Minutes 12/22/1977 - Laserfiche WebLink

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December 22, 1977 eliminating conditions of physical blight, the resultant significant expansion of employ- ment and training opportunities for Portsmouth's citizens, and the extensive postive impact upon the city's tax base, will be most beneficial. In summary, these proposals provide a very unique opportunity for the city to assist in accelerating ongoing efforts to facilitate the development of these areas, each of which is of paramount importance in insuring the future of Portsmouth. I now call on Mr. Herbert K. Bangel, Chairman of the Authority, for his comments." Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Mr'. Herbert K. Bangel, Chairman, Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority, presented the following: "The Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority is please to participate in this evening's Public Hearing regarding the two proposals before City Council. As Mayor Davis noted in his remarks, the proposed Urban Developmen~ Action Grant and the application for financial assistance to accelerate, if needed, industrial development within the Southside IV Project Area, are two very important elements in Portsmouth's comprehensive revitalization strategy, and the Authority is pleased to have been able to have played a part in these en- deavors. The proposal to obtain $2.9 million in Fedemal financial assistance under the Urban Development Action Grant Program will not only assure the development of the initial in the Crawford Harbor Project (the proposal which will be described in detail by Mr. Frye), but will have a number of spinoff benefits as well. As a significant step forward in the successful implementation of the Crawford Harbor Plan, this action will further in large measu~'e the completion of scheduled activities in the trawford Urban Renewal Project. The direct and indirect benefits to the downtown central business district of our city, primarily through economic revitalization, stimulating rehabilitation of existing businesses, and expansion of commercial and retail opportunities will be of great significance, as will the number of perma nent emFloyment opportunities subsequently made possible. As you are also aware, this resi- dential development will also assure the subsequent construction of the Har~r Village retail shopping complex to be developed on air rights over the Citizens Trust Building parking lot by the Radnor/Barge Corporation, which is currently constructing the n~w City Hall/private office tower complex at the south end of the waterfront project. The proposed Urban Develop- ment Action Grant Program Application is very much in keeping with the City's overall plans for the revitalization of this area, which is itself a key element in our community develop- ment strategy. We feel that the Crawford Harbor Plan is the nucleus of all revitalization efforts in the entire downtown area, and that the residential component of this strategy prO- vides a much-needed balance to the City's housing program and an exciting complement to both the private development currently under way in the southern portion of the project, as well as the City's significant investment in the construction of the North Harbor Marina and exten- sion of the 1,800 foot seawall. With regard to the application for Federal Loan Assistance under Section 108 of the Hous- ing and Community Development Act of 1977, this action, which would hasten, if needed, the industrial development of a portion of the Southside IV Community Development Project Area logical continuation of efforts immediately behind the U. S. Coast Guard Base, represents a currently being undertaken by the City and the Authority in the revitalization of this section of our City. In much the same manner as the UDAG proposal, industrial deve~lopment of !his mosI desirable site within Southside will have a number of both direct and ind~irect spinoff benefi[s to our entire city. Not only will new development greatly enhance the severely depressed loca~ tax base; perhaps most important, the ensuing permanen~ employment and training opportunities which will be provided by such development will have a most significant impact upon Southside area residents, helping to insure the economic viability of the City of Portsmouth, both now and in the future. It should be noted that while the receipt Of Section 108 financial assistance is a very real possiblity, the City's Urban Development Action Grant application will be in stiff com- petition with similar submissions from a number of other localities throughout the country. In this regard, it is hoped that the City's previous track record in similar programs of this nature will be given strong consideration in the Federal approval process. I appreciate very much the opportunity to have offered these remarks and to reiterate the support of the Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority for the two proposals being presented for consideration by City Council this evening." Mr. D. Barton Frye, Jr., Executive Director of PRHA, furnished information concerning the application to be sdbmitted to the Department of Housing and Urban Development and pro- posal for the Development of the high-rise residential units. Mr. Frye answered questions as presented by Council. (Transcript of meeting available) The following citizens spoke in support of the applications: (See Exhibits ---466) Michael J. Service, V.P.Econom~c Development Div., Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Eva S. Teig, presented letter for Robert E. Spencer, Chairman of CAC. letter for Ms. Rachel Benzie, Political Affairs Chairman, Portsmouth/Chesapeake Board of Realtors. Mrs. Zetma~.Rivin, Chairman of Planning Commission, and as a private citizen and merchant. Raymond Turner, repmesenting Community Action, Inc. Frank S. Wilson, Jr., Hxecutive Vice President, Portsmouth Retail Merchants Assn.