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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-05-09 Regular Meeting of the La Porte Corporation Board of Directors 2 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE LA PORTE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS October 5, 2009 1. Call to order President Pat Muston called the La Porte Development Corporation Board meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Members Present: Muston, Warren, Clausen, Woodard, Pizzitola and Engelken Members/Officers Absent: None 10WtMY m OSe( Staff Present: City Manager Ron Bottoms, Assistant City Manager John Joerns, Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins, Assistant City Secretary Sharon Harris, Planning Director Tim Tietjens, Main Street Coordinator Stacey Osborne, Finance Director Michael Dolby, and Administrative Secretary Robin Eldridge Others Present: Ted Powell, Kathryn Aguilar, David Janda, Phillip Hoot and Kelsie Harris 2. Consider approval or other action of the August 3, 2009 minutes of the Special Called Regular Meeting of the La Porte Development Corporation Board of Directors - M. Gillett A motion was made by Board Member Engelken to approve the August 3, 2009 minutes of the Special Called Regular Meeting of the La Porte Development Corporation Board of Directors. Motion was seconded by Board Member Clausen. The motion carried. Ayes: Muston, Warren, Clausen, Woodard, Pizzitola and Engelken Nays: None Abstain: None Absent: None 3. Consider appointment of President and Vice President - P. Muston The Development Corporation Board of Directors discussed the appointment of a President and a Vice- President for the La Porte Development Corporation Board of Directors. A motion was made by Board Member Clausen to reappoint Pat Muston as President of the Development Corporation Board of Directors. The motion was seconded by Board Member Engelken. A motion was made by Clausen to appoint Bob Pizzitola as Vice President of the Development Corporation Board of Directors. Mr. Pizzitola declined, as this was his first meeting to attend as a Board Member. Board Member Engelken made a motion to nominate Richard Warren as Vice President of the Development Corporation Board of Directors. The motion was seconded by Board Member Clausen. The motions carried. Ayes: Muston, Warren, Clausen, Pizzitola, Woodard and Engelken Nays: None Abstain: None Absent: None 4. Consider approval or other action regarding entering into an Earnest Contract for the purchase of Lot 7 and Lot 8, Block 52 of the Town of La Porte, Texas - R. Bottoms City Manager Ron Bottoms presented summary and recommendation and answered the Board's questions. A motion was made by Board Member Clausen to approve entering into an Earnest Contract for the purchase of Lot 7 and 8, Block 52 of the Town of La Porte, Texas. Motion was seconded by Board Member Engelken. The motion carried. Ayes: Muston, Warren, Clausen, Pizzitola, Woodard and Engelken Nays: None Abstain: None Absent: None 5. Discussion of West Side Park project and possible participation in funding - R. Bottoms City Manager Ron Bottoms and the Development Corporation Board Members discussed the West Side Park project and possible participation of funding. In addition the following items were discussed. Board Member Woodard had questions regarding participation of the Board and funding of projects. Board Member Pizzitola had questions on the operational costs of the Board. Board Member Engelken had questions on the spring opening of the baseball field. 6. Discussion of Sylvan Beach District Master Plan - R. Bottoms City Manager Ron Bottoms and Planning Director Tim Tietjens discussed the Sylvan Beach District Master Plan, boundaries, and land use patterns. The uniqueness of the area was also highlighted. 7. Discussion concerning the Economic Development Coordinator position - R. Bottoms City Manager Ron Bottoms discussed combining the Main Street Coordinator and the Economic Development Coordinator's position for a trial period of sixty days, in which time Stacey Osborne will be handling the dual role. 8. Receive updates from city staff on following Projects - R. Bottoms City Manager Ron Bottoms reported on the following projects: o Sylvan Beach Shoreline Project o Town Plaza o Gateway Project o Restaurant Consultant for 912 W. Main St. o Main Street activities Mr. Bottoms provided the board with the following updates: Sylvan Beach Shoreline Project - is moving forward with a substantial completion date of November 15, 2009. The boardwalk is half way complete and will have plenty of benches. Mr. Bottoms reported City Council did approve the demolition of the pier. Town Plaza - is moving forward with a completion date of December 1, 2009 with the exception of the fountain which is still in the works. The sculpture is also still being