2008-04-21 Regular Council Session Agenda

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ÔßÒÜ ÝÔÛßÎßÒÝÛ ÎÛÜÛÊÛÔÑÐÓÛÒÌ ßËÌØÑÎ×ÌÇ ÞÔ×ÙØÌ×ÒÙ ßÒßÔÇÍÛÍ ßÒÜ ÎÛÜÛÊÛÔÑÐÓÛÒÌ ÐÔßÒÍ ÚÑÎ ÑÔ×ÊÛ ÞÑËÔÛÊßÎÜ ßÒÜ Ó×ÜÔßÒÜ ÞÑËÔÛÊßÎÜ ú ÑÔ×ÊÛ ÞÑËÔÛÊßÎÜ ßÒÜ ÒÑÎÌØ ßÒÜ ÍÑËÌØ ÎÑßÜ STAFF REPORT BACKGROUND The University City Land Clearance Redevelopment Authority (LCRA), with its authority to acquire, clear and sell blighted property, has prepared two blighting analyses and redevelopment plans for areas located on Olive Boulevard. These documents were prepared for the Olive Boulevard and North and South Road and Olive Boulevard and Midland Boulevard areas. The purpose of the studies is: 1. To support changes that will lead to the physical improvement of the Olive Boulevard corridor; 2. To eliminate deteriorating and unattractive buildings, where reuse is not desirable; 3. To assemble parcels into developable sites to foster opportunities for redevelopment; 4. To proactively encourage development activities in locations identified in the Comprehensive Plan Update of 2005. The blighting analyses for the two areas were adopted by LCRA on December 7, 2007 and the plans were adopted on January 23, 2008. In accordance with Sections 99.300 to 99.600 – Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority Law (the LCRA Law) of the Revised Statutes of Missouri (R.S. MO), the redevelopment plans were also submitted to the Plan Commission. The Plan Commission reviewed the plans and found them to be in conformity with the Comprehensive Plan Update of 2005 and the overall development of University City. The plans are now being submitted for City Council review and approval. A public hearing on the plans will must be held at the City Council level. SUMMARY OF THE PLANS The Olive and Midland Boulevard and Olive and North and South Road Redevelopment Plans prepared by PGAV Consulting confirm the findings of the blighting analysis adopted by the LCRA on December 7, 2007. The subject areas meet the legal definitions of “blighted” due to some or all of the following factors: defective or inadequate street layout, insanitary or unsafe conditions, deterioration of site improvements, improper subdivision or obsolete platting and vacancy and substandard tax contribution. The goal outlined in the redevelopment plans is the elimination of conditions of blight and the encouragement of redevelopment. Four objectives expound this goal and include: 1. Combine smaller parcels of land into larger tracts that can be more marketable to commercial developers. 2. Encourage quality redevelopment within the Area that is consistent with the City’s current guidelines for construction (including parking, lighting, landscaping) that will improve the appearance of the Olive Boulevard Corridor. 3. Produce long-lasting development that projects a positive community image, increases the value of surrounding property, adds to the public convenience, enlarges opportunities for pursuing an urban lifestyle, and enhances community resources. 4. Eliminate uses that do not contribute to the overall social and economic well-being of Olive Boulevard and the adjacent neighborhoods.