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

T Land use, infrastructure, transportation, design, housing, and economic development v compromise the primary sustenance of the Fort Walton Beach CRA. Each category presents a unique redevelopment challenges, yet each category also represents great opportunity. In a formulating specific goals, objectives, and strategics for each category, the overriding focus was to provide all of the tools possible for successful redevelopment. This section of the Plan is organized into six primary goals, each with accompanying objectives as well as specific H strategies to achieve the objectives. COMPONENT 1 - LAND USE LAND USE GOAL: PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE REDEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE C' RA BY IMPLEMENTING A TRUE MIXED -USE DISTRICT AND BY CREATING LAND IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS Objectives: Achieve Consistency between Zoning and Land Use Help Landowners increase their Property Values Appropriately Preserve and Accentuate Historic Buildings and Sites Protect Natural Resources and Promote Sustainahility 20 1012 Community Redevelopment Plan Packet Pg. 34  8. 1. a Land use is the foundation for development and redevelopment. It is the means of describing the range of possible uses and development standards for those uses. Land use determinations are the first step in development by identifying what is possible on a parcel of land. This chapter identifies the future land uses within the CRA and objectives to ensure that redevelopment results in mixed uses and sustainability. ObjectiNe 1. 1 — Achieve ConsisteneN between Zoning and [, and Use The predominant land use category in the CRA, defined in the Comprehensive Plan, is the MU Mixed Use) category. The mixed -use ( MU) land use category is generally intended to allow single -family residential, multi- family residential, a wide range of commercial activities, limited a industrial ( such as artisan studios or cottage industries), educational, public, civic, cultural, and a specific tourist- related activities all in the same area. The mixed -use district provides for more efficient use of land and infrastructure and promotes a more pedestrian- friendly environment. The table below outlines the " mix of uses" goal for the CRA. In order to ensure a mix of uses for aN land within the mixed -use land use category, the percentages set in the table below will be rc implemented on a district -wide basis and evaluated periodically. UN ON Minimum Maximum Type of Use Residential 20 40 Commercial retail 20 45 Personal service and office 5 10 Entertainment, hospitality, tourist -oriented establishments 20 45 Civic, institutional, educational cultural or public 10 25 Limited industrial (artisan studios or similar) 0 20 Increase opportunities for development and I t° redevelopment by implementing the mixed -use land use category. Mixed -use developments range from a single building with two or more uses to a large -scale development with an assortment of office, retail, service, residential, recreational, and occasionally industrial uses. These developments are a response to market demand for places that provide everyday shopping and lifestyle needs in a location accessible by foot, bicycle, public transit, or automobile 2012 Community Redevelopment Plan Padtet Pg. 35  F-871-- 1 Over the years, certain blocks and lots in the CRA have experienced depreciation in the value of land and buildings, contributing to blight. When a neighborhood becomes blighted, it is often accompanied by crime rates and other undesirable circumstances which can cause a social breakdown and devaluation of the area as a whole. Housing improvement programs discussed in Chapter 5 may be combined with programs such as fayade improvement grants for businesses, land value investment programs, and site development grants to improve current conditions of buildings that contribute to the " blight' of an area. Dilapidated buildings may be removed allowing for more constructive land uses for that property and taking advantage of every infill opportunity. L Implement a CRA Fagade Improvement matching grant. Businesses in the CRA may receive up to a designated dollar amount, matched 1: 1 by the business owner, for purposes of improving the building or structure with new paint, windows, doors, awnings, signs, or other enhancements to attract new customers. 2. Explore the cost -benefit of creating a Land Value Investment program and/ or a Site Development grant program in the CRA. A site development assistance grant may offer partial ( up to 25 %) reimbursement for the cost of exterior improvements to a building or site in the CRA. In a Land Value Investment program, the CRA may purchase underutilized land and lease it short- term ( up to 10 years) for discounted rates to attract new businesses to the area and in exchange for site development improvements between the CRA and lessee. Historic structures can be both a dilemma and an asset depending on the desired use of the site. Many times these buildings are deteriorated and should be removed. The buildings are not historically significant simply due to age; buildings should have significance because of architectural importance or a historically significant event. The older buildings in the CRA are not on the Florida Master Site File or the National Register. On the other hand, culturally and historically rich areas can help define the character of an area and attract tourists. Therefore, it is important to identify important historic buildings and places. Further, private properties may also be eligible for tax incentives. 1. Refine methods to designate historic sites and structures to ensure valuable historic property is protected and dilapidated structures are not unduly protected. 22 2012 Community Redevelopment Plan Packet Pg. 36  8. 1. a 2. Establish a process for the City staff to evaluate applications and designate buildings and sites to be registered on the Florida Master Site File or the National Register. 3. Provide support in the form of information from City records or appropriate provisions in the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code. ObjectiNe 1. 4 — Protect Natural Resources and Promote SustainabilitN Greed" development techniques are gaining more acceptance, while developers are quickly realizing the market demand for more sustainable products, including housing and commercial buildings. Buyers want the benefits of these new " greener" buildings and sites, some of which include: significantly lower utility bills, lower employee absenteeism, and higher building resale value. Promoting " green development' within the CRA helps ensure the Fort Walton Beach CRA will be able to accommodate the market demand for greener products. I. Consider offering CRA incentives to developers for building improvements to developers who meet the criteria of a green development as set forth in the Land Development Code LDC). 2. Apply appropriate green development principles " in- house" when renovating, reconstructing, or repairing City buildings and facilities. 3. Ensure the permitting process is adequate to accommodate " green" development and that the LDC sets forth measures to streamline green development. 4. Highlight important natural resources in the CRA, such as the waterfront and estuarine environment, and promote those resources to attract new tenants, visitors, and customers to the CRA. 23 2012 Community Redevelopment Plan Packet Pg. 37  8. 1. a COMPONENT 2- INFRASTRUCTURE INFRASTRUCTURE GOAL: IMPROVE THE QUALITY AND AVAILABILITY OF ADEQUATE INFRASTRUCTURE THROUGHOUT THE CRA Objectives: Continue Sidewalk and Pavement Improvement Programs Continue to Upgrade Water and Sewer Lines Throughout the CRA Consider Narrowing Excess Right- of -wav and Creating or Extending Alleyways in the CRA Increase the Use and Screening of Joint Use Dumpsters Consider an Underground Utilities Program in the CRA Consider Narrowing Excess Rights -of -way and Creating or Extending Alleyways in the CRA Introduction Aging infrastructure can be a significant impediment to successful redevelopment. While Fort Walton Beach is a leading center for technology and job growth, deficiencies still exist such as utility lines, water & sewer, streets, and sidewalks. A continual program for updating infrastructure can make the area more attractive for redevelopment, in mm, attracting more residents, businesses, and visitors. The CRA maintains annual sidewalk and pavement improvement Capital Improvement Programs CIP). The purpose of the pavement improvement program is to perform preventative maintenance on roads to prevent them from deteriorating to a point requiring a complete rehabilitation. The annual sidewalk improvement program is designed to increase pedestrian safety and provide a pedestrian- friendly urban environment in the CRA. Page 24 of 41 2012 Community Redevelopment Plan Packet Pg. 3S  9. 1. a 1. Continue the annual pavement improvement program and possibly expand the program to