discussed. Mr. Bottoms reported he has before and after aerial pictures of the project. Gateway Project - has received 90% of the plans at this time, and will be going out for bids shortly. Restaurant Consultant for 912 W. Main St. - An open house is scheduled with a tentative date of October 13, 2009 for local realtors. Main Street activities - New and replaced sidewalks have been placed in certain sections along Main Street, trees have been trimmed, flowers placed in planters for business owners that agreed to care for the flowers, replaced city logo on most of the trash bins and seasonal banners have been ordered for display. Mr. Bottoms also reported he has received interests for the fa<;:ade grants from some of the property owners and applications were sent to the interested owners. 9. Executive Session - pursuant to provision of the Open Meetings Law. Chapter 551 Texas Government Code, Sections 551-071 through 551.076, 551.087 (consultation with attorney, deliberation regarding real property, deliberation regarding prospective gift or donation, personnel matters, deliberation regarding security devices, or excluding a witness during examination of another witness in an investigation, deliberation regarding Economic Development Negotiations). There was no Executive Session. 10. Board Member Comments A. Matter appearing on agenda B. Inquiry of staff requiring a statement of specific factual information or a recitation of existing policy. 11. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, the La Porte Development Corporation Board of Directors adjourned the Regular Meeting at 6:41 p.m. Passed and approved on this /1ttray of /J 0 J Respectfulr_Su~~itte~.--I / / ~~-4.uu/4zv Sharon Hams (/1>' Assistant City Secretary TRMC 2009. Pat Muston, President ~J~ 3 ~--<~-- ...----------.."".."" GI~~~~~.Y PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT THIS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is entered into as of August 25, 2009 (the "Effective Date"), by and between GATEWAY PLANNING GROUP, INC. ("Contractor"), located at 101 Summit Ave. Suite 606, Fort Worth. Texas 76102 and the CITY OF LA PORTE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION. ("Client"), located at 604 Fairmont Parkway, La Porte, Texas 77571 phone 281.471.5020; Attn: John Joerns, Asst. City Manager I. ENGAGEMENT. Client hereby retains Contractor and Contractor hereby accepts engagement from Client to provide services set forth in the tasks delineated on Schedule ".", attached hereto (the "Services") for the development of a Master Plan and Code for the Sylvan Beach District. 2. COMPENSATION. Client shall pay Contractor a fixed fee of $169,100.00 based on the tasks in Schedule ".", plus reimbursable expenses not to exceed $16,910.00, including, without limitation, travel, lodging, reprographics, facilities rental, workshop supplies, and plotting. Specific allocations, deductions or credits affecting the compensation to Contract must be detailed in writing on Schedule "." and established at the outset of the engagement contemplated herein. Contractor shall invoice client on a monthly basis pursuant to a percentage completion of the tasks delineated in Schedule "I", along with reimbursable expenses incurred to date. All invoices shall be due upon presentation and payable within twenty (20) business days. Any local, state or federal taxes applicable to any of the services provided by Contractor shall be added to the amount due. All other services undertaken by Contractor and authorized by Client in writing beyond those specified in Schedu.e "I" shall be compensated at the rate of $300.00 per hour for principals, $225.00 per hour for senior designers and planners, $175.00 per hour for designers and planners, and $105.00 per hour for professional support staff, unless other arrangements are made by mutual agreement. Contractor may sub-contract any portion of the Services set forth on Schedule "."; provided, however, any increase in fees or compensation due to the use of such sub- contracted services shall be approved in writing and signed by Client. 3. PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS. Contractor shall be responsible, to the level of competency presently maintained by other practicing professionals in the same type of work in Client's community, for the professional and technical soundness, accuracy, and adequacy of the work furnished under this Agreement. 4. TERMINATION. Either Client or Contractor may terminate this Agreement by giving 30 days written notice to the other party. In such event, Client shall forthwith pay Contractor in full for all work previously authorized and performed prior to the effective date of termination. If no notice of termination is given, relationships and obligations created by this Agreement shall be terminated upon completion of all applicable requirements of this Agreement. 