CRA Services

CRA Plan Update (2010)

  

The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is responsible for developing and implementing a Community Redevelopment Plan that addresses the unique needs of the targeted area. The plan, as required by FS 163.360, includes the overall goals for redevelopment in the area, as well as identifying the types of projects planned for the area. The projects and elements of the Community Redevelopment Plan have been consistently implemented since adoption in 1984 and a number of small area or task specific plans, studies and reports have been adopted as plan amendments. However, the last comprehensive update of the Urban Core Redevelopment Plan was undertaken in 1989 and incorporated long-range projects and objectives to revitalize the CRA

Community Redevelopment Plan Update Process

In early 2009, the CRA retained the consulting services of Looney, Ricks, Kiss (LRK) to update the plan incorporating current plans and studies, market research, public input and their team's expertise and experience with successful downtown and waterfront redevelopment projects, pedestrian-oriented communities, urban traffic/transportation planning, and mixed-use and residential development that is compact, sustainable and contributes to economic, social and cultural diversity.

The following sections  provide further details and information on the CRA Plan goals, planning and adoption process: (link directly or scroll down)

CRA Plan Update Goals

Planning Kick-Off

Concept Plan Development Process 

Adoption of Final Plan

Planning Consultant Scope of Work and Selection Process (RFQ)
 
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CRA Plan Update Goals

Urban Core Goals: 

•  Build upon recent success and community strengths
•  Create strong destinations for development / investments 
 
•  Connect new investments with existing community fabric 
•  Link destinations to neighborhoods and waterfront to establish a multi-dimensional downtown.
 Waterfront Goals:
•  Increase the awareness of the waterfront within the city / region 
•  Enhance and promote the waterfront for the economic benefit of the community 
•  Promote the diversity of the waterfront by creating opportunities for parks, cultural recreational, educational, and entertainment experiences 
•  Connect the waterfront to the city linking neighborhoods and downtown 
•  Preserve and enhance the natural areas along the water’s edge

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Planning Kick - Off

In February, LRK met with several focus groups including community institutions, public entities, business owners and neighborhood associations to begin understanding where we are and where we can go.    On February 26, 2009 the CRA held a public kick-off meeting to inform citizens about the process and opportunities for input and participation, to share with the public principles for creating great downtowns, waterfronts and urban neighborhoods and to share the Consultanting team's assessment of the opportunities, challenges and initial "big ideas". 

 LRK Kick-Off Presentation

Summary of First Impressions of the Current CRA
 
Great DNA
•  Rich History
•  Natural amenities (beach, bay, parks)
•  Successful Cultural Attractions (Symphony, Ballet, Opera, Theatre, Museum)
•  Great building stock and “main (Palafox) street”
•  Good transportation network (grid)
•  Very successful downtown events
•  Thinking Big (Maritime Park, Sewer Plant, Water Taxi)
 Challenges
•  Promoting Pensacola as a world class place to live, work and play (not on the radar screen)
•  Bringing people downtown every day
•  Identifying the real economic development opportunities
•  Creating a sense of arrival
•  Improving traffic and parking experience & perception
•  Filling the gaps
•  Conviction & Persistence - “implementation constipation”
•  Communication & Coordination
Opportunities
•  to capitalize on existing market segments (beach goers, Navy Base, families)
•  to optimize greatest asset - the waterfront (majority publicly owned)
•  to “do it right” (Maritime Park, Sewage Treatment Plant)
•  to attract regional national & international interest
•  to leverage assets (natural, cultural, historic, architectural)
 Homework for Next Step
•  Take a different route to work
•  Walk the waterfront
•  Ride a bike downtown
•  Explore downtown for a day

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Plan Development Process

During the week of April 27 - 30, 2009 the Looney Ricks Kiss (LRK) team continued the process of discovery and development for the CRA Plan Update with several public meetings and continued research of the area.  Plan Update Flyer

A Public Visioning Workshop was held on Monday, April 27 for stakeholders to 'roll up their sleeves' with the consultant team in small and large groups to provide input on the initial ideas and areas of opportunity.   Following the Visioning Workshop, informal "drop-in" opportunities were scheduled for the public to observe and comment while the full design team was assembled and actively pulling together the Preliminary Concept Plan and renderings for presentation on Thursday, April 30.  Between the scheduled meeting times during the visit, team members were engaged in field assessments, additional research and further preparation of the concepts in a format for presentation and input at Thursday evening's meeting. Full Itenerary of Scheduled Meetings. 
 
The Preliminary Concept Plan begins to identify the types of projects and activities that may be included in the CRA Plan.  Public comments received during the April meetings and continued concept development will further refine these concepts for possible inclusion in the final CRA Plan.   The concept plan provides visual images of potential development and activity for consideration and even inspiration.  Many of these concepts will serve as the foundation for goals and objectives of specific projects.  In addition, the Plan (CRA Plan outline) will also provide strategies for implementation and recommendations for future policy considerations for the CRA and City Council that may be necessary to support the of the projects and goals identified. 

CRA Plan Update - Preliminary Concept Plans 4-30-09.pdf 

On October 20, 2009, the Planning Board reviewed relevant portions of Volume I and determined that the proposed Plan is in conformance with the City of Pensacola's Comprehensive Plan as required by Florida Statue (§163.360). The Planning Board's review was limited to conformity review and not policy recommendations.
 
Upon the completion of research and refining the concepts compiled and presented in April, the LRK Team presented its final report at a CRA Workshop and Public Meeting on Thursday, November 12, 2009. (link to Meeting video)   The proposed 2009 Urban Core Community Redevelopment Area Plan was presented in two volumes (PDF links below). 
 
