Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns

1. H2: Redevelopment Agency: A
Model for Revitalizing
Downtowns

2. Presenters
Frederick J. Presley AICP
Town of West Warwick, RI
Steven G. Cecil AIA ASLA
The Cecil Group, Inc.
Timothy C. Twardowski
Robinson & Cole LLP
Emily Keys Innes, LEED Green Associate
The Cecil Group
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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3. Arctic Village
Fred Presley
Town Manager
West Warwick, Rhode Island
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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4. The Cecil Group, Inc.
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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5. The Cecil Group, Inc.
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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6. The Cecil Group, Inc.
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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7. The Cecil Group, Inc.
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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8. The Cecil Group, Inc.
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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9. The Cecil Group, Inc.
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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10. The Cecil Group, Inc.
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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11. The Cecil Group, Inc.
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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12. The Cecil Group, Inc.
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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13. The Cecil Group, Inc.
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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14. The Cecil Group, Inc.
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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15. Revitalization and Urban Renewal:
A Tale of Three States
Steven G. Cecil AIA ASLA
President
The Cecil Group, Inc.
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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16. Evolution of Urban Renewal and Urban
Renewal Authorities
 The Bad Old Days
 The Better Old Days
 Future Days
City Hall area construction, circa 1964-1968, Government Center
Urban Renewal Project, Boston Redevelopment Authority
photographs, (Collection #4010.001) City of Boston Archives
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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17. Evolution of Urban Renewal and Urban
Renewal Authorities
 The Bad Old Days
 The Better Old Days
 Future Days
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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18. Evolution of Urban Renewal and Urban
Renewal Authorities
 The Bad Old Days
 The Better Old Days
 Future Days
Creative Commons
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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19. Urban Renewal Plans: Basis for Action
 Updated/Extended Plans
 Amended Plans
 New Plans
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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20. Urban Renewal Plans:
Observations on State Differences
 Limited State Role
 Compatibility with other Municipal Regulations
 Direct State Role and Approval Responsibilities
 Compatibility with other Municipal Regulations
 Limited State Role
 Expansion of Plans through Amendments
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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21. Key Capabilities (“Powers”)
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Project Approvals: Guidelines, Standards, Reviews
Acquiring, Owning and Disposing Property
Funding and Financing
Planning
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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22. Key Capabilities (“Powers”)
 Eminent Domain:
Political and Rhetorical
Issues
Current Example: Approach to
right-of-way acquisition through
negotiation rather than eminent
domain, Norwalk
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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23. Innovative Roles and Applications
Norwalk: Revitalization Facilitator
South Norwalk Neighborhood/Transit Oriented Development
Planning
Grantsmanship and Grant Management
Design Standards and Reviews
Municipal Coordination: Administration, Council,
Housing Authority, Planning and Zoning
 Development Negotiation
 Property Acquisition, Disposition
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H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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24. Innovative Roles and Applications
Norwalk: Revitalization Facilitator
South Norwalk Neighborhood/Transit Oriented Development
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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25. Innovative Roles and Applications
Norwalk: Revitalization Facilitator
South Norwalk Neighborhood/Transit Oriented Development
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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26. Innovative Roles and Applications
Burrillville: Planning and Reinvestment
Village Center Transformation
 Planning
 Coordination of Public and Private Investment
 Advocacy and Engagement
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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27. Innovative Roles and Applications
Burrillville: Planning and Reinvestment
Village Center Transformation
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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28. Innovative Roles and Applications
Salem: Historic Preservation, Development
Urban Renewal Plan Update
 Improved Guidelines and Coordinated Review Process
 Stakeholder Inclusion: Historic Preservation
Advocates and Property Owners
 Future Planning and Potential Amendments
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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29. Innovative Roles and Applications
Salem: Historic Preservation, Development
Urban Renewal Plan Update
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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30. Legal Considerations
Timothy C. Twardowski
Associate
Robinson & Cole LLP
October 18, 2013
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31. Overview
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Redevelopment Agency Statutes
Establishment of Redevelopment Agency/Authority
Appointment of Agency Members
Composition of Redevelopment Agency
Operation of Redevelopment Agency
General Powers and Duties
Redevelopment Plans
Redevelopment Project Area
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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32. Redevelopment Agency Statutes
Rhode Island
Redevelopment Act of 1956, RI General Laws Ch. 31-33
Massachusetts
Mass. General Laws, Ch. 121B
Connecticut
Conn. General Statutes §§ 8-124 et seq.