5. ACCESS TO RECORDS and WORKPRODUCT. Contractor agrees that Client shall, until expiration of one (I) year after final payment by Client to Contractor, have access to and the right to examine and photocopy directly pertinent documents, papers and records of Contractor involving transactions relating to this Agreement. Upon forty-eight (48) hours notice, Contractor shall give Client access during normal working hours to all necessary facilities and shall be provided adequate and appropriate work space in order to conduct audits in compliance with the provisions of this section. Contractor at all times shall retain co- ownership of all final work product resulting from this Agreement and may utilize it for any purposes including, without limitation, marketing. Contractor shall retain sole ownership of source files, digital files, drafts and working documents for all work product. If Contractor displays contractor's logo or copyright designation on any draft or final workproduct provided to Client, Client shall continue to utilize and display on the workproduct that logo or copyright designation if the workproduct is reproduced, used, disseminated or displayed publicly or disseminated to any third party unless other arrangements have been made by mutual agreement. Contractor reserves the right to enforce its copyright through all legal means including common law, statutory and equitable remedies. 6. INSURANCE. During the term of this Agreement, Contractor shall keep in force General Liability and Professional Liability Insurance coverage up to $1,000,000.00 per occurrence and $1,000,000.00 in aggregate total coverage, respectively. 7. ENTIRE AGREEMENT! MODIFICATION. This Agreement, including Schedule "I", attached, is the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior negotiations, agreements and understanding relating to the subject matter of this Agreement. This Agreement may only be modified or amended in writing. Email communication constitutes a writing. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT Page 1 8. ASSIGNMENT. Client understands that it may not assign this Agreement or its rights hereunder, or delegate any or all of its duties under this Agreement without written authorization from Contractor. Except for the use of sub-contractors to perform services, Contractor understands that it may not assign this Agreement or its rights hereunder, without written authorization from Client. 9. LEGAL EXPENSES. In the event that legal action is taken by either party to enforce any rights or remedies under this Agreement, it is hereby agreed that the successful or prevailing party shall be entitled to receive any costs, disbursements and reasonable attorney's fees. 10. SEVERABILITY.. In the event that anyone or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement shall be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, this Agreement shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions had never been contained herein, and the enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein shall not be impaired thereby. II. BINDING EFFECT. The parties to this Agreement further agree that the promises, covenants, and conditions herein shall be binding upon the parties to this Agreement, their heirs, assigns, successors, administrators, and representatives forever. G~o~~~~'y 12. INDEMNIFICATION AND HOLD HARMLESS. Each party agrees to indemnify and hold the other party, its heirs, assigns, successors, administrators, and representatives harmless of and from any and all claims, actions, liabilities, losses, damages, suits or causes of action brought by any third party, person or entity as a result of any incident, event or occurrence giving rise to such claims, to the extent such claims, actions, liabilities, losses, damages, suits or causes of action are caused by any negligent act, error or omission of the indemnifying party or any person or organization for whom indemnifying party is legally liable. 13. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. Contractor's liability for any cause or combination of causes is, in the aggregate, limited to an amount no greater than the fee paid to Contractor hereunder or available insurance coverage delineated herein, whichever is greater. 14. GOVERNING LAW. It is understood and agreed by the parties that this Agreement shall be governed by and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement was executed by the parties as of the Effective Date. GATEWAY PLANNING GROUP, INC. ~ By: Date: August 3 I, 2009 (Authorized signature) Scott Polikov Its: President By: RJr~ (Client Authorized signature) PCt~ fYlQSmn (Client Printed name) Its: f(~si dtltt- Date: r ( If~/O <] , PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT Page 2 Gi~!