Volume I (12MB pdf)  - Provides background information about the Agency and the Urban Core Community Redevelopment Area and Plan; outlines the strategic framework, themes and principles; provides a market and physical assessment of the Redevelopment Area in the year 2009; and illustrates the vision and recommendations of the Plan.
 
Volume II (2MB pdf) - Presents the recommended implementation strategies, phasing and priority capital projects to achieve the CRA vision established in the Volume I – CRA Plan. Volume II functions in reference to Volume I and together they comprise the complete CRA Plan. Volume II is intended to be able to be used as a stand-alone document that can be referenced for implementation strategies, priorities and schedules.  This Volume also addresses non-capital programs and activities that support or may be necessary to implement the capital projects.
 
Following the November 12th CRA Workshop, final adoption of the proposed CRA Plan will require the CRA's formal recommendation, and City Council action to conduct a Public Hearing and approve a Resolution adopting the Plan.
 

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Adoption of Final Plan

Following the November 12th Workshop and Public Meeting the LRK Team made some minor and non-substanitave changes each of the two volumes of the proposed plan dated October 20, 2009.  The CRA and City Council then completed the following additional actions, as required by State Statute, to adopt the Urban Core Community Redevelopment Plan, 2010:
 
CRA Meeting, December 14, 2009
  • CRA reccomended that the City Council conduct a public hearing on January 14, 2010 considering a Resolution adopting the 2010 CRA Plan. 
  • CRA reccomended that the City Council adopt the Resolution following the public hearing.
City Council Meeting, January 14, 2010
  • City Council conducted a public hearing on a Resolution approving the 2010 CRA Plan.
  • City Council adopted Resolution 02-10 approving the 2010 CRA Plan.
 Link to:  Urban Core Community Redevelopment Plan, 2010
 
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Planning Consultant Scope of Work and Selection Process (RFP)

The CRA has retained the consulting services of Looney, Ricks, Kiss (LRK) to update the plan incorporating current plans and studies, market research, public input and their team's expertise and experience with successful downtown and waterfront redevelopment projects, pedestrian-oriented communities, urban traffic/transportation planning, and mixed-use and residential development that is compact, sustainable and contributes to economic, social and cultural diversity.

The LRK team includes:
 
LRK Basic scope of work:

The update will incorporate as appropriate other adopted strategic plans and goals.

  • The completed CRA Master Plan will meet the minimum statutory requirements as defined by The State of Florida Statute, Title XI Chapter 163 (Section 163.360 Community Redevelopment Plans).
  • The Project scope includes conceptual framework recommendations for the entire CRA area and the Consultant Team will focus primarily on areas identified during the process as Priority Focus Areas. These areas will include the Waterfront west of Palafox Street and up to three additional urban infill demonstration areas.
 
 
LRK Tasks:
 
Task 1. Process of Discovery (4-6 Weeks)
·        Information Gathering
·        Review of Existing Plans/Studies and Development Regulations
·        Lead Trip, Project Kick-off and Site Investigation (3 day visit)
·        Real Estate Market Analysis
 
Task 2. Design Workshop (3 - 4 Weeks)
·        "Big Idea" Development
·        Public Design Workshop(s) (4-day visit)
·        Workshop Outcomes Review
·        Preliminary Concept Plan & Recommendations(Draft Report Outline)
 
Task 3. Plan Refinement/Preliminary Draft Report (6-10 Weeks)
·        Concept Master Plan Refinement
·        Prepare Preliminary Draft Report (with graphic illustrations):
o        Introduction
o        Opportunities & Constraints
o        Market Research Analysis
o        Concept Master Plan
o        Waterfront Element
o        Community Amenity Element (overall open space network)
o        Transportation Element (streets/corridors, parking, transit, biking, walking, gateways)
o        Neighborhoods Element- Brief neighborhood needs and recommendations summary
o        Priority Focus Areas / Demonstration Infill Project Opportunities
o        Affordable & Workforce Housing Strategies
o        Summary of inclusion of previously adopted plans
o        Capital Projects Summary with budget estimates for priority areas (5-year)
o        Implementation Strategies and Schedule
o        Financing & Funding Strategies and Sources
o        Appendix A: Public Process & Input Summary(by Client)
o        Appendix B: Inventory(by Client)
o        Appendix C: CRA Revenue Projections (by Client)
o        Appendix D: Legal Description (by Client)
o        Appendix E: Statutory Requirements and Action (by Client)
·        75% Review with Consultant Team and Client
·        Project Finance Options
·        Perspective Renderings
 
Task 4. Final Draft Report (2-4 Weeks)
·        Prepare Final Draft Report
·        Final Client Review, Revisions and Refinement
 
Task 5. Final Report (1-2 Weeks)
·        Final Public Presentation(s)
·        Post Approval Update/Final Report Delivery
  
 
A Request for Qualifications (RFQ 08-044 and Addendum 1) was issued for planning consultants to prepare a Plan Update for the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) and an overwhelming response was received with 25 firms submitting by the due date of September 12, 2008.  The Committee's final ranking of five (5) firms following oral presentations was as follows: Looney Ricks Kiss Architects, Inc. (LRK), Wallace Roberts & Todd, LLC., Cooper Carry, Inc., EDAW, Inc. and IBI Group, Inc.  (Click firm name for a pdf of the firm's written submittal)   The CRA approved the contract terms for LRK as presented on January 20, 2009.

The members of the review committee are CRA Chair, Jewel Cannada-Wynn, Bank of Pensacola Vice President, Rodney Jackson, RBG Bank President, Blaise Adams, Regions Bank Vice President, Jim Donatelli, Lowes Region 23, Van Mansker, Downtown Improvement Board Executive Director, Kim Kimbrough and City of Pensacola Community Development Director, Thaddeus Cohen.