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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-21-22 - CDC MinutesDISLIN CITY COUNCIL Monday,. March 21., 2022 — S:00 p.m. SSSS Perimeter Drive Council Chamber MUM Mr. Reiner called the March 21, 2022 Community Development Committee meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. Staff present: Mr. McDaniel, Ms. Wolf, Ms. Rauch, Ms. Noble, Mr. Stiffler, Ms. Golliver, Mr. Dearth, Ms. Blake, Also present: Matthew Starr, Executive Vice President of Commercial Real Estate, Crawford Hoying, Frances Jo Hamilton, Director of Revitalization, Heritage Ohio; Ru Balthis, Senior Attorney, Squire Patton Boggs. I Minutes of the February 22. 2022 Meetina Mr. Reiner moved to approve the minutes of the February 22, 2022 CDC meeting. Mr. Keeler seconded the motion. Yote: Mr. Reiner, yes; Ms. Amorose Groomes, yes; Mr. Keeler, yes Mr. Starr provided an overview of development in Bridge Park. He shared that residential occupancy is full and they are raising rents 6-10% depending on the unit size to keep up with labor rates and expense increases across the board. On the commercial side, another lease was just signed at the end of the week for office space leaving approximately 4,000 square feet available in the building at the roundabout. I] retail res 9 9 ................ ........... March 21, 2022 Page 2 floor units with restaurants. The concrete pouring for the garage is completed. The condominiums behind the garage are framed up to a couple of levels. Almost half of the units are already reserved. These are smaller units and lower price points than already exist. The Bailey is the independent living facility, built in partnership with Friendship Village. They will break ground within 30-60 days and be complete in late 2023 or 2024 depending on the winter. Mr. Reiner stated that it is interesting to see senior living included; that is great. Mr. Starr stated that there are many seniors in the existing housing. They are trying to provide a diversity of housing. The benefits of this new development (transportation, access to common amenities) are being worked out through the partnership with Friendship Village. This is not a buy -in. Mr. Reiner stated that he spoke to someone who has been in Europe 150 times and he bought one of these units because the area is diversified and walkable. It is a great complement to • is offered here. Mr. Starr stated that it is a complement to what the City has to offer. This will be the first year we see all the amenities within the District. Mr. Starr thanked Council for their support. Mr. Reiner stated that Crawford Hoying has been a great partner. Historic District Task Force Recommendations Folliqw-Up Ms.,Nbble introduced the Historic District Task Force (HDTF) recommendations follow up. She noted that most conversations have been about the implementation of the Ta Force. The remaining topic to discuss is the management options for the Historic District. This discussion is complicated due to the number of options. Ms. Noble stated that they have guests in attendance to help finalize these discussions. The first discussion item is focused on the Main Street program through Heritage Ohio, They have already completed a Downtown Assessment Resource Team (DART) visit, This was a two -and -a -half-day process that included meeting with members of the HDTF, doing a tour of the district, and giving a final presentation for the general public. Frances Jo Hamilton from Heritage Ohio is here to give information to the Committee about the program. Ms. Noble pointed out that they have talked to other jurisdictions that have implemented this. Delaware is long-standing member. Wooster, Millersburg, and Kent Ohio are others. There is a range of communities and purposes behind utilizing Heritage Ohio. The second speaker is Russ Balthis • Cleveland, Ohio from Squire, Patton, Boggs and he will speak about Community Improvement Corporations (CICS). 0 •#:' Ohio Main Street Pmgram Ms. Hamilton provided background on the concept of the Main Street Program and her involvemAnt with the program. She shared that she started with the program in Delaware, OH in 1999. At that time, the district was close to 50% vacant with deteriorating buildings. Local building owners became involved with Heritage Ohio at the state level. She started working with the program as a volunteer. After several years, she was promoted to the part-time Executive Director position. After six months, W_ March 21, 2022 Page 4 should not serve longer than 3 years. The Board sets the mission and overarching goals for the organization which are then implemented by committees. The Board is responsible for the health of the organization. Ms. Hamilton explained that funding sources should three -fold, with one-third coming from each of the following: the municipality, fundraising, and partnerships/memberships. Reinvestment statistics show that the return on investment in any community is from $27-33 for every $1 invested in the program. Programs are required to submit monthly statistics including volunteer hours, new businesses