Fort Walton Beach — 2019 CRA Annual Report Presentation

Activities & Accomplishments of the CRA for the Calendar Year 2019  FRA Awards (Gulfview Relocation and Rehabilitation Award & President’s Award)  Demo Landing Gazebo  Demo 139 Brooks Street  Demo Vandergriff Chapel  CRA Boundaries Evaluation & Plan Update  Downtown Master Plan  Around the Mound  CRA Grounds Maintenance Contract  Promotional Contributions  The Gulfview hotel was originally at 12 Miracle Strip Parkway S.E  In January 2017, the hotel was donated to the city  In April, 2018, the hotel was moved to the new location at 115 Miracle Strip Parkway S.E  The building was renovated and opened in Spring 2019.  Funding was provided received funding from the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to relocate and renovate the hotel for office use.  Received Florida Redevelopment Association President’s Award and Outstanding Rehabilitation Award in October, 2019  Area of existing gazebo identified for enhanced viewing area for new Landing performance stage.  The request for bids were sent out in August 2019.  Demolition was completed in December 2019.  Former location of the Emerald Coast Science Center and Venture Hive business incubator.  Identified as redevelopment opportunity in Landing Park redevelopment plan.  The building demolition was sent to out to bid in August 2019 and demo in September 2019.  The request for bids were sent out in June 2019.  Demolition of building approved by City Council in November 2019.  Demolition was completed in December 2019.  Area will create an enhanced gateway to the Landing Park from Miracle Strip Parkway.  The project contained two phases  Phase I: Improved stormwater management, added on- street parking from Third street to Fourth Street along Carson dr.  Phase II: Improved stormwater management, add on- street parking from Fourth Street to Hollywood Blvd along Carson Dr.  Phases I & II completed in May 2019.  The CRA decided to reassess the 2012 CRA plan and prepare the 2019 CRA Plan to formulate new ideas and reevaluate if the current goals were still relevant.  In June 2017, the consultant completed the initial site evaluation and kick-off meetings.  In September 2017, Staff presented the CRA evaluation report to City Council for review and direction. The City Council authorized the consultant to move forward with the preparation of the finding of necessity to expand the CRA boundaries and update of the CRA Plan.  In May 2019, City Council voted to approve updated CRA plan.  In 2017, the city of Fort Walton Beach selected Matrix Design Group to develop the Downtown Master Plan.  Transportation was determined to be the central focus of the Plan.  The Master Planning process was divided into two phases:  The transportation alternatives phases  Urban Design & infrastructure phase  In 2017 & 2018,stakeholder and public input meetings were held.  The Downtown Master Plan was accepted by the City Council in May 2019.  The purpose of the project is to address existing and future vehicular capacity issues on US 98 as well as the high volumes of commuter traffic traveling through downtown Fort Walton Beach.  Currently listed in the Okaloosa- Walton Transportation Planning Organization's (TPO) 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) Cost Feasible Plan.  The CRA provided $50,000 local match to the FDOT to complete a project feasibility study.  At this time, work continues on the feasibility study.  Initially approved by City Council in September 2014.  Contract was for a period of one year, with four additional one- year options.  City Council approved contract amendment in September 2015 to include additional services.  Contract was renewed in August, 2017 and 2019.  Increased activity and events downtown highlighted the need for improvements in maintenance operations  Taste of FWB $400  Mudbug Festival $300  Billy Bowlegs $1,650  Military Appreciation $700  Youth Super Day $300  Craftathon Beer Festival $320  May Day Festival $400  Musical Echoes $1,890  Farmers Market $4,800  Kiwanis Charity 5k $100 Total CRA Promotional /Ad Contributions in 2019: $10,860 Activities & Accomplishments of the CRA for the Calendar Year 2019