~~~.Y Schedule "I" Gateway Planning Group, Inc. shall undertake the tasks and provide the deliverables as follows: Task 1. Assessment of existing conditions, parking, buildings and land uses; preparation of basemap and 1-day Kick off meeting w/city and county to program shared o ortunities with s Ivan beach and other ke lannin elements Sub Tot. 2. Market Anal sis for buildout otential to su 3. Transportation traffic and street design assessment of West Main, Broadway, Farimont and San Jacinto 4 corridors $12,875 $14,375 $10,750 4. 2-day Design charrette for the 4 corridors as well as integrated Sylvan Beach mixed use develo ment a roach 5. Draft Master Plan for 4 corridors and ingegrated Sylvan Beach at Building Scale for 4 Corridors and Sylvan Beach; Three (3) perspective renderings; and Master Plan Report including recommendation on conceptual transportation design recommendations and refinements to the Economic Development Plan (finalized before code $31,000 $36,875 6. 1-Day workshop with City and County to determine final revisions for Master Plan, CIP Priorities for implementation, governance needs and initial structure of new code 7. Final Revised Master Plan (only 1 revision included; additional revisions priced on houri basis 8. Preparation for and facilitation of Joint worksession-- Council and P&Z to review master Ian and code im lementation strate 9. Draft form-based Code to implement plan for 4-corridors and Sylvan Beach Mixed Use Plan $6,250 $4,175 $7,500 $22,250 10. Preparation for and facilitation of Community Meeting to review draft form- based code 11. Revise form-based Code based on communit in ut $5,250 $2,550 12. Preparation for and facilitation of Planning Commission Meetings for Code Adoption and rezoning (2 meetings included; additional meetings priced on an houri basis $7,625 13. Preparation for and facilitation of City Council Meetings for Code Adoption and rezonin 2 meetin s included; additional meetin s riced on an houri basis $7,625 $169,100 Client shall perform tasks or secure additional services, as necessary for implementation of the Services as described herein. Contractor is not providing legal services in anyway; accordingly, legal review of the Contractor's work may be necessary. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT Page 3 E July 28, 2009 8 Mr. John Joern Assistant City Manager Mr. Tim Tietjens Planning Director City of La Porte 604 West Fairmont Parkway La Porte, Texas 77571 Re: Downtown Plan, Code and Sylvan Beach Implementation Initiative V-' ~ v' ~ Dear Messrs. Joerns and Tietjens: Ln 7 N rl If) We appreciated the opportunity to serve on the Avalanche Consulting Team for the Economic Development Plan. Knowing that a vital downtown is a center piece of the new economic development strategy, we are proposing a downtown planning initiative as requested. This initiative includes harnessing the redevelopment of Sylvan Beach by leveraging the County's park strategy, as well as activating and connecting the key corridors identified in the initial economic development plan to link not only historic Main Street but also the retail opportunities down Fairmont and across the highway to the west. N o '-D f'. .,1 r::l X U I- t:: We propose in this implementation initiative to not only develop a detailed building and block plan to pull together the development opportunities for a walkable mixed use downtown; but also to once again reactivate Sylvan Beach as a regional draw fully integrated into downtown and not just as an isolated recreation park. The key will be to translate a detailed mixed use plan into a prioritized capital program through the utilization of a new form-based code and an infrastructure phasing program. The detailed scope and budget below sets forth the tasks to accomplish this work plan. o LL. '-D o '-D () == 'JI u > <C Jon Hockenyos of TXP will remain involved with this new phase of work. His involvement will facilitate the translation of this implementation initiative back into the ED Plan. This will enable the most efficient use of the City's fiscal capacity for needed infrastructure improvements to implement the downtown plan. == E r C 'JI rl o You and your colleagues are familiar with me, but you are not with the remainder of our planning team that will join the effort: Jay Narayana, Senior Planner-Jay joined Gateway Planning after serving as chief planner for South lake, Texas. There, she oversaw the second phase development of Town Square, one of the most successful new downtowns anchored by retail and a new city hall. With her MBA in real estate, Jay also understands the critical needs of project investment as phasing and use evolution are considered to position downtown environments for sustained investment. Milosav, Cekic, Senior Urban Designer-a Fulbright Scholar, former Chairman of the Austin Design Commission, UT Faculty Member and former Town Architect from