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FAPS Redevelopment Plan Update (B)
Explanation
The current redevelopment plan was written in 1996 and had not received a major update since that time. Herbert Halback, Inc. (HHI) was hired to revise the FAPS Redevelopment Plan. In August 2004, the Fifth Avenue Pleasant Street Redevelopment Advisory Board approved $15,000 to A draft was submitted in June 2005, but because of multiple staff changes and schedule setbacks, it was never brought back to the CRA for approval. Staff is now bringing the updated plan back with additional changes.
Staff integrated green building/energy efficiency language into the redevelopment plan drafted by HHI in 2007. The Amended Green Building References sections are Sec 3.1 Redevelopment Objectives "Encourage sustainable new development built into greens standards and conservation oriented rehabilitation of existing buildings. Sec 3.1.1 Objective 2 Housing Revitalization Encourage green building practices where feasible in residential development and rehabs to maximize energy conversation and affordability. Sec 3.1.2 objective 2- Redevelopment opportunity Sites Encourage green building and conversation principles in new commercial, office and mixed-use developments to maximize economic/environmental sustainability. In addition to green building, the draft plan outlines other objectives and initiatives to further redevelop and remove blight from the existing Community Redevelopment Area, including land acquisition and redevelopment, housing revitalization, historic preservation, public spaces, infrastructure improvements, funding, financing, management, and promotion.
At the July 24, 2007 FAPS meeting, the Advisory Board unanimously approved the addition of Green Building language to the Redevelopment Plan. The Board also agreed to continue discussion of the Plan at the next meeting. At its October 23, 2007 meeting, the Board after much discussion requested that Staff schedule a Special Meeting to discuss only the Redevelopment Plan. At the FAPS Advisory Board Special Meeting, which was held on November 21, 2007, the key issues and opportunities for the redevelopment of the Fifth Avenue/Pleasant Street Redevelopment Area were discussed and prioritized. A copy of the draft plan with amended changes and all comments submitted is attached as backup.
The Existing FAPS Redevelopment plan has been the catalyst for change. New businesses have emerged rehabilitation of houses; community awareness and pride have developed. The district still has boarded buildings, vacant lots, and lack of retail space. Affordable Housing is still a concern among the residents. Further progress is needed to eradicate blight from the district.
The proposed Plan includes objectives and initiatives to further redevelop and remove blight from the existing Community Redevelopment Area. Redevelopment objectives and initiatives outline in the plan include improvements to housing economic development strategies, improve public infrastructure, community pride, and cohesiveness. Proposed redevelopment project includes commercial infill, economic development, mixed use and housing infill, strategic property acquisitions, utility upgrades and improvements, rehabilitation and restoration of existing structures. This Updated date Fifth Avenue Pleasant / Street Redevelopment Plan will continue to focus on eradicating blight, strengthening NW 5th Avenue Corridor and promoting a pedestrian friendly environment.
Fiscal Note
None at this time.
Recommendation
Fifth Avenue Pleasant Street Redevelopment Advisory Board to CRA: Approve the Updated Fifth Avenue Pleasant Street Redevelopment Area Plan.
Executive Director to the CRA: The City commission hold a public hearing and adopt a resolution amending the Redevelopment Plan for the fifth Avenue/Pleasant Street District in its entirety as shown in the draft amended plan (attached as backup).