Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMidtown_Tavern_Report_050216 MEMORANDUM TO: Midtown Urban Renewal District Board FROM: Lauren Waterton, AICP, Land Planner RE: Midtown Tavern Site and Landscape Improvements Grant Application DATE: May 5, 2016 Project Description: A request for rehab grant funding in the amount of $20,730 for site and landscaping improvements. Total project costs are estimated at $138,200. Project Location: 726 N. 7th Avenue and is legally described as Lots 1-3, Block 1, of North 7th Addition within Section 1, Township 02 S, Range 05 E, within Bozeman, Gallatin County, Montana. The property is located within the B-2, Community Business District. Recommendation: Approve grant in the amount of $20,730. See Project Review Criteria for analysis. Project Review Criteria: The N7Rehab provides grant to foster voluntary rehabilitation of eligible commercial properties for the elimination of blight in the North 7th Corridor. To evaluate requests, the following review criteria are used by the Midtown Urban Renewal Board and Staff to evaluate projects. Analysis follows each criterion. Public Improvements Does the proposed project address a lack of, or poor condition of: storm water facilities, curb and gutter, sidewalks, landscaping in the right-of-way, parking lot approaches, parking lot access issue, or encroachments into the public right-of-way? As part of the comprehensive landscape plan, street trees will be added to the boulevard area. Currently, there are no trees in the boulevard. Regulation Compliance Does the proposed project address non-compliant signage, lack of paving or poor condition of paving, ADA access, landscaping, parking circulation or storm water control? Improvements to the landscaping will help to bring the property into compliance with the Design and Connectivity Plan and the Bozeman Municipal Code. Additionally, the landscaping improves compliance with Plan and the BMC, particularly along N. 7th Ave.by bringing the building improvements closer to the property line. 3. Is the building/site currently vacant? Yes. 4. Is it converting a building/site from a non-conforming use to a conforming use? No 5. Design and Connectivity Plan Does the proposed project address the site and building level objectives to encourage the rehabilitation and redevelopment of parcels that are underutilized or do not meet current standards, establish a stronger relationship between buildings and the street by providing pedestrian connections and orienting buildings to the street; incorporates pedestrian amenities and landscaping in existing developments, and incorporates public art in small pocket parks and plazas? The site improvements of the landscaping and patio meet the criteria related to the Design and Connectivity Plan. These improvements establish a stronger relationship between the building and North 7th Avenue and helps orient the building toward the street. Additionally, the landscaping adds visual interest to the property. 6. Design and Connectivity Plan Corridor Goals Does the proposed project strengthen the corridor as a neighborhood service center by providing double fronting building, pedestrian connection to public right-of-way and on-site bicycle facilities or landscape buffers when adjacent to residential neighborhood The addition of the patio on the west side of the property creates an active side to the property that has previously had little activity, which will help to strengthen the corridor as a neighborhood service center. 7. Bozeman Design Objectives Plan Does the proposal improve the aesthetic experience by strengthening the appearance, character and feel of the building through the application of guidelines from the Bozeman Design Objectives Plan? The landscaping and patio addition improve the appearance of the building, add street level interest and enhance the property, which are elements addressed by the guidelines of the Bozeman Design Objectives Plan. Summary The proposed improvements will enhance the property and be benefit to the corridor. The improvements of the patio and landscaping will be visible from the public right-of-way and meet several objectives within the Design and Connectivity Plan, as well as the Bozeman Design Objectives Plan. It is recommended that a grant award in the amount of $20,730 be given for project costs related to landscaping and site improvements. This amount represents 15% of the $138,200, which is the bid from Big Country Landscapes and the preferred design by the applicant. The grant should be contingent on verification by Economic Development Department that vendor selection is compliant with the City of Bozeman purchasing policy.