Title
CRA Project Summary NOVEMBER (NB)
Explanation
As a regular informational item on CRA agendas, Staff provides a brief update on selected referrals, redevelopment projects and development agreements under review. This monthly update is typically a limited sampling of the CRA’s many on-going projects, as opposed to a complete list.
CRA Wide
Façade Grant, Project Manager, Lynn Janoski - The Façade Grant program is a competitive matching grant program that is designed to encourage reinvestment in building facades, specifically those located on highly visible target corridors within each district. Staff continues to meet with potential applicants in each district, and recently approved applications include 12 South Main St., (DRAB) and 1510 S. Main St., 424 SW 7th Terr./417 SW 8th St., 102-112 SW 6th St. and 1310 S. Main St. (CPUH).
Economic Development, Project Manager, Lynn Janoski -The CRA has sought a restaurant/food service tenant for new café space under construction in the Bo Diddley Plaza located at 185 E. University Avenue. Responses were due on September 23, 2015 and staff is currently evaluating the responses received and interviewing prospective tenants. Staff is also seeking a single tenant for the Depot Building for restaurant, café, retail and event space uses.
Eastside Redevelopment Advisory Board (ERAB)
Heartwood, Project Manager, Michael Beard- Staff and EDA presented to the Plan Board on October 22nd for Land Use and Zoning change. Application is being reviewed by Legal. Staff attended a First Step Meeting for the Design Plat on November 3rd and is moving forward with Phase 1 Civil Engineering. Staff will hold a Kickoff meeting with EDSA to launch the Architectural Standards Action Plan that will include several Community Workshops. The Marketing and Branding team will work collaboratively with the architect to integrate the proposed imaging styles with the marketing strategy. Staff will present concepts at an upcoming CRA Board meeting.
GTEC Area Phase 1 Development, Project Manager, Sarit Sela -- A branding community workshop was held on September 30th. Project’s construction document set was submitted for Design Review Board (DRB) and GRU Utility permit review on October 6th.
ERAB Residential Paint Voucher Program, Project Manager, Malcolm Kiner -Like the FAPS Residential Paint Voucher Program, the Eastside Redevelopment Area plans to “Support and encourage improved appearance and design of both public and private projects. Strategies may include, façade grant and/or paint programs, incentives, and partnerships with both the public and private sector.” The program provides an eligible applicant with a voucher for paint and painting supplies up to $500 to be used for the exterior painting of their home. On Friday October 16 & 17 the CRA partnered with Project Youth Build and Innovative dads to paint 7 homes in the Duval community staff will provide an update during the December meeting.
Greater Duval Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative (NRI), Project Manager, Malcolm Kiner -CRA Staff as well as Alachua Habitat is currently accepting application for the Partnership for Paint Program, the program covers paint and minor repairs to the exterior of an eligible applicant in the greater Duval Neighborhood. One home was completed in October and another applicant is set for November.
Downtown Redevelopment Advisory Board (DRAB)
Downtown Plaza, Project Manager, Malcolm Kiner - The Bo Diddley Plaza (BDP) was closed for construction on March 1, 2015 with Oelrich Construction acting as the Construction Manager for the project. We anticipate the Plaza construction improvements will be at substantial completion in winter of 2016. Construction is currently underway with the new structures now visible from University Ave.
The request for a tenant for the Plaza Café was closed on September 23, 2015 and staff is in the process of evaluating the responses. The new café will have approximately 972 sq. ft. of interior space and an additional 1,150 sq. ft. of outdoor seating area. CRA Staff will bring a recommendations and proposed lease at an upcoming CRA Board meeting.
As discussed during the October CRA meeting, staff is looking into ways that BDP can be more active throughout the week with (daytime & week night activity) enhanced rental opportunities, relationships with outside promoters, more community events, and increased partnerships & sponsorships. Staff will present recommendations during the December meeting.
Downtown Redevelopment Area Residential Paint Program, Project Manager, Stephanie Seawright -We currently have five (5) additional applications - with four (4) of the five awaiting power washing and one (1) ready to be painted. We have three homes completed to date at 428 SW 3rd Street, 627 SW 5th Street, and 407 SW 5th Avenue.
Depot Park Phase II, Project Manager, Cindi Harvey - On September 3, 2015, the CRA broke ground on Depot Park Phase II construction. For the past few months, staff has been working closely with the City’s Public Works Department to coordinate and dovetail the remaining site work to mitigate the contamination cap deficiencies into the construction of Depot Park Phase II. The City’s Public Works Department has ensured that these improvements will not cause any further delays or impacts to the current project schedule or scope. Construction of Depot Park Phase II is anticipated to span twelve months. The Park will be open to the public in Fall 2016.
Power District, Project Manager, Andrew Meeker - Following a series of recent CRA Board presentations and discussions, Staff is working on the Property Disposition Strategy and Strategic Investment Plan that will be presented to the Board at the next board meeting.
College Park University Heights Redevelopment Advisory Board
NW 5th Avenue (1300-2000 blk), Project Manager: Suzanne Wynn -The project is currently on hold until the FY17-18 budget cycle. This project continues to be an important initiative in the CPUH area.
NW 1st Avenue (1600-1900 blocks): Project Manager, Sarit Sela - On Agenda
South Main Street, Project Manager, Andrew Meeker - In April the CRA launched a Façade Facelift initiative targeted towards businesses and properties along South Main St. After receiving substantial stakeholder feedback regarding general appearance of several existing building along the corridor and the potential for improved facades along South Main Street, the CRA has responded by developing a unique initiative that offers free technical design assistance for any interested property and business owner located directly along the corridor between Depot Ave. and S. 16th Ave. The initiative is intended to assist property and business owners envision possible site, signage, and building façade treatments to improve the overall visual character of the area. The initial response from interested participants has been positive and staff along with its contracted architectural consultant has been meeting with applicants to discuss initial design concepts. This effort has already led to private investments in properties and utilization of the CRA’s Façade Grant Program incorporating design elements from the Façade Facelift concepts. Staff anticipates bringing an update to the CRA Board at an upcoming board meeting as well as hosting a community meeting to present the work to date and the next steps in the design process.
Fifth Avenue Pleasant Street Redevelopment Board
A.Q. Jones House Museum, Project Manager, Stephanie Seawright - On Agenda
Neighborhood Spruce Up Program, Project Manager, Malcolm Kiner - The FAPS Residential Paint Voucher Program is on-going and accepting applications. Two homes were completed in October at 916 NW 7th Avenue and 615 NW 6th Street.
NW 3rd Ave. Sidewalks, Project Manager, Andrew Meeker - On Agenda
Seminary Lane, Project Manager, Sarit Sela - On Agenda
Fiscal Note
None at this time
Recommendation
CRA Executive Director to the CRA Board: Receive project update from Staff