound to the Bordered by Choctawhatchee Bay and Cinco Bayou south, Fort Walton Beach is characterized , by several traditional waterfront neighborhoods and a commercial cot' r The City is rich with ancient Natrv' v, American history dating back 14, 000 „*°,". _, #'.• " ';, " years and boasts several large waterfront t+ ak. parks. The most r in the City' s growth wassigra thd later''" expansion, of what i Force Base in 1937. Wit " " e as a key to economic growth, a substantia -.. and mic'` the 1950s through the end of the 1970s. With the new _f 'an ex rU%.- military, the City' s unique beauty and destination location , beta ' other key to tees` " ": rpwth. Local businesses were able to capitalize on the emei mism industry:., is tre .` ontinued strong for several years, and elevated tourism to a leve hich it cony d wi , but never overtook the military as the most important economic fa'' These geographic s, to rich history of the area, and the large military presence in the area created a unique eco c environment for the growth of the community; but as with most cities, the explosive gr. th seemed to leave certain areas vulnerable to neglect and blight. In the late 1960s, and early 1970s, the City began to experience a decline in economic prosperity, some of which can be attributed to the utility and transportation infrastructure getting older and commercial and residential structures becoming deteriorated. New development began to take place in the surrounding communities. The City, having nearly run out of developable land, started to focus attention on finding ways to induce private enterprise investment in the City and thus capturing a greater share of the local and regional market. February 2012 City of Fort Walton Beach