Nis, Serbia, Milosav served for more than 20 years as the architect of record for the San Antonio Shoe (SAS) Company. His retail experience in urban design and architecture as well as his urban park planning has made him invaluable to the Gateway Planning design process. He is practical yet creative in integrating entertainment, parks and urban living. www.gatewayplanning.com Michael Huston, Urban Designer-delivering functional mixed use became a love for Mike as he moved from the Louisville, Kentucky Downtown Redevelopment Authority to the design team for Glassworks, Downtown Louisville's most successful downtown adaptive reuse project. Michael focuses on linking the building, its program and the public spaces around it to embrace the cultural and historical precedents of a community. Downtown Owensboro, KY Redevelopment Plan linking downtown to new waterfront Park In addition to the scope and budget provided below, we have provided some select examples of our work pertinent to the Downtown La Porte initiative. We look forward to using this experience to build on the ED Plan repositioning Downtown La Porte as one of the premier destinations in the Greater Houston Region. If we may provide additional information, please let us know. Once you have reviewed the scope and budget, I am happy to meet to finalize scope details. Again, we appreciate the opportunity to serve you and the La Porte Community. Sincerely, ~ Scott Polikov Attachments Page 2 Task Sub Tot. 1. Assessment of existing conditions, parking, buildings and land uses; preparation of basemap and 1-day Kick off meeting w/city and county to program shared opportunities with sylvan beach and other key planning elements $12,875 2. Market Analysis for buildout potential to support design process $14,375 3. Transportation traffic and street design assessment of West Main, Broadway, Farimont and San Jacinto (4 corridors) $10,750 4. 2-day Design charrette for the 4 corridors as well as integrated Sylvan Beach mixed use development approach $31,000 5. Draft Master Plan for 4 corridors and ingegrated Sylvan Beach at Building Scale for 4 Corridors and Sylvan Beach; Three (3) perspective renderings; and Master Plan Report including recommendation on conceptual transportation design recommendations and refinements to the Economic Development Plan (finalized before code) $36,875 6. 1-Day workshop with City and County to determine final revisions for Master Plan, CIP Priorities for implementation, governance needs and initial structure of new code $6,250 7. Final Revised Master Plan (only 1 revision included; additional revisions priced on hourly basis) $4,175 8. Preparation for and facilitation of Joint worksession-- Council and P&Z to review master plan and code implementation strategy $7,500 9. Draft form-based Code to implement plan for 4-corridors and Sylvan Beach Mixed Use Plan $22,250 10. Preparation for and facilitation of Community Meeting to review draft form-based code $5,250 11. Revise form-based Code based on community input $2,550 12. Preparation for and facilitation of Planning Commission Meetings for Code Adoption and rezoning (2 meetings included; additional meetings priced on an hourly basis) $7,625 13. Preparation for and facilitation of City Council Meetings for Code Adoption and rezoning (2 meetings included; additional meetings priced on an hourly basis) $7,625 labor Total (not including reimbursable expenses) $169,100 Page 3 ~) ro 3 q) ~ ro \J Downtown Placemaking Initiative, Owensboro, Kentucky In the fall of 2007, the residents of Owensboro identified downtown revitalization as an important community priority. This provided the impetus for a comprehensive downtown planning initiative lead by the Gateway Planning Team. Working with partners TXP and Kimley-Horn and Associates, the Gateway Planning Team "eventually produced a plan d1at not only will work, but also stirs the imagination and creates excitement." (ivfessenger- Inquirer Editorial, February 7,2(09) Bringing the Waterfront into the historic downtown became the critical focus. In addition, reinventing the design of major roadway corridors, linking downtown with other parts of downtown, created additional opportunities. One of these corridors 'A Bold Move' emerged as a candidate for a Regional Streetcar Line. !,"~~iil~~ MESSENGER-INQUIRER Based on extensive stakeholder input, analysis of existing conditions, focused public participation events, and buy-in from elected officials, the team developed a market-based master plan and a comprehensive package of catalyst projects to jump start downtown revitalization. The package of catalyst projects was based on strengthening existing destinations and planned improvements ",.jthin downtown while taking advantage of the community's roots - the Ohio River. Public Process The Gateway Team's public participation approach built on