HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated May 8, 2018 ITEM # 55a
DATE: 05-08-18
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: PUBLIC HEARING FOR APPROVAL OF THE URBAN
REVITALIZATION AREA AND PLAN FOR 415 STATION AVENUE
BACKGROUND:
The Crawford Ames, LLC, owner and developer, are requesting the designation of an
Urban Revitalization Area for the property located at 415 Stanton Avenue. The subject
site consists of six platted lots and other parts of properties for a total of approximately
1.6 acres that are currently zoned Residential High Density (RH). A location map is
included as an exhibit to the Draft URA Plan in Attachment A.
The history of the site includes a prior use as a former elementary school, most recently
used as the Ames Community School District Offices. The property owner requested
determination by City Council in June of 2008 that the site was underutilized as
described in the City's former policy for commercial tax abatement for HOC zoned
property. City Council adopted a resolution in 2008 recognizing redevelopment of the
subject site with the commercial area as meeting the underutilized threshold of the 2008
Commercial Policy. However, no formal designation of the site as an Urban
Revitalization Area occurred or was directed by Council at that time.
On November 28, 2017, City Council directed staff to proceed with creation of an Urban
Revitalization Area for the project at the request of the property owners. At the March
27, 2018 City Council meeting, Council determined that the site is eligible for an Urban
Revitalization Area under the statutory Section 404.1(5) of the Code of Iowa as "An area
designated as appropriate for public improvements related to housing and residential
development, or construction of housing and residential development, including single
or multifamily housing". The Council directed that the Minor Site Development Plan
(approved by staff April 16, 2018) be established as the criteria for the
revitalization area. Additionally, five more criteria were required to be satisfied.
Those five criteria are:
1. The existing building is no longer occupied as a public school, and has not
been converted to another use prior to designation as an Urban Revitalization
Area; and, (There has been no use of the building since the School District
sold the property)
2. Structured parking (enclosed garage parking) is provided on site with at least
one covered stall per unit; and, (Project plans include a minimum of 1
required space per unit, to be verified upon completing the project)
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3. The character of the existing building on the north and east elevations is
maintained and preserved, with the exception of adding windows. The
proposed addition matches the architectural style of the existing building.
(Building elevation plan attached as exhibit, the project appears to meet this
standard through massing, building materials, building height, window
fenestration, to be verified upon completing the project)
4. The original school structure will remain, and historic materials will be
preserved or adaptively reused when possible. This includes a requirement
that 100% of the exterior walls of the north and east fapade of the existing
building remains brick, with the exception of adding windows and doors.
(Attached building plan indicates original materials for exterior brick to be
retain on the existing building, to be verified upon completing the project)
5. The site and building substantially conforms to the site and architectural plans
approved by the City Council as part of the URA Plan.(To be determined at
time of completion of the project)
URBAN REVITALIZATION PLAN:
The draft Urban Revitalization Plan (Attachment A) includes the statutory content and
also includes qualifying criteria. These criteria are found in Attachment 3 of the Urban
Revitalization Plan and require substantial conformance to the Concept Plans as
depicted in Attachment 4 of the Draft Urban Revitalization Plan. Staff proposes that the
URA Plan expire on December 31, 2020. This would mean all improvements_used as a
basis for requesting property tax abatement as qualified real estate would need to be
complete prior to the expiration date. Previously approved abatements would continue
for the duration of the tax exemption schedule.
The proposed concept plan exhibits include a note on the building elevations stating the
"west portion of the roof profile subject to change dependent on structural
requirements". This note is related to final architectural detail regarding the elevator
shaft and snow load calculations for the roof. These calculations have not been
finalized. The note is meant to indicate that the roofline of this area may vary somewhat
from the profile shown on the plan. Staff and developer believe any changes would be
minor and substantial conform to the concept plan.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. The City Council can approve the first reading of an ordinance establishing the
Crawford School Urban Revitalization Area and by resolution approve the Crawford
School Urban Revitalization Plan.
2. The City Council can modify or change the Crawford School Urban Revitalization
Area or Plan and then approve the ordinance and resolution.
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MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The attached plan is in conformance with the direction that was given in November for
drafting an Urban Revitalization Plan for 415 Stanton Avenue and the draft plan
presented to Council on March 27th. Staff has determined that the proposed URA
,meets the criteria established by Council. A minor site development plan has been
approved by staff that is consistent with the conceptual plan shown as an exhibit.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative #1 as described above.
It should be emphasized that in order to be eligible for tax abatement,
improvements must be consistent with City ordinances 'and also meet the criteria
in Attachment 3.
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