Notes from DDA work session on 5.10/12

Points from DDA work session 5.10.12

discussion of two proposals submitted for

redevelopment/reuse of Longworth Properties

Discussion largely related to Goals of RFP and Redevelopment goals below:

GOALS OF THE RFP INCLUDE: Select an interested private party to

1) Purchase the property and return it to the tax rolls

2) Offer to purchase must be accompanied by a firm commitment from a financial

institution or equivalent source for a minimum of $1 Million for investment in the

property and improvements

3) A time line for the project and a business plan acceptable to the DDA

The project should contain, but will not be limited to, a combination of such uses as

Mixed Use Development

(1) Retail;

(2) Housing;

(3) Restaurant;

(4) Parking.

Redevelopment Goals:

In addition to the general list of uses for the development of

the "Former Longworth Plating building," a series of goals for the redevelopment of

the property were established through a planning process. Those goals include:

Continuation Revitalization of the Downtown.

The development of the Longworth Plating site shall serve as a continuing development effort and redevelopment of the entire Downtown.

Linkages and Connections.

The site should be designed so that the development forms physical and visual linkages and connections with the Downtown and the McKinley Clocktower Complex.

Design Quality.

The development should be designed with "landmark" visual qualities befitting the strategic location of the site. The architecture should follow local historic examples and redevelopment guidelines.

Fiscal Benefit to the City.

The development of the site should be fiscally beneficial to the City of Chelsea by enhancing economic growth in the City, increasing the tax base, attracting new businesses and promoting job growth.

Proposals submitted: (Please see previous postings on blospot for proposals)

#1. Proposal submitted by Prochaska and Zachary projects an investment of 3.8 M.

#2. Proposal submitted by the Longworth Building Development Co (Alex Pollock, JC Beal, Kadushin Assoc., Dangerous Artchitect) projects investment of 2.1 M

Comments:

All DDA BOD present were pleased that two proposals were submitted.

Both proposals exceed the required 1 M investment.

Concerns:

Is a pottery studio economically viable?

Would another restaurant in town be able to compete?

What about parking?

Time line on proposal #2 is a concern.

What role does the DDA play?

Who owns parking near Depot? City? Depot Association?

Who bears the cost of the street scape?

General comments:

• Tax abatement is a Council concern, but not favored by DDA.
• Accommodation for Farmer's Supply is an advantage for owners.
• DDA has the ability to wave some requirements of RFP.
• #2. proposal addresses mixed-use more thoroughly.
• Future of Chelsea is mixed-use.
• # 2 will serve as a tourist attraction. Jiffy Mix brings in 25,000 visitors a year.
• We need downtown housing.
• Like downtown housing of #1 but concerned about that it is spec housing.
• There most likely is a liquor license available for that site.

• Jackson should be one-way with effort to reduce the speed.

• # 2 proposal removes Daniels showroom.
• Don't worry about what goes into mixed-use.
• Consider the Baltimore plan: if developers don't have the building ready for inspection by X date, building reverts to city in better condition. Then write new RFP.
• Allow pedestrian movement to building from West Middle Street.
• Selected proposal will need to go to Planning Commission.
• Wait until building and street scape are done before considering additional lighting.
• Want control over lighting.

Next steps: Regular DDA meeting next Thursday, May 17^th.

Invite both developers for presentation on submitted proposal (not changed) and question and answer period. Invitation will be for Thursday, May 31^st, at 7:30 a.m. in McKune Room. Public invited to observe only.