Minutes 08/14/2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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August 14, 2012 Ayes: Cherry, Edmonds, Heretick, Whitehurst, Wright Nays: None 12 - 325 -Adoption of a resolution to authorize the City Manager to proceed with implementation of the Downtown Master Plan and Waterfront Strategy. Vision Principle: Change and New Directions. Background: • The Downtown Master Plan and Waterfront Strategy adopted by City Council in September of 2009 identified the current civic center complex site (including courts, jail, police offices and parking lot), the North Pier, and the Desks, Inc. as long term redevelopment opportunities. • As early as February 27, 2007, a Resolution directed the then City Manager to plan for a relocation of the Courts, the Police Department and the City Jail. • The current civic center complex, which includes the courts, the Portsmouth City Jail and Police Department offices are located at Water Street, adjacent to the Elizabeth River. The buildings were built in the late 1960's and are nearing the end of their useful life. • The Downtown Master Utility Plan, presented to City Council on January 12, 2010, supports the City's vision of a revitalized commercial and residential Downtown area. Area 1 sewer and water rehabilitation, which supports the redevelopment of the civic center complex and the Desks Inc. site, has begun with the Washington Street pump station and is expected to be completed by fall 2014. Discussion: • The City's Management Plan Charter C-13-212 for downtown space planning identifies the goal of assessing market potential for those properties downtown where public uses remain. • With the relocation of the court complex to the new judicial facilities and PRHA's move to Midtown, now is the time to start implementing relocation actions. • A high proportion of land in Portsmouth is tax-exempt. This is a significant stressor to the City's financial health. • There is very little vacant land available for economic development. This highlights the need to identify appropriate infill and redevelopment opportunities and achieve the highest and best use of each property. • The City must explore its options to decrease future expenditures and increase revenues. With the possible loss of the APM real estate tax revenues of $5 million, every avenue needs to be explored. • Staff will pursue relocation options for the Police Department that will maximize current operations. • Staff will seek alternative correctional facility space for the Portsmouth City Jail inmates. Options may include the Hampton Roads Regional Jail or an alternative correctional facility that will meet our incarceration and financial needs. • All economic development opportunities will be explored. Financial Impact: • The goal is to utilize this economic development opportunity to provide new revenue with a taxable use of the properties. The current operating and maintenance costs of the Civic Center complex, including the City Jail and the Police Department Offices will be used to support their new locations. Recommended Action: • Adoption of the ordinance. Vision Principle: Change and New Directions. Next Steps Following Council Action: • The City Manager and the City Attorney will begin the implementation process and provide regular updates to City Council.