Ordinance No. 20564 - Laserfiche WebLink

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3 CONCLUSION A total of 76 or 70% of properties in the Downtown Urban Renewal District are determined to have blighted conditions. In addition to the 76 properties, 19 locations have blighted conditions found in roads and sidewalks. These conditions are so prevalent and consistent in the area that the city concludes that the entire urban renewal area is blighted. The blighted conditions impact the safety, health and welfare of the community through decreased property values and taxes, potentially unsafe conditions for accessibility through deteriorating public right-of-ways, lack of seismic stability and maintenance in public buildings and open spaces, vacancy and outdated structural designs that are deteriorating. The evidence of blight and blighting influences reduces the economic activity in the area, leading to lowered value and a disincentive to invest. Urban renewal funds that are directed at improving or reducing the blighted conditions will attract positive activity downtown, stimulate economic development and private investment, promote downtown revitalization, and enhance the value of the area as a whole. As the number of businesses and opportunities for investment increases, existing businesses and development will also benefit, including restaurants, retail and housing, leading to improved conditions, and higher property values within the Urban Renewal District. The four projects included in the proposed 2016 Plan Amendment were selected for their ability to address blighted conditions and to serve as catalysts for reducing the prevalence of blight with the Plan Area. The improvements to the Park Blocks and the other downtown open spaces will target areas with documented evidence of blight in order to increase the accessibility, enjoyment and use of these areas. As a result, the downtown open spaces will transform from underutilized areas to amenities drawing additional users and ultimately new residents and employees. Adding high-speed fiber will also add significant value to the district by creating the conditions for businesses to succeed, particularly those businesses in the growing cluster of high- tech firms. Strengthening businesses in this economic sector increases the ability of firms to add new employees, grow the business base, and add additional value to properties within the Plan Area. Using urban renewal funds to assist in the renovation of the Lane Community College former downtown campus directly addresses a significant blighted property downtown. When this large, underutilized and outdated structure is transformed for new uses, the property will support other activities downtown and the blighting influence of a vacant property will be removed, which will positively impact adjacent and nearby properties. Improvements for the Farmers' Market will strengthen the local food sector of our regional economy and reduce or remove the blighting conditions of the existing location. A renovated location or new structure will also enhance the ability of the Farmers' Market to serve as an amenity to other businesses and residents' downtown, as well as an attraction for the entire community, leading to additional activity downtown and ultimately greater economic stability and increased values within the Plan Area. 5