the successful "America Speaks - \Ve the People" community involvement framework already in place. Public participation during this initiative was carefully structured to provide appropriate community input throughout the process. Maximum public input was collected at the outset with detailed meetings with key stakeholders and the project steering committee. The input received during this phase of the initiative was used to identify issues, community priorities, opportunities, and key aspects of the plan. The Community Design \Vorkshop provided for more open public feedback on the physical master plan for downtown as it was being developed. Finally, a Community Validation meeting was held to present the final illustrative master plan and the package of catalyst projects. Community support for this initiative has never been stronger with public momentum building up for the upcoming phase of implementation. Master Plan and Form-Based Code The final Master Plan will provide an overall urban design framework within which the community can come together and reassess priorities and initiatives as market conditions evolve. Facilitating rezoning, the Master Plan will be implemented by a form-based code. This will enable Downtown Owensboro to once again be a linked collection of urban neighborhoods, each with its own development and activity focus. With several large-scale redevelopment opportunities, the Master Plan provides the community flexibility in evaluating a variety of redevelopment options. DOwNTowN OWENSI.lOIW ---- ........- . """",.". .-,\~ .....,- ~""~_.- --- m_ i::: M Focus on Implementation With a strong focus on a practical but ambitious plan, the Design Team recommended a core set of catalyst projects that built on the existing community assets. In addition to providing order-of-magnitude cost estimates, the Design Team identified financial strategies to fund these initial projects. With tremendous public support and ownership, the City and County approved the Master Plan and approximately $100 million to fund the infrastructure for the catalyst projects in February 2009. Despite the tough economic times, the elected officials saw this as an incredible opportunity to invest in Owensboro's future. With this bold undertaking, the community, for the first time, is taking control of its downtown destiny. Currently, Gateway Planning is managing tl1e implementation of the catalyst projects including a new convention center hotel on the Waterfront as well as a new market plaza to anchor tl1e hotel with the Waterfront and tl1e historic second street corridor. :3) ro 3 <U 4-J ro Downtown McKinney, Redevelopment and TOD Initiative The new Town Center Master Plan is McKinney Texas' vision for the future of its central neighborhoods and historic center. The Plan is also the roadmap for redevelopment, preservation, and future growth, including transit oriented development (fOD) to connect into the Rail North Texas System. An extension of the City of McKinney's 2004 Comprehensive Plan, the plan provides a community-based strategy for sustaining d1e vibrancy of the heart of McKinney. McGMey town CeMw Mallerfltall -- ~~ Implementation After the City Council adopted the master plan, the Gateway Planning Team (Gateway Planning, Kin1ley Horn and TXP) was engaged to position downtown, including the future TOD, with a critical mass of neighborhood linkages for investment in new businesses. To this end, the Gateway Team is assessing market demand; developing a detailed form- based code and design framework to implement the master plan. In addition, the team is locating and programming the first public structured parking garage as identified in the Phase 1 Plan. The parking garage initiative is part of a comprehensive parking plan d1at will be finalized in concert with the market analysis and code reforms to ensure an effective leveraging of existing assets and new investment in downtown. Linking the Master Plan Phase 1 of the planning process was inclusive, not simply allowing for, but actively soliciting public input through each part of the process. As a result, d1e process captured valuable public input while still capitalizing on d1e professional expertise of City Officials and d1e Gateway Planning Team hired to lead the process. The results of the stakeholder process provide key linkages to neighborhoods and devvelopments surrounding the future TOD adjacent to the historic downtown. :3) ro 3 v ~ ro \J City of Duncanville Downtown TOD Plan and Initiative Duncanville, Texas, seeks to reinvent its Main Street into a true mixed use destination. Main Street anchors historic retail and the center of city government, but has lacked sustained growth for many years. Located just south of Dallas on IH20 and a future commuter rail transit line, Downtown Duncanville has initiated an economic development strategy to grow a market for downtown housing, higher quality retail, additional upscale restaurants and eventually substantial professional office users. The key to sustained success 'Will be the attraction of young professionals and empty- nesters to live in Duncanville as a complement to the great family environment well established in the community. ;~~~-" ~l =::-.:: ~ ~ 4r~~=~4f . .,..i.t . ." ,:\,.... \,it. ,]11# ;j;....