HomeMy WebLinkAbout3.20.19 ED memo TO: City of Oshkosh Redevelopment Authority
FROM: Allen Davis, Community Development Director
DATE: March 14, 2019
SUBJECT: March 20, 2019 RDA Agenda items
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Update on Oshkosh Arena property:
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has not changed their stance on not
issuing the Voluntary Party Liability Exemption (VPLE) for the property. This has
become a major issue for the RDA/City. The RDA/City continue to work with Fox
Valley Pro Basketball (FVPB) to determine the path forward for eventual issuance of the
VPLE and the transfer of the property from the RDA to FVPB. Staff continues to work
with WisDNR and FVPB representatives.
Update on Healthy Neighborhood Initiative:
Staff continues to work with Habitat for Humanity and GO-HNI to identify potential
"Rock the Block" activities in the Sacred Heart neighborhood. There are currently over
26 pending applications for property improvements in the neighborhood. This Rock
the Block event is the first of 5 scheduled for 2019 to 2020, and should take place in late
April, 2019. City staff will be looking for potential CDBG and Healthy Neighborhoods
funded projects in all 5 neighborhoods.
Staff continues to seek blighted, scattered sites in residential neighborhoods. Staff
continues to use the following factors for these possible blight removal or rehabilitation
projects:
1. Location in an LMI Neighborhood.
2. Condition of the structure.
3. Within a neighborhood association or an approved redevelopment area or
plan.
4. Code Enforcement actions pending.
5. Acquisition cost is well below the assessed value.
6. Estimated rehabilitation cost and resale price.
7. The potential impact on the neighborhood as a result of the project.
8. Potential redevelopment in combination with adjoining properties.
Update in South Shore Redevelopment Area:
Sawdust District Planning—City staff continues to work with area stakeholders
on developing a more specific redevelopment plan for the District. Staff hopes to
have the redevelopment plan completed in 2019.
Morgan District—The contractor has installed all the concrete and boardwalk for
the Riverwalk. Lights and bollards have been installed.
Pioneer Area—Mr. Art Dumke continues to work with City staff to explore
multiple development options and funding scenarios. The site now qualifies for
New Market Tax Credits and was included in the recently approved
Opportur{ity Zones.
9th Avenue extension to CN Railroad—Staff has begun work on the planning
and budgeting phase for the eventual extension of 9th Ave. east to cross the tracks
at the current railroad crossing. Land acquisition and remediation will likely be
required.
Initial contacts with the CN have yielded possible interest in selling their interest
in the Pioneer Drive right-of-way. Staff is exploring alternatives as well.
Boatworks Property—The Option with Chet Wesenberg has expired.
Update on Marion &Pearl Redevelopment Area:
Parcels H, I &J: Staff has worked out the final paperwork with Merge, the Iowa
development group. Merge continues to work on their site plan and financial
plan and made a presentation to the Council on Feb 26, 2019.
Sawyer Street/Oshkosh Avenue
Accu-Com building-The building was demolished in January, 2019
Repp's Bar-Demolition is to start on March 18, 2019, weather permitting.
Multi-modal Trail-The Lakeshore trail from I-41 to Punhoqua will be
constructed in 2019, along with the Oshkosh Corporation Headquarters.
WisDNR has tentatively awarded the City$793,000 for the project. In addition,
WisDOT awarded the City $253,000 for extending the trail through Rainbow
Memorial Park to the Sawyer Street/Oshkosh Avenue intersection in 2021.