AGENDA DATE: 9/4/2024
TITLE:
Title
Broadway Blueprint Phase 2 Implementation Plan
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Accept, endorse, and refer the Broadway Blueprint Phase 2 Implementation Study to the Economic Development Office and Community Development Department for implementation.
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Wall, Herrick, Filardo, Barnes, McDermott, Benish
PRESENTER (S): David Benish
LEGAL REVIEW: Not Required
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: In 2019, the Board initiated the Broadway Blueprint economic revitalization study as part of the County’s investment in the Woolen Mills redevelopment and related WillowTree corporate campus relocation project. The study recommended, and the Board approved, a Phase 2 effort, entitled the Broadway Corridor Phase 2 Implementation Study.
Community Development Department and Economic Development Office staff and two consultants, 3TP Ventures and Line and Grade Civil Engineering, began work on the Phase 2 Study in the summer of 2023. Work was completed on the Phase 2 Study in late Spring and the final draft was presented to the Board on June 12, 2024. The purpose of the June meeting was to discuss the final draft and determine if the document was ready for acceptance by the Board (Attachment A). The Board indicated general acceptance of the draft study as presented. Two minor changes have been made to the text based on comments received from the Board’s discussion, as noted in the Discussion section below.
A proposed final draft of the study, along with an appendix containing supporting background materials, is now being provided to the Board for action.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Quality of life - Encourage a vibrant community with economic and recreational opportunities that serve all community members.
DISCUSSION: The Board previously offered only a few comments. The following changes were made to the text of the Study to address those comments/suggestions.
Broadway Study Area Observations
Essential businesses and organizations (p. 10, 2nd column, 2nd bullet) - added the following underlined language: "Displacement of these businesses and organizations to other communities would leave a void in the local economy and within community services and program offerings."
This change clarifies the term “displacement.”
Economic Vitality & Land Use Strategies-Short Term
Strategy 1.5 Broadway Business Retention (p. 15) - Added a sentence at the end of this strategy to "Explore opportunities for incentives that would support long-standing industrial businesses and entrepreneurs."
This addition clarifies and acknowledges the need to investigate other incentives that could benefit long-standing businesses that may not directly benefit from Strategy 1.7, which recommends the establishment of a “Arts & Cultural District.”
The final draft of the study now contains an appendix that documents supporting background materials, including:
- study process overview and engagement summary;
- schematic designs for projects;
- market assessment material; and
- the Broadway Blueprint Phase 1 Study.
There are no formal recommendations contained in the appendix.
With these changes and the addition of the appendix, staff now considers the study complete and ready for acceptance and endorsement by the Board.
BUDGET IMPACT: There is no budget impact associated with the acceptance of this study. Future implementation of the strategies contained in the study will require funding and/or commitment of staff resources to implement.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board accept and endorse the Broadway Blueprint Phase 2 Implementation Study, dated September 4, 2024, and refer the Study to the Economic Development Office and Community Development Department for implementation.
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Executive Summary, June 12, 2024 Board Meeting
B - Broadway Blueprint Phase 2 Study (with Appendix)