Fort Walton Beach Council agenda — 04-09-13--regular — reading text

redevelopment in a CRA. This program allows the CRA to acquire vacant, abandoned, and /or dilapidated property in order to best prepare it for re- entering the market. The City is currently evaluating potential properties for this program 2. 2. 2. The City Council approved the CRA Plan update by Resolution 2012 -20 on September 25, 2012. The downward trend in property values and an increase in the number of vacant properties in recent years resulted in an increased need for economic development and business retention in the CRA. The new plan focuses on strategies to stimulate private investment in the CRA and eliminates economic development barriers that were identified during the drafting of the plan. It removed unnecessary excess development regulations, which is now encouraging development rather than hindering it. The 2012 CRA Plan provides encouragement and support for businesses and future development in the City as well as specific recommendations for public improvements. 2. 2. 3. The City Council unanimously approved Resolution 2012 -1 in June 2012 to establish a CRA Ad -Hoc Advisory Committee. The goal of the committee is to develop and prioritize a list of projects and programs for the CRA, to be accomplished in the next one to five years and beyond. These projects and programs will be considered for annual CRA funding starting with the FY 2013- 14 budget and CIP program. The committee meets once per month, with a sunset after a period of one ( 1) year. 2. 2.3. 1. During their first three meetings in 2012, the committee discussed the pros and cons of past CRA projects and programs, identified their primary objectives and formulated a plan to develop a list of recommended projects to City Council. A report is expected to be provided to City Council in May 2013. 2. 3. Summary of CRA Projects 2. 3. 1. Brooks Landing Waterfront Park 2. 3. 1. 1. Completed in August 2012, the park was a part of the effort to revitalize dilapidated public areas in the CRA. The area under Brooks Bridge was unlit and harboring unwanted activities. The shoreline area was eroding and unsafe. The project included armoring of the shoreline, repairing Alconese Pier, adding lighting, and adding other amenities for fishing and other water related activities. Now, the park is frequented by many visitors who enjoy the public park, which is located between restaurant/ retail areas and residential areas. The project was funded in part through a grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, which allowed the CRA to realize significant redevelopment benefits while leveraging CRA funding. Page 2 of 4 13 •;  6. 1 2. 3. 2. Brooks Street Parking Lot 2.3. 2. 1. In cooperation with the surrounding property owners, the Brooks Street parking lot was completed in October 2012 and includes 46 public parking spaces ( car and motorcycle parking). The parking lot was upgraded to provide patrons with more parking choices and a safer environment. Since its completion, this project has also been a catalyst for nearby private redevelopment. 2.3. 3. Sound Side Development 2. 3. 3. 1. At the September 11, 2012 CRA Board meeting, the Board unanimously approved a revised interlocal agreement for the Sound Side development, which reduced the CRA' s financial contribution from $ 2, 500, 000 to $ 700, 000, allowing for reallocation of the remaining funds to other projects and programs within the CRA. Sound Side is a multi- family residential project that will replace the old Germany Terrace neighborhood with 200 new residential units. Sound Side is a joint public -private partnership effort to provide new affordable housing opportunities, which is a primary goal of the CRA. 2. 3. 4. Pavement Improvement Program 2. 3. 4. 1. Transportation options and connectivity are vital for residents and businesses to prosper throughout the CRA. The pavement improvement program allows roads to be resurfaced to prevent them from deteriorating to a point requiring costly complete rehabilitation. During 2012, the following roads were resurfaced: Alconese Avenue SE, Chestnut Avenue SE, Ferry Road SE, Perry Avenue SE, Third Street SE, and Vine Avenue NE. Total Project Cost: S 122, 251. 05. 2. 3. 5. Sidewalk Improvements 23. 5. 1. The annual sidewalk improvement program is designed to increase pedestrian safety and provide a pedestrian -friendly urban environment in the CRA. During 2012, new sidewalks were installed along the following streets: Alconese Avenue SE, Carson Drive SE, First Street SE, Harbeson Avenue SE, Methodist Avenue SE, and Vine Avenue NE. Total Project Cost: $ 73, 565. 00. 2. 3. 6. Stormwater and Sanitary Sewer Infrastructure Improvements 2. 3. 6. 1. Aging and failing infrastructure makes the CRA less attractive to redevelopment compared to newly built areas. During 2012, Alconese Avenue received stone water drainage repairs for a total of $21, 941. 28. Chicago Avenue, Chestnut Avenue, and Brooks Street all received sewer lining for a total of $77, 192.25 ( non -CRA funds). These projects have helped to improve the existing infrastructure of the CRA for future redevelopment. 2. 3. 7. Pedestrian Improvements along Miracle Strip Parkway SE Page 3 of 4  s.r 2. 3. 7. 1. Sidewalks alone cannot necessarily provide adequate pedestrian access, additional signage and crosswalk systems aid in improving visibility and safety for pedestrians. These improvements contribute to a walkable, pedestrian -friendly environment. During 2012, the CRA began coordinating with FDOT on design plans to provide pedestrian safety improvements along Miracle Strip Parkway SE in Downtown Fort Walton Beach. 2. 3. 8. City Staff worked closely with the Downtown Merchants Association to increase traffic in the CRA. The Merchants Association is a very active group of business owners that have coordinated events such as Ladies Night, Art Walk, Farmers Market, Zombie Walk and much more. This partnership allows the City to invest funds in the promotion of the CRA while leveraging the efforts of this non -profit group. 3. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: 3. 1. The financial information for the annual report is located in the City' s CAFR and is available for review. 4. RECOMMENDATION: 4. 1. There is no Staff recommendation; this item is for information only ATTACHMENTS: 2012 CRA Annual Report( PDF) SIGNATURE BLOCK: Christopher Frassetti Completed 03/ 27/ 2013 1: 41 PM Stella Jones Completed 03/ 27/ 2013 2: 06 PM Tim Bolduc Completed 03/ 28/ 2013 9: 49 PM Finance Completed 04/ 01/ 2013 11: 20 AM Carole Jones Completed 04/ 02/ 2013 1: 46 PM 04/ 02/ 2013 1: 46 PM City Manager Completed City Council Pending Page 4 of 4  aN_ aVM3, m:,___ aVNO, m i) A 4- j U Q a It ON t 7 bk  m, Z ,_ __ , m: __ m % n \ 0} E J ® \ \ Q y 4 ~ , 7 CA 0`. k./ _ ® \  podaa lenuuV V210 ZLOZ Z£ ZZ) Vodob lenuuV VNo ZLOZ : Luawy3eLLV cN N M4 a u C6 x I r Q a- j U w w QQ z d  poda*6 IenuuV VM3 ZLOZ Z£ ZZ) liodaa lenuuV V21O ZIOZ 7u3wy3ellV q, K I a Ile x O cc i y TJ T U Ui Wj t V/ Y C- cc b J O o