Fort Walton Beach Council agenda — 06-14-11 regular — reading text

vibrant communities by generating jobs, revenue and tourism, and also realizing that the City offers a unique heritage to the State and the Country. Policy 1: The City, through its Community Redevelopment Area, will investigate the idea of a prominent gateway feature that might include art or sculpture, at the base of the Brooks Bridge, to draw attraction to the Brooks Landing, and also create a vibrant gateway into the City' s cultural center by 2012. Policy 2: The City promotes its rich military heritage by encouraging and promoting the development of a Military Heritage Tour--a network of military tributes along City gateways - by November 2014. Policy 3: By 2014, the City will support the designation of the Emerald Coast Florida Binding Trail in conjunction with the Senior Center, the Florida Game and Fish Commission, and the National Audubon Society' s Great Florida Birding Trail, to target specific marketing efforts to the birding community worldwide. Policy 4: The City will study the feasibility of establishing a destination -type pedestrian attraction which promotes local maritime history, celestial navigation programs, and a maritime museum along the waterfront to enhance tourist appeal. The designated economic development representative will complete essential studies and provide a report to the City Council by 2016. Policy 5: The City will study the feasibility of establishing a destination -type culinary niche which promotes the Okaloosa Applied Technology Center' s relationship with the Culinary Art Institute, to provide a unique and interactive culinary experience. Essential studies and report will be provided to the City Council by 2015. Policy b The City promotes local heritage by encouraging the development and expansion of Native American -owned business and industry. Established businesses which meet this definition may request a reduction of business and permit fees from the City Council. Policy 7: Many historic treasures are located along First Street, including the Fort Walton School House, the Indian Temple Mound, and churches which are nearly a century old with the finest acoustic settings and internationally recognized musicians. Therefore, the City encourages the clustering of cultural enrichment venues in proximity to the Indian Temple Mound and First Street, and supports the promotion of this heritage and cultural area to tourists. Policy 8: In conjunction with the promotion and enhancement of the Heritage and Cultural Arts Cluster, the City will incorporate a historic walking tour on First Street as part of the CRA' s adopted schedule to improve the streetseape. The tour will include markers and a walk of fame" which profiles the city' s most significant early residents and structures. Policy 9: The City supports and promotes the ethnic services industry along Beal Parkway by encouraging innovative techniques for promotion and entrepreneurship within the 5 -year Strategic Economic Development Plan. Element I - 8 Padtet Pg. 98  12. t. a FORT WALTON BEACH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Objective 1. 3. 7 - Waterfront Development The City will continue to implement the 2006 Charting the Course Fort Walton Beach Waterfront Vision Plan in conjunction with the Fort Walton Beach Waterfronts Florida Partnership Committee, Policy 1: The City, through the CRA and the FWB Waterfront Committee, will improve access to the coastline for all residents and tourists by continuing to provide incentives to property owners who provide boardwalk easements from Brooks Bridge and the Brooks Street Landing to Liza Jackson Park. The CRA will provide funding for the construction and maintenance of the boardwalk or develop incentives for the property owner to construct and /or maintain the boardwalk. Policy 2: The City will develop a waterfront strategic plan by 2014 in accordance with the c 2006 Charting the Course Fort Walton Beach Waterfront Vision Plan which will encourage E m and promote water-dependant businesses along the Sound and also require future marinas to U1 obtain a Florida Clean Marina Status. Da 0 Policy 3: By 2014, the City will develop criteria for selection and funding to acquire properties which contain special features and/ or shoreline and water -use access. a c0 Objective 1. 3. 8 - Military w Recognizing the vital economic and cultural relationship between the City of Fort Walton Beach n and the military, the City will continue to promote the mission of Eglin Air Force Base. m Policy I: The City will promote and encourage the development of an Eglin By -Pass from ac Santa Rosa County to Walton County to ease traffic congestion, reduce hurricane evacuation c limes, minimize military encroachment, and support the base mission. O 1p Policy 2: The City, through its Recreation and Cultural Services Department, will promote a Local Town Heroes program by 2010, which will enable families and donors to sponsor pedestrian and park facilities in honor of local veterans. w 0w Policy 3: The City encourages military -Chemed small businesses as a niche strategy for infill development.. m Objective 1. 3.9 - Growth Management and Infrastructure The City of Fort Walton Beach will work actively to provide a diversified and desirable environment necessary to attract and retain the commercial /industrial and businesses sectors serving existing industry, tourists, seasonal residents, and the permanent population while maintaining a high standard of living. To attract businesses which strengthen existing industry, the public services and City characteristics that will be supported include an exemplary public education system; moderate local lax rates; adequate utilities, improved bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure; consistently enforced land use regulations, quality parks and recreation facilities; quality health care; environmental resources; and effective public safety. Policy 1: The City of Fort Walton Beach will implement the objectives and policies of this Economic Development Element through appropriate administrative policies which include careful evaluation of proposed City actions for conformance with the policies in this Element and land use regulations. Element 1- 9 Padrat Pg. 99  12. 1. a FORT WALTON BEACH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Policy 2: The City will plan for sufficient public infrastructure to serve the growth needs of new and expanding business and industry. Policy 3: The City encourages the location of business and industry in areas designated for future infrastructure improvements in the City' s Infrastructure Element and Capital Improvements Program. Policy 4: The City will develop a strategy to purchase/ improve /sell -back and /or lease-back property to encourage ideal infill development and the expansion of business and industry. Policy 5: The City vigorously pursues State and Federal grant funds that may be applicable to recreational and infrastructure improvements as well as other activities that enhance the City' s competitive position in attracting new business and industry. Element I - 10 Packet Pg. 100  12. t.b Fort Walton Beach Comprehensive Plan Proposed Amendment ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND POLICIES BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY GROWTH AND RETENTION „ 1,_ wu0E m 00cE AND RETENTION. wu am acAv0 O sites. Policy EE. 1. 5 Policy EE. 1. 6 The City will Prioritize economic development efforts to focus on sustainable businesses Development Element EE- 1 March 10, 2011 Packet Pg. 101  12. 1. b Fort W It Beach C h Plan Proposed A d t renewable ene a technology centers, and other existing and emerging businesses that are interrelated with the current technology-focused businesses of the region. Policy EE. 1. 7 c aE Policy EE. 1. 8 w Oua PARTNERSHIPS AND INTERAGENCY COOPERATION E0 wu n m