November 13, 2013

 I fully understand the concerns of the impacted property owners  I must do what is best for the community as a whole, even if it is sometimes unpopular  I sincerely apologize for not distributing detailed information with the notice  I will present you the facts today so you can at least understand what is being proposed

 The WRC is responsible for developing and maintaining a long term Redevelopment Plan  As with all Plans, the Commission revises it periodically to account for changing conditions  This is the 6 th Amendment of the WRC Plan since its initial adoption in 1997  The 2 major changes of this amendment are:  Creation of the Stadium District  Creation of the Boulevard Business District TIF Area

 By law, the WRC must develop an “Acquisition List” to identify properties that it may be required to purchase to facilitate the Plan  This is also the 6 th Amendment to the WRC Acquisition List since its initial 1997 adoption  100’s of properties are already on the List  This process is nothing new, but the number of properties is significantly larger than usual with this amendment

 Why are properties placed on Acquisition List?  Ensures a public process is followed  Protects property owners  Allows remonstrance and transparency  State law requires identification before we acquire and use certain funds  Provides additional flexibility in acquisition process  Expedites the process  Allows us to use Eminent Domain where necessary

 What does it mean to be on the List?  Area identified for “possible” future development  No guarantee a property will be acquired or not  Allows City to purchase properties from willing sellers as soon as plan is adopted  Allows City to pursue acquisition in future if required for development

 If we need to acquire your property, and you have been an asset to the community by maintaining and investing in your property over the years, the City will bend over backwards to find a solution that works for both parties  These solutions may include:

 Delaying the acquisition  Facilitating your relocation, including:  Swapping  Senior Apartment option  Real Estate expert assistance  For Seniors, a “Life Estate Deed” Option  Allows seniors to sell their home now and stay until they can no longer do so

 I never planned, intended or remotely considered kicking senior citizens out of their homes against their will  I am fully aware of the families who have lived in these areas for years and have nothing but the greatest respect for many of them  I have been approached by several people who would like to consider other residential options and this plan will allow me to work with them

 BUT, if you are the owner of a derelict property or are a negligent absentee landlord, I have an obligation to pursue the acquisition of your property at the lowest possible price in the shortest time frame possible

 Acquisition of Property  I am well aware that acquiring someone’s property is not always a welcome event  We will be compassionate and take great strides in making sure the transaction is fair  If a property owner has been an asset to the City, we will bend over backwards to accommodate them  Finding new homes/apartments  Senior Building construction  Trading, etc.

 Acquisition of Property  BUT………  If a property owner has neglected their property for decades, I will use every tool in my bag to acquire their property at the lowest possible cost  I won’t allow bad absentee landlords or property owners to impede our growth  I have tried very hard to be open and straightforward about this plan from day one

 The acquisition process is explained in more detail in the “Information Sheet”  Also includes broader details of my presentation

 This project will:  Provide the needed infrastructure for new investment  Provide new “diverse” residential opportunities  Provide multiple new commercial opportunities  Serve as the ‘Gateway’ into the Lakefront Park

 The project area includes all properties east of the Schrage Avenue east alley and north of 121 st  All of Old Standard Avenue  All of Old Center Street  All of 119 th Street  All of Front Street

 2014 Reconstruction Project will likely draw interest from potential developers  Always viewed as huge opportunity for growth  Significant potential – traffic volume  Inconsistent Land Use – Zoning  Minimal developable space available  Acquisitions are an option to facilitate projects

 This project will be driven by a series of factors including:  Private investment & Demand  Suitable location  Willing sellers  City participation  Long Term Project  There is no immediate serious interest at this time  Strip Malls have never been discussed as rumored

 There is also no funding currently allocated to this project  It is possible, that specific projects that help facilitate the Stadium District Plan could be funded in the near term  3 to 10 year horizon??

 This Plan is sound and is of Public Utility and Benefit – good for the overall community  I’ll commit to personally meeting to discuss any aspect of this plan as time permits  If someone couldn’t attend tonight, I will do the same