Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Legal Services Department

 

TO: 

David Corliss,  City Manager

 

FROM:

John Jay Miller, Staff Attorney

 

CC:

Debbie Van Saun, Assistant City Manager

Toni Wheeler, Interim Director of Legal Services

 

Date:

February 8, 2007

 

RE:

Hearing to adopt Neighborhood Revitalization Plan and Program  for the 8th and Pennsylvania District

 

On January 23rd, the City Commission continued to February 13th, 2007  the public hearing to consider the adoption of a Neighborhood Revitalization Plan and Program for the 8th and Pennsylvania District.  Staff is recommending rescheduling the hearing to March 6th, 2007 to continue to work with Cinco Hombres on a Developer Agreement and Neighborhood Revitalization Plan.  

 

The representatives of Cinco Hombres prepared an alternative Neighborhood Revitalization Plan and Developer Agreement for City staff to review which they mailed to staff on Wednesday, January 17th, 2007.  Since that time, staff has reviewed Cinco Hombres’ plan and agreement, met with their representatives to discuss the differences between proposals and proposed alternative terms.  Representatives of Cinco Hombres are reviewing staff’s proposed alternatives.   

 

The areas of discussion include the developer’s request to expand the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan Area to include property located on 720 East 9th Street and if the property were to be included in the area, would improvements to the property be allowed to be included as part of the maximum rebate limit.  Would property in the plan area that was sold by Cinco Hombres be applicable for rebates and subject to the rebate limit.   Would Cinco Hombres have an exclusive developer agreement for the area or would other property owners in this plan area have the ability to improve their property and request a rebate.  What affect do the proposed changes have on the Neighborhood Revitalization Program and what steps need to be taken for Douglas County and the Lawrence School District to agree to adopt the plan in order for property owners in the plan area to be eligible for their tax rebates.

 

Staff is recommending that we republish the Resolution establishing the hearing date because of the proposed expansion of the Neighborhood Revitalization Area. 

 

 

 

 

Action Requested:  Adopt Resolution No. 6703 rescheduling the public hearing for March 6th at 6:35 P.M. or thereafter.