Revitalization Commission Agenda and Packet 2014 05 12

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L City of LOUISVILLE REVITALIZATION Louisville COMMISSION 01. OR • lit t t 'l't 1:+78 SUBJECT: CONDITIONS SURVEY FOR 550 S. MCCASLIN BLVD. THE FORMER SAM'S CLUB PROPERTY DATE: MAY 12, 2014 PRESENTED BY: AARON M. DEJONG SUMMARY: The Louisville City Council on May 6th directed staff to commission a conditions survey for 550 S. McCaslin Blvd. to research whether blighting conditions exist on the property. This memorandum discusses the role the LRC could potentially have in this process. BACKGROUND: Many Louisville residents, adjacent businesses, City Council and City staff are concerned this underutilized building reduces the values of adjacent properties, could contribute to decline in surrounding neighborhoods, and weakens the economic vitality of the McCaslin corridor and the City as a whole. To address these concerns, City Council directed staff to commission an evaluation, known as a "Conditions Survey ", to determine if there are specific conditions, including the size or layout of the building, private deed use restrictions or other factors that are contributing to the property remaining underutilized. Under State law, these factors may meet the requirements to be categorized as "blight ". As LRC members know, State law authorizes cities to mitigate blight conditions through the Urban Renewal process. The Conditions Survey is the first step in this process. If the Survey demonstrates that one or more blight factors do indeed exist, the City Council could, but is not required to, adopt an Urban Renewal Plan to address the blight. In this specific case, an Urban Renewal Plan could be limited to only the former Sam's Club property. The intent of this action would be to encourage full utilization of this property for uses permitted by the existing zoning. It is important for the City to do this initial assessment in order to better understand the current conditions of the site. The LRC is the City's Urban Renewal Authority and, if Council determines blight exists and approves an Urban Renewal Plan to address blighting factors, the LRC would be charged with executing the Urban Renewal Plan. DISCUSSION: City staff is developing a Request for Proposals for engaging a consultant to perform the research and develop a conditions survey for review. We anticipate a public meeting to occur and LRC review of the conditions survey prior to City Council review and determination if blight exists. LOUISVILLE REVITALIZATION COMMISSION 8