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HomeMy WebLinkAbout(2) WESTSIDE REVITALIZATION PLANINTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM To: STEVE FITZGIBBONS, CITY MANAGER Fxont: DALE L. WATSON, DIRECTOR OF PLANNING susJECr: WESTSIDE REVITALIZt~TION PLAN DATE: 03~O7~OH Attached is a revised schedule from Byron Mazshall. This schedule provides a timeline for completion of Year 1 of the revitalization plan for the Westside. While not identified in the updated work plan, Mr. MazshalL has stated that he plans on opening an office in Port Arthur. A joint meeting of the City Council, Planriing and Zoning Commission and members of the Port Arthur Industrial Group has tentively been scheduled for Tuesday, Mazch 18, 2008 with Mr. Marshall. At this meeting, Mr. Mazshall would provide an update of activities. to date and lead a discussion of issues related to Westside redevelopment. Revitalization Plan for West Port Arthur The -City of Port Arthur and the PAIG commit to support implementation of a community revitalization plan for West Port Arthur beginning in 2007 as jointly developed by the City of Port Arthur and the Marshall Group on behalf of the PAIG. The West Port Arthur Community Revitalization Plan consists of the following key elements: • Adequate public infrastructure to support the revitalization efforts; • Construction of new homes and businesses and rehabilitation of existing homes and businesses to help revitalize West Port Arthur; • The development of funding strategies to support the expansion and development residential and commercial facilities in the area; and appropriate light industrial development; • An effective city-wide job training and placement initiative involving the Texas Workforce Commission, Lamaz State College -Port Arthur, the City of Port Arthur and the City's private sector to increase available training for residents of Port Arthur to help strengthen work force readiness; • Effective city-wide collaboration among government, the private sector, the nonprofit sector and the public and post-secondary education community; • ' An attractive "buffer zone" between the petrochemical plants in the immediate area of West Port Arthur's neighborhoods that will be voluntarily established over time as part of a new land use plan for the Westside azea; and • Aself-sustaining, viable, redevelopment implementation entity to leverage public and private funds. 2007-2008 Work Plau for West Port Arthur Revitalization In order to stimulate economic development and community rehabilitation in the West Port Arthur, the City of Port Arthur and the PAIG commit to engage the Marshall Group to implement the West Port Arthur Community Revitalization Plan, underthe oversight of the City of Port Arthur and with support and input from the PAIG. Tn recognition that the success of the Revitalization Plan is tied to increased and improved employment opportunities The City of Port Arthur and the PAIG will also work together to increase and improve such opportunities. In conjunction with the City of Port Arthur, the Marshall Group will coordinate the 2007 Implementation Plan for the revitalization effort consisting of the following: • Assist in establishin¢ the redevelopment implementation entity, includine recommending its mission, eoals and obiectrves, a three to five year fundin¢ base and a Board of Directors: Set up non profit entity with State of Texas .... (COMPLETE; With Interim Board) Apply for tax exempt status from IRS.......... 1st Quarter, 2008 (UNDERWAY) Achieve tax exempt status from IRS .......... 3rd Quarter, 2009 (Goal, Actual Date Dependent on IRS) Present options for.structure of non profit community development entity and identify optimal skill sets, attributes, affiliations etG of Board members ..... By End of 1st Quarter 2008 Assist in reviewing pool of potential candidates from which board ojnon profit entity may be selected and make recommendation. So that board can be appointed ....... By End of 1st Quarter 2008), recreational purposes, and a buffer between West Port Arthur neiehborhoods and refineries. Research and develop land use options, based upon neighborhood and other stakeholder input and best practices, for creation of buffer zone between incompatible uses such as residential uses and industrial plants; and zoning recommendations to ensure proper transitions between uses ..........by ([TDERWAY; Preliminary To Steering Committee By End Of I" Quarter 2008} 2 2007-2008 Work Plan For West Port Arthur's Revitalization Discuss options with steering Committee of affected parties (Residents, property owners, City officials, industry..... During First 45 Days of 2°d Quarter 2008 Recommend land use plan to City Officials .....During Fist 60 days of 2nd Quarter 2008 Work with board of new nan-profit redevelopment entity, City, community stakeholders and industry to have land use plan adopted ..... By End of 3.d Quarter 2008 • Imalementation in coniunction with neiehborhood stakeholders, the Citv of Port Arthur; the Housine Authority, the private sector and various other entities of a urocess to identify.-clan and implement catalytic proiects in West Port Arthur that also beta to strenethen and imuroye ezistine minority owned business Implement process jot identification of inifial catalytic projects ..... (UNDERWAI~; To Be Presented To Steering Committee by End of 1~` Quarter 2008 Begin to conduct project feasibility studies (analysis of assumptions regarding market; suitability of development sites, operating & development pro forma, financing etc...... ("LINDERWAI~; To, Be Presented For Initial Project within first 30 days of 2nd Quarter 2008) Identify and reach consensus w/stakeholders on initial catalytic projects ..... Wrthin First 60 Days of 2nd Quarter 2008) • Develop a funding plan and strate¢v to sunaort the West Port Arthur Revitalization Plan; and SPresent draft plan and strategy....... (UNDERWAY; By End of I" Quarter 2008) Ide»tify in&ral potential investors/developers ..... (UNDERWAIj; By End of 2nd Quarter 2008) Where appropriate and feasible, work with developer(s) or assist non profit entity in acting as developer on catalytic project(s). • Develop the needed aartnerships amon¢ the nubGc and urivate sectors, non- profit oreariizations and. foundations. Meet with community groups to share and shape Revitalization Plan... Meet with business, civic, religious, nonprofd and community leaders to share and shape Revitalization Plan ....... (ONGOING) 2008-2009 Work Plans for Revitalizine West Port Arthur Develop specific work plans with metrics for performance each year Continue to identify projects, developers, investors Begin and complete, as appropriate, projectconstruetion and clean and green projects Work with other groups to spur employment and address drug abuse as a barrier to employment as a part of the strategy for economic and community revitalization. 4 Organizational Structure Phase WestPARC Board of Directors Staff: (The Marshall Group) Phase II Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) _ Redevelopment Authority Staff Proposed Interim Logos: