City of Gainesville - File #: 130599.

• File #: 130599.
• Version: 3
• Type: Discussion Item
• Status: Passed
• File created: 12/12/2013
• In control: Community Development Committee
• On agenda: 4/17/2014
• Final action: 4/17/2014
• Title: Historic Tax Exemption Criteria (B) This item involves a recommendation from the Community Development Committee (CDC) to the City Commission to: a) retain the current method ad valorem tax exemption for historic properties based on committee findings; and, b) remove the item from the CDC referral list; The CDC also discussed the possibility of the City Commission discussing the following items for further discussion: 1) direct the historic preservation staff to have neighborhood meetings to discuss expanding the districts; and, 2) direct the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to consider a micro TIFF program in specific areas. *ESTIMATED STAFF PRESENTATION 5 MINUTES*

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result
4/17/2014	3	City Commission	Approved as Recommended	Pass
2/19/2014	2	Community Development Committee	Approved, as shown above - See Motion(s)
12/5/2013	1	City Commission	Referred	Pass

Title
Historic Tax Exemption Criteria (B)

This item involves a recommendation from the Community Development Committee (CDC) to the City Commission to: a) retain the current method ad valorem tax exemption for historic properties based on committee findings; and, b) remove the item from the CDC referral list;

The CDC also discussed the possibility of the City Commission discussing the following items for further discussion: 1) direct the historic preservation staff to have neighborhood meetings to discuss expanding the districts; and, 2) direct the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to consider a micro TIFF program in specific areas. *ESTIMATED STAFF PRESENTATION 5 MINUTES*

Explanation
On February 19, 2014, staff presented a report which provided responses to issues raised by City Commissioners and additional background information including adopted State law and City Code concerning enabling legislation and eligible properties and data on revenue abatement related to ad valorem tax exemptions for historic structures.

The Community Development Committee discussed the report and associated presentation and voted to continue the ad valorem tax exemption program for historic structures in its current format based on the following seven findings:

1) That the preservation of mixed income, mixed use, walkable neighborhoods with irreplaceable character has value;

2) This program is the tipping point to make improvements affordable;

3) Some historic structures are improved that would not be affordable without the tax exemptions;

4) The ad valorem tax exemption for historic properties is the only incentive available in the downtown area;

5) The exemption encourages high quality design and architecture matters;

6) It is a very efficient way to provide these incentives because there are no upfront costs to the City; and,

7) Private investment spurred by the incentive begets additional private investment.

The CDC heard favorable comments from several citi...