openings, jobs created, etc. She outlined the requirements as follows: a paid Executive Director, active work plans, on-going training, annual review, 2nd grass-roots commitment. Mr. Keeler asked how long it takes from the time her office is engaged to implement some of these items. Ms. Hamilton stated that it depends on the community. She expects stakeholders to sign agreements committing to attend 80% of meetings, to be present for visits and trainings. She has found that volunteers are more apt to volunte when they know what will be involved. She has seen communities implement the program quickly; Lorain, Ohio is a great example. Rapid implementation is possible wi five dedicated people. Mr. Keeler asked if someone from her staff attends stakeholder e meetings at first. Ms. Hamilton stated that they are a staff of 4 and oversee 50 tj communities. If Dublin wants that level of involvement, Heritage Ohio does offer "fee for service." Program leaders have unlimited access to her, however, via phone, text, email, and zoom. Several communities have asked her to attend initially to make sure they are on track, and they provide in-person training with each of the committees. Ms. Amorose Groomes asked about stumbling blocks for communities. Ms. Hamilton stated that there are always issues with those who cannot fulfill their volunteer expectations, and there will be opposition. Typically, as momentum is gained, people will become involved. Ms. O"Callaghan introduced Mr. Balthis and shared that he is a City Council Member with Cuyahoga Falls and has experience with the Main Street program. !#• Me T #1 March 21, 2022 Page 5 Mr. Balthis stated that the Cuyahoga Falls'area is about a 2-block area. Ms. Hamilton clarifled that by stakeholders, she means representatives from the library, schools, etc. They do not have to be property or business owners. They intentionally choose stakeholders that will reflect the community. Building the stakeholder group means getting representation from around the community. She stated that they will have long- range programs, but she wants to see something that is press -releasable in 30 days. Mr. Reiner asked who drives this. Ms. Hamilton stated that it is the stakeholders. They intentionally build this with people that will advance the efforts. March 21, 2022 Page 6 Ms. OCallaghan stated that the objective this evening was to continue a comprehensive look into solutions for the area. Staff would appreciate any feedback or they can review a list of options at the next meeting. 171r. Reiner stated that this was a very positive presentation and could have potential for problem -solving for that area. The best form of government is always the smallest one. 111IM11 # 1111 F — s Ms. O'Callaghan stated this is following up on discussions regarding the potential to bring back the fagade improvement program initiated in 2018. She noted that the Committee expressed desire to do so. It was determined that the most efficient process to reinstate the program would be to work with the existing CIC to develop and operate the program. In anticipation of this, Staff has continued funding at the level of $100,000 in the Economic Development budget. As outlined in the memo, when the City"s CIC was created in 2015, it was created with a narrow purpose that was limited to reviewing and certifying non tax revenue bonds. She explained that, typically, CICs that exist in other municipalities have a broader purpose as allowed under Ohio Revised Code. The scope of Dublin's existing CICs purpose would need to be expanded to allow for management of the fagade enhancement program. The steps required are outlined in the CIC's code of regulations. Staff is recommending that the process be initiated to amend the CICs powers pursuant to their regulations to allow reinstatement of the fa§ade enhancement program. Mr. Keeler stated that that he believes the fa�ade grant program is essential. Ms. 0"Callaghan stated that the CIC exists now but if we were to create a different entity, we could always change the program. Ms. Amorose Groomes asked if we will have a talent gap on CIC. Ms. O'Callaghan stated that the City still plans to have someone on the Economic Development team to support that effort. Ms. Amorose Groomes asked if the number of CIC membership is fixed. Ms. O'Callaghan stated that seats could be added by amending the regulations. Ms. Amorose Groomes stated that it might be interesting to add seats in order to get an architect or someone with different perspective to review the applications. Ms. O'Callaghan stated that is consistent with the original thought. Ms. Amorose Groomes moved to recommend to City Council approval of Staffs recommendation to continue the process of reinstating the Fagade Enhancement Gra Program by working with the Dublin CIC and expanding the Dublin CIC's powers Program. Mr. Keeler seconded the motios. March 21, 2022 Page 7 YQtQ� Ms. Amorose Groomes, yes; Mr. Keeler, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes. There being no further business to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at -al Dety C*k of Council