Title
CRA Project Summary July (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, Michael Beard - 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. Staff is also developing a modified program that will coincide with the NW 1st Ave Streetscape Project.
Eastside Redevelopment Advisory Board (ERAB)
Heartwood, Project Manager, Michael Beard- Through the executed contract with EDSA for Architectural Standards and Design Guidelines, 4 Floor plan options and 4 Elevation options have been produced. Staff has received cost estimates for the horizontal improvements and appraisals for the conceptual designs on the approved lots.
The completion of the Architectural conceptual designs has provided the final elements needed to fulfill website development for Heartwood, which will act as a major marketing component for the community, as well as a source for progress updates.
Staff is developing an RFQ after reaching out to the builder/developer community in order to discuss innovative approaches to partner on the new development. As we move forward, CRA will work with the community, builder/developer’s, as well as the local finance and real estate professionals to create the new Heartwood community.
Cotton Club Grant Management, Project Manager, Stephanie Seawright - The Cotton Club is moving forward with construction on the project and staff is providing oversight.
Cornerstone, Project Manager, Michael Beard - In May 2015, the CRA Board approved the 100% master plan for the 13.6 acre GTEC site. The master plan is a blueprint for a mixed-use site with up to ten new commercial buildings, which will provide opportunities to retain GTEC graduates on site as well as attract new economic activity to the area. The fully permitted construction documents and approved master plan set is anticipated by July 2016. Staff has been working to foster full development of the site, combining tenant recruitment, marketing and physical improvements for a cohesive economic development strategy. Staff has been in communication with a viable tenant with a strong desire to locate to the GTEC site who requires 22,700 square feet by spring 2017. Staff reignited communications with the respondents of the 2014 RFP and two firms submitted Letters of Interest for pursing a public-private partnership with the CRA/City and proposed anchor tenant. After meeting with both respondents and the proposed tenant, one proposal was deemed to be in the best interest of all three parties.
At the June 16th City Commission meeting staff presented an overview of a proposed public-private partnership for a first phase expansion at the Cornerstone site; and outlined potential terms, timeline and scope for development. At the July meeting staff will present a potential option for the disposition of pads C and D for City Commission approval. Additional items regarding infrastructure work to be completed by CRA and enhanced incentive programs will be presented to the CRA Board for consideration in August.
ERAB Residential Paint Program, Project Manager, Malcolm Kiner - The Residential Program is open and accepting applications, the program will provide an eligible applicant with a voucher for paint and painting supplies up to $500 to be used for the exterior painting of their home.
Greater Duval Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative (NRI), Project Manager, Malcolm Kiner - CRA launched a partnership with Alachua Habitat for Humanity called the “Partnership for Paint” program. The program allows the CRA to offer a grant of up to $500 to eligible home owners in the NRI area. The $500 grant will be applied to the fee associated with participation in “A Brush with Kindness”. We currently have completed 16 homes in the area and are scheduled to complete another home in the Duval Neighborhood along NE 22nd Street in late July.
Downtown Redevelopment Advisory Board (DRAB)
Downtown Plaza, Project Manager, Malcolm Kiner - The Plaza Café Buildout is currently underway and expected to be complete in early August. Patticakes operating out of the Café will offer Coffee, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner items.
Programing continues to be diverse and active at BDP, from the farmers market, Zumba, Yoga, and the free Fridays concert series staff continues to bolster programming at the Plaza with events like Unity in the Community. For more information on events at the Plaza please visit www.Bodiddleyplaza.com <http://www.Bodiddleyplaza.com>.
University Avenue Substation, Project Manager, Stephanie Seawright -
Staff is still in discussions with County Staff with regards to the property being transferred to the City or CRA through the surplus program. CRA Staff plans to take the project through our First Step process to determine the viability of the types of projects envisioned for the site. Possible uses for the redeveloped site are a restaurant, newspaper kiosk, juice bar, pizza take-out and a specialty shop to name a few.
Downtown Redevelopment Area Residential Paint Program, Project Manager, Stephanie Seawright - To date the DRA Residential Paint Program has completed seven (7) homes (407 SW 5th Ave, 428 SW 3rd St., 436 SW 3rd St., 507 SW 6th Pl, 608 SW 4th St., 627 SW 5th St., 703 SW 5th St.). We have six (6) pending applications (621 SW 5th St., 704 SW 5th Terr., 803 SW 5th Terr., 614 SW 3rd St., 321 SW 7th Ave; and 403 SW 7th Ave.)
Depot Park Phase II, Project Manager, Cindi Harvey - On Agenda
Power District, Project Manager, Andrew Meeker - On Agenda
College Park University Heights Redevelopment Advisory Board
NW 5th Avenue (1300-2000 blk), Project Manager: Suzanne Wynn -The CRA has received preliminary electrical undergrounding designs and required easement locations from GRU. The easements required are extensive and involve numerous properties along the entire project corridor from NW 13th Street to NW 20th Street. The CRA’s next steps for this project will be initiating a cost/benefit analysis and meeting with individual property owners over the next several months to determine the feasibility of the acquisition of all of the easements required. We will be moving toward a community meeting after all potential easement stakeholders have been contacted.
NW 1st Avenue (1600-1900 blocks): Project Manager, Sarit Sela - On Agenda
South Main Street, Project Manager, Andrew Meeker - As a next step in the planning process, Staff is working to schedule a series on community workshops and engagement methods in August to gather input in possible design alternatives and solutions to improve the safety and accessibility of the corridor. With the pending opening of Depot Park in August, the forthcoming completion of the Cade Museum in the Fall of 2017, Staff is working to advance the planning process to ensure public safety improvements are in place as soon as possible without significant disruptions to business and commuter operations along the street.
Fifth Avenue Pleasant Street Redevelopment Board
A.Q. Jones House Museum, Project Manager, Stephanie Seawright - Site work has begun on the project. We will be working with Cultural Affairs to move forward with management of the facility. We are also seeking a design consultant for the exhibit design and programming for the center.
FAPS Residential Paint, Project Manager, Malcolm Kiner -Like the Eastside Residential Paint Program the FAPS Residential Paint 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.
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