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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33. Establishment of Redevelopment
Agency/Authority
 Determination of Need for a Redevelopment
Agency/Authority
• RI: Resolution of need adopted by legislative body
• MA: Determination of need by city council (cities) or by the voters at
an annual or special town meeting (towns)
 Designation by legislative body (CT)
• Options: (1) municipal housing authority; (2) Connecticut Housing
Authority; or (3) create new redevelopment agency
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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34. Appointment of Agency Members
RI:
Appointed by president of town council with approval of
the legislative body
MA:
4 members are appointed by city/town, 1 member
appointed by Department of Housing and Community
Development
Cities: By mayor, subject to approval of city council
Towns: Elected at ATM, or initial appointments (1-year
terms) by selectmen, followed by elections at ATM
CT:
Appointed by chief executive (city) or board of selectmen
(town)
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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35. Composition of Redevelopment Agency
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5 Members (option to create 7-member board in RI)
Ex-Officio members
Resident electors
Initial staggered terms, followed by 5-year terms
Cannot be an elected officer or employee (RI)
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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36. Operation of Redevelopment Agency
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Bylaws, rules and regulations
Election of Officers – chair, vice-chair, secretary
Conduct of meetings
Quorum, voting rules
Procedure for amending bylaws
Additional personnel (executive director, consultants,
counsel)
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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37. General Powers and Duties
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Sue and be sued
Acquire property by purchase, lease, gift, or otherwise
Acquire real property by eminent domain
Approval of legislative body required (CT)
Issue bonds
Redevelopment plans
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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38. Redevelopment Plans
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Review by planning commission/board
Conformity with master plan
Public hearings (agency and legislative body)
Subject to approval by legislative body
Required content:
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Description of redevelopment area;
Description of blighted and substandard conditions;
Description of redevelopment plan;
Estimated cost of carrying out the redevelopment plan and the
method of financing proposed for the project
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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39. Redevelopment Project Area
 Prerequisites (RI)
• Planning Commission
• Master/General Community Plan
 Designation by legislative body (RI)
• Ordinance or resolution
• Notice & Public Hearing
• “Redevelopment Area means any area of a community which
… is a blighted and substandard area whose redevelopment
is necessary to effectuate the purposes of [the Act]”
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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40. Documenting Blight
Emily Keys Innes
Assistant Planner
The Cecil Group, Inc.
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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41. Data Collection
Sources
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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42. 1. Municipal Sources
 Assessors’ data
 Previous studies and reports
 GIS
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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43. 2. State Data
 Rhode Island Geographic Information System
Data Distribution System
• http://www.edc.uri.edu/rigis
 Office of Geographic Information (MassGIS)
• http://maps.massgis.state.ma.us/map_ol/oliver.php
 Connecticut Geospatial Information Systems
Council
• http://www.ct.gov/GIS
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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44. 3. 2010 Census Data
 Census.gov
 Factfinder2
 State’s sites may also have government data
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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45. 4. Field Work
 Visual survey
 Photographic evidence
 Update assessor’s data – especially for
vacancies or building/site conditions
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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46. Working in the Field
Top 5 Tips
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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47. 1. Wear comfortable shoes
Creative Commons
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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48. 2. Look friendly
Creative Commons
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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49. 3. Take careful notes
The Cecil Group, Inc.
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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50. 4. Choose a sunny day for pictures
Creative Commons
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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51. 5. Work in pairs
Creative Commons
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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52. Working in the Field
Traps
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
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53. The Cecil Group, Inc.
List of addresses won’t work
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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54. The Cecil Group, Inc.
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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55. Print out large scale map instead
The Cecil Group, Inc.
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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56. H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
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57. Data Analysis
Methodology
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
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58. Mapping
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
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59. Mapping
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
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60. Mapping
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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61. Photographs
The Cecil Group, Inc.
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
The Cecil Group, Inc.
October 18, 2013
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62. Photographs
The Cecil Group, Inc.
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
The Cecil Group, Inc.
October 18, 2013
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63. Spreadsheets
The Cecil Group, Inc.
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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64. Spreadsheets
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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65. Spreadsheets
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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66. Spreadsheets
The Cecil Group, Inc.
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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67. Spreadsheets
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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68. Spreadsheets
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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69. Spreadsheets
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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70. Q&A
The Cecil Group, Inc.
H2: Redevelopment Agency: A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns
October 18, 2013
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