Minutes 07/16/2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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July 16, 2020 “RESOLUTION CERTIFYING THE CITY OF PORTSMOUTH’S SUPPORT OF AN APPLICATION FOR A VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PORT HOST COMMUNITIES GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $500,000 IN FURTHERANCE OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF 3599 PROGRESS AVENUE FOR PORT-RELATED USES. WHEREAS, the Portsmouth Port and Industrial Commission and the Economic Development Department intend to partner with Thomas Industrial, LLC and its affiliates to apply for a Port Host Communities Revitalization Fund grant from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (“DHCD”); and WHEREAS, the application seeks a grant of $500,000 for site development work at 3599 Progress Avenue in Portsmouth (the “Project”); and WHEREAS, if the grant is awarded, Thomas Industrial, LLC intends to expend approximately $600,000 of its own funds to serve as the required match; and WHEREAS, the Project would continue the revitalization of the former BASF/Cogentrix corridor in West Norfolk and would result in an anticipated 50-100 new jobs; and WHEREAS, the Project would revitalize property that has long been underutilized, provide a port-related use that maximizes the benefits of the City’s role as a Port Host Community, increase the local tax base, and provide employment opportunities for Portsmouth citizens; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia: 1. That it hereby certifies its support for the Project and the submission of an application for a Port Host Communities Revitalization Fund grant in furtherance of the Project. 2. That the City Manager is authorized to take such further actions and execute such further certifications as are necessary or desirable in furtherance of the application and the purposes of this resolution. 3. That this resolution shall take effect on the date of its adoption.” Ayes: Battle, Clark, Glover, Lucas-Burke, Moody, Psimas, Rowe Nays: None 20 - 183 - Adoption of a resolution authorizing the conveyance of 2701, 2709 and 2715 Turnpike Road to the Economic Development Authority. Background:  The Virginia Department of Transportation acquires the property necessary for certain state-funded road projects in the city.  VDOT has established a policy requiring that, at the end of each project, the locality must accept a Deed from VDOT conveying title to all of the remnant property that was not incorporated into the right of way.  Most of this remnant property is of minimal value and serves only to deplete City finances because of the required regular mowing and maintenance. Discussion:  2701, 2709 and 2715 Turnpike Road were among the parcels conveyed by VDOT to the City at the conclusion of the Turnpike Road widening project.  The Economic Development Authority has received an inquiry from a developer who has contracted to purchase 2705 Turnpike Road (which lies between 2701 and 2709 Turnpike). The developer is offering to purchase 2701 Turnpike Road, 2709 Turnpike Road, and a small portion of 2715 Turnpike Road in order to develop two single family residential dwellings.