TO: Urban Renewal Agency Board
THROUGH: Keith Stahley, Executive Director
FROM: Kristin Retherford, Director, Community Planning and Development Department
SUBJECT:
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Riverfront-Downtown Urban Renewal Strategic Project Grant Exception - Laurie Ann Rogers LLC
Ward(s): 1
Councilor(s): Stapleton
Neighborhood(s): CANDO
Result Area(s): Safe and Healthy Community; Welcoming and Livable Community.
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SUMMARY:
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Approving an exception to the grant program restrictions on maximum grant awards to cover the costs of installing a security fence and access gates around the perimeter of the Coldwell Banker property, owned by Laurie Ann Rogers LLC.
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ISSUE:
Shall the Urban Renewal Agency approve an exception to the Strategic Project Grant maximum grant amount of $30,000 and allow the Community Planning and Development Director to execute a grant for up to $78,000 to Laurie Ann Rogers LLC, owner of the Coldwell Banker Building, to install a perimeter security fence and property access gates?
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Approve an exception to Strategic Project Grant maximum grant amount of $30,000 and allow the Community Planning and Development Director to execute a grant for up to $78,000 to Laurie Ann Rogers LLC, owner of the Coldwell Banker Building, to install a perimeter security fence and property access gates.
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FACTS AND FINDINGS:
On February 25, 2019, the Agency Board approved the Strategic Project Grant Program to support the goals of addressing homelessness within the Riverfront-Downtown Urban Renewal Area by providing grant funds for building and property improvements that help with crime prevention, security, and safety. The program was created to fund 100% of the improvement costs up to $30,000 for properties within the Riverfront-Downtown Urban Renewal Area boundaries. The funding of this grant request does not negatively impact the Riverfront-Downtown Urban Renewal FY 2025 grant budget of $8 million.
Grant programs are identified as an eligible project in Sections 1105 and 1108 in the Riverfront-Downtown Urban Renewal Plan.
BACKGROUND:
The Coldwell Banker Building is located at 235 Union Street NE, directly east of the ARCHES building. Both buildings share a common entrance into their properties from Union Street. Additionally, the Coldwell Banker Building has a private second driveway into the lower portion of the building.
Employees and customers at the Coldwell Banker Building report daily experiences with safety concerns due to the number of individuals who congregate at the property entrance and across the street at Marion Square Park. Over the last few years, windows have been broken, exterior building lights have been broken or removed, and the air conditioner was vandalized to the point of being inoperable. The property continues to be concerned that the vandalism will continue and has been paying for security services during business hours. The cost of repairs due to vandalism and costs for security service have created a financial hardship to the owner.
Due to the unique configuration of the site and the alley access off of Union Street, fencing installation will require partnership with ARCHES to address the shared entrance and needed security gates into their respective customer parking lots.
Because of the large size of the Coldwell Banker Building property, iron fence material, and security gates, the cost is $78,000.
Approval of a grant exception will help address the historical and current impacts that have occurred for both ARCHES and the Coldwell Banker Building, and will result in a more secure and safe environment for the property owners, employees, visitors, and clients of both buildings.
Sheri Wahrgren, Assistant Director
Urban Development Division
Community Planning and Development Department
Attachments:
1. Site Map Coldwell Banker