Resolution No. 4834 Exhibit - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

The public's concern for personal safety in the downtown is not unfounded. A 1995 report by the Springfield Police Department identified the following types of crimes and behavioral problems in the downtown district as being frequent and typical: · Loitering and disorderly conduct · Vandalism · Panhandling · Graffiti · Littering · Aggressive behavior These problems remain central to the conditions in the downtown district. Moreover, they are also interrelated with more long-term problems such as homelessness and substance abuse, and a recent rise in prostitution. The district is impacted economically by a negative public image associated with these problems. The public perception of problems suppresses business interests and investment. Vacant storefronts adversely impact the viability of the district overall. Existing businesses struggle to remain viable and attract sufficient customers. In the spring of 2001, a group of 60 downtown stakeholders representing property and business owners, civic leaders, residents of the nearby historic district, and local government representatives met to strategize a plan for revitalizing the downtown. An analysis of perceived "strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats" identified personal safety, drunkenness and prostitution, homelessness, and the deteriorating appearance of the downtown buildings to be the most pressing issues in the district. Economists with the firm ECO Northwest drafted a briefing memo in the summer of 2001 outlining the market issues that are contributing to the depressed economics of the downtown. Their survey of lease rates in 2001 showed that retail space rented for $.50- $1.00 in Downtown Springfield. Rent rates in Downtown Eugene and the Gateway area in Springfield started at $1.00 and ranged to $2.00 or more. Low lease rates discourage property owners from making significant investments in their buildings. As a result, redevelopment or extensive rehabilitation costs would likely exceed what owners could reasonably expect to recover through their leases. A team of architects and City building staff surveyed several building types that are typical of the downtown area. With the exception of a few building clusters with historic character and potential for restoration, most structures in the downtown area cannot be renovated in a cost effective manner without significant assistance from private and public resources. Springfield Downtown Redevelopment Area On December 1, 2003, the Springfield City Council approved an amendment to the Consolidated Plan 2000 which provided for the creation of the Springfield Downtown Redevelopment Area, and authorized the use of CDBG funds to assist with activities that address blighted and decaying conditions in the designated area under 24 CFR §570.208(b). The Downtown Redevelopment Area is bounded by B Street on the north, South A Street on the south, 10th Street on the east, and Mill Street 74