Fort Walton Beach Council agenda — 04-10-12 cra — reading text

8 11. a Therefore, this 2012 CRA Plan update shall serve as a guide to future redevelopment activities in the Fort Walton Beach CRA over a five year planning horizon, focusing on initiating programs and projects to stimulate private sector participation so that the community can eventually thrive on its own. The Plan sets forth goals, objectives, and strategics to promote redevelopment. The 2012 CRA Plan focuses on six primary components: Land Use, Infrastructure, Transportation, Housing, and Economic Development. Each component' s goal, objectives, and strategics meet all of the requirements of Chapter 163, Part III F. S. ( Florida Statutes). The Plan also identifies three special projects for completion over the planning horizon of the 2012 CRA Plan that achieves multiple objectives of multiple goals. Coal I — Land Use amnR The goal of the Land Use component is to promote sustainable redevelopment within the CPA ` m n by implementing a true mixed -use district and implementing land value improvement programs. 9 The primary objective is to achieve consistency between zoning and land use to allow for more H efficient and flexible use of land. This allows shops, housing, parks, and restaurants to be located N in close proximity in order to foster a bustling urban core. Within this core it is essential that vacant and underutilized properties are targeted for development or redevelopment. An aggressive land use program can assist in converting these properties to desirable locations for N new projects. Strategics to achieve these objectives include implementing a Fagade Improvement Grant Program allowing businesses to improve their building; and implementing a Land Value Investment Program to facilitate the growth in value of undemtilized and vacant land. Goal 2 — Infrastructure The goal of the Infrastructure component is to improve the quality and availability of infrastructure throughout the CPA. Updated infrastructure is important for redevelopment in order to attract more businesses, residents, and visitors. Strategies to achieve this goal include: ( 1) continuing an annual program to upgrade water and sewer lines, ( 2) continuing annual sidewalk and pavement improvement programs, and ( 3) promoting the consolidation of trash receptacles while providing proper screening. Goal 3 — Transportation The goal of the Transportation component is to ensure the availability of an adequate and safe multi -modal transportation system throughout the CRA. The planned increase in density within 2012 Community Redevelopment Plan Packet Pg. 18  F- 8- 1 a 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. 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. The goal of the Housing component is to improve the quality and quantity of housing options in the CRA. Housing constitutes a significant share of construction and development in the CRA, ' v for this reason it is essential to ensure a wide range of quality housing. o. Specific strategies to achieve the objectives of the CRA housing goal include: ( 1) continuing n partnerships that offer low -income housing and first -time homebuyer assistance programs and 2) considering new and unique partnerships that contribute to increased quality housing stock in a the Fort Walton Beach CRA. aNON MM2191MMI m UNIMM11 mm The goal of the Economic Development component is to achieve and promote economic stability . through retention of existing businesses, new and expanded businesses 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 and that m they are directly tied to a funding source. u Strategies to achieve these objectives include: ( l) 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 development list and maintain a database of information needed by prospective developers and businesses, ( 4) implementing a Site Development Assistance Grant Program to provide monetary support to existing businesses with major expansion plans, ( 5) conducting annual business surveys, and ( 6) implementing an annual promotional program for the CRA to attract businesses to the area. Three major projects were identified during the development of the 2012 CRA Plan Update that satisfy several redevelopment objectives listed in the Plan, including Transportation, Design Guidelines, Infrastructure, and Economic Development. 2012 Community Redevelopment Plan PackM Pg. 19  8. 1. a The first special project includes promoting development and redevelopment along Hollywood Boulevard to create an economic hub along this important corridor that intersects with two state highways: Eglin Parkway and Beal Parkway. The second special project accomplishes completing a pilot project for a Comprehensive Improvement District to implement capital improvement programs, economic incentive programs, etc. in an attempt to gauge the success of various programs. The third special project creates a Brooks Street Fapade Improvement Program to improve the appearance of businesses along Brooks Street in an attempt to move the " entrances" of these businesses from Miracle Strip Parkway to Brooks Street. Ongoing Project Maintenance dAnv a Although not a specific goal, the CRA plan recognizes the importance of continuing maintenance a on completed projects. As blight is removed and properties are improved it is essential that these improvements are continually maintained. The plan looks at several areas where this continued maintenance is necessary. These improvements include: ( 1) water and sewer lines, ( 2) u slormwater management facilities, ( 3) pavement, ( 4) sidewalk, ( 5) curb and gutter, and ( 6) any t'o public property, facility, or rights -of w - ay located in the CRA district. A continual and effective n maintenance program will ensure the continued benefit of the project. The integrated five goal approach outlined above is designed to address the major factors affecting the Fort Walton Beach CRA presently and over the next five years. Several of the suggested programs and strategies meet more than one objective in more than one category. In summary, all objectives and strategies are intended to provide a solid foundation for stimulating further growth and reinvestment. 2012 Community Redevelopment Plan Packet Pg. 20  F- 8-1. 7 Introduction Contents: Histury of Fort Walton Beach The Built Environment of the Fort Walton Beach CRA Economic Characterization of the Fort Walton Beach( RA The Need for a CRA Plan Update v 1. 1 1 listorN of Fort Walton Reach 96R i The City of Fort Walton Beach is a seaside community located along the Santa Rosa Sound. E Founded in 1937, the City has a " small town" feel with the benefits of an urban community. Bordered by Choctawhatchee Bay and Cineo Bayou to the north and the Santa Rosa Sound to the et south, Fort Walton Beach is characterized by several traditional waterfront H neighborhoods and a commercial core. , ft ry t 7w` The City is rich with ancient Native , cow American history dating back 14, 000`' years and boasts several large waterfront parks. The most significant factor in the -• oy', a City' s growth was the creation, and later is expansion, of what is now Eglin Air Force u Base in 1937. With military presence as a m s key to economic growth, the City enjoyed a substantial population and economic boom from the 1950s through the end of the 1970s. With the new found exposure from the military, the City' s unique beauty and destination location became another key to its success in growth. Local businesses were able to capitalize on the emerging tourism industry. This trend continued strong for several years, and elevated tourism to a level in which it competed with, but never overtook the military as the most