-.-.-. : d;::;' ~ --,...... - - lCt,ou,(i) --- ....--. ---.: '",,',,' 1_/, ......-.-.-,----'>-..... I~ ;,'''- . _c_ "" ~,~' CD -=:.-:e .Q!l_.__~ ~=.~ ~;"'MJ~ "i."~ ' " ,,/',~,;:, ~ '-,~~ --~.... ~ ~ ~fV*oj!>ioC__~ ~~= -.. :::===. 1l""'(''';';~'''H.t , >$ry,~",,~~.,,~- Gateway Planning Group, TXP and Kimley Horn were retained in order to assist the city in this mission. The initiative entailed facilitation of a community committee for input, and the development of a detailed redevelopment master plan, including the conceptual design of transit-oriented development (TOO) around the likely future location of a commuter rail station at Center and Main Streets. The master plan delineates areas for enhancement and likely locations for substantial redevelopment. The master plan includes a redesign of Main Street, with a better functioning traffic, improved on-street parking and a pedestrian- supportive streetscape. The master plan is being implemented through a regulating plan and a form-based zoning district prescribing urban design standards, while allowing "ride latitude of appropriate downtown uses with the increased tax base projections from the initiative, the city has retained Kimley Horn and Gateway Planning to redesign and reconstruct Main Street to implement the TOO vision. City of EI Paso Downtown Plan Phase II (Implementation) \1(7orking with our economist, Texas Perspectives (rXP), the Gateway Planning Team developed the second phase of the City of EI Paso's Downtown Plan. The Phase n Plan focused on refinement and implementation of the Downtown 2015 Plan. It provides the implementation pathway to assist City Council, the TIRZ (fax Increment Financing) Board, and city staff in implementing the plan successfully. One of the keys to successful implementation of the Downtown Plan is the creation of a cohesive management structure. Such a management structure should be sustainable, adaptive and facilitative of public-private partnerships. The Gateway Planning Team recommends a new management framework through the creation of a new Downtown Management Coordinating Entity that would coordinate development projects, public services, and events. The Phase n plan recommends discrete action items to work towards realizing the vision established in the Downtown 2015 Plan. Rased on the catalyst projects moving forward, the Team establishes critical pedestrian linkages required within downtown to take advantage of emerging project which include new mixed use and rehabilitation of existing buildings. Investment in streets cape improvements will be undertaken in the context of this Linkages Plan in conjunction with projects as they come on line. ---...:; ", ---. --- .- .... "'\ "., .J}. . - ..... ~ il U, In addition, the Phase II plan recommends the use of public art to better coordinate art-related activities and develop a cohesive streetscape plan with amenities designed by local artists. The plan also recommends pedestrian and streetscape improvements that focus on linking wayflnding and public art with transit amenities such as bus shelters, bike racks, and transit sihrnage to support Sun Metro's Downtown Trolley Circulator. The most critical aspect of implementation provides the city and the TTRZ board criteria to evaluate different projects requesting public incentives and funding of public infrastructure improvements. To this end, the plan recommends higher priority to projects that promote downtown living, linkages to transit, and synergies with existing projects. Projects that leverage private funds as well as that promote the cultural arts will also be given priority. Rased on this criteria and project impact, development projects will be classified as "Site-Specific Private" projects or "Public" projects. "Site-Specific" projects are generally smaller in scope, affecting one or two property owners and public participation would be in the form of regulatory reform or refunding for public infrastructure improvements; while "Public" projects are larger in scope, often requiring the city's initiative for successful implementation. Tnese generally include larger streetscape projects, streets, open space, and plazas. ~ I In addition to generating "order of magnitude" costs for critical streets cape linkages, the Phase II Plan also updates the TIRZ projections, providing the TIRZ Roard with the public sector's capacity to support downtown redevelopment. www.gatewayplanning.com