Title
Redevelopment Plan Amendment for the Inclusion of Green Building Concepts in the Downtown Expansion Redevelopment Area (B)
Explanation
On February 19th, 2007, the CRA requested that each district board consider incorporating language related to green buildings and energy efficiency into each district's Redevelopment Plan. The Downtown Redevelopment Plan currently does not address this issue and therefore requires amendments to ensure that including green building and LEED (or equivalent) certification is well supported. This action is necessary to include incentive programs and building projects, and to include green building and energy efficiency requirements for all Downtown CRA projects, whether through investment or tax increment recapture. At the March 28, 2007 meeting, DRAB approved this concept and asked staff to incorporate language in the district's Redevelopment Plan such that green building concepts, energy efficiency, and LEED (or equivalent) certification are well supported in that document. Staff subsequently drafted proposed language supporting green buildings to be included in the Downtown Redevelopment Plan. This language is based on that found in the Eastside Redevelopment Plan, which already contains support for green building principles. The amendments to the Downtown Plan are located in the "Redevelopment Plan & Implementation" section of the document. This section describes the overall goals for Downtown and includes lists of specific objectives for the various subsections of the Redevelopment Area (which are identified as the Central Business District, Transitional Industrial Areas, Commercial Corridors, and Downtown Neighborhoods.) Language supporting green building practices and energy efficiency has been incorporated into both the district-wide general goals, and the more specific subsection objectives described above. A copy of the revised "Redevelopment Plan & Implementation" chapter of the Downtown Redevelopment Plan is included as backup; additions to the text related to green building concepts are highlighted.
Fiscal Note
None
Recommendation
Executive Director to the CRA: Authorize the amendment of the Redevelopment Plan for the Downtown Expansion District to include the "green building" standards requirements as shown in the draft copy of the amended plan (included as backup.)