06/18/1990 COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
June 18, 1990
The City Commission, meeting as the Community Redevelopment Agency, met in regular session at City Hall, Monday, June 18, 1990 at 9:06 A.M., with the following members present:
Rita Garvey Chairperson
Lee Regulski Member
Sue Berfield Member
William Nunamaker Member
Richard Fitzgerald Member
Mary Vaughn Ex Officio Member
Also Present were:
Ron H. Rabun Executive Director
Milton A. Galbraith, Jr. City Attorney
Michael Wright Assistant City Manager
Jerry D. Sternstein Economic Development Director
Cynthia E. Goudeau Secretary
ITEM I. - Minutes:
Member Fitzgerald moved to approve the minutes of the June 4, 1990, meeting. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM II. - Consultant for Downtown Market Assessment:
The RFP for the Downtown Market Assessment was advertized in the Pinellas County Review on March 9 and March 30, 1990. The deadline for responding was April 17, 1990. Seven companies
responded.
After reviewing the proposals, staff recommends four firms be ranked as follows: 1) Hunter Interests, Inc. 2) RPR Economic Consultants 3) Hammer, Siler, George Associates 4) Robert
Charles Lesser & Company.
The Downtown Market appraisal is an important component of the Downtown Revitalization agenda. It is critical that we understand precisely what the market can support in terms of retail,
office, entertainment and housing. It is equally important to conceptualize both real and perceived problems like parking, traffic flow and public policy restraints. Without precise
market information, we will be unable to selectively target development prospects.
The market assessment will narrow our media and search activities to prospects that would find the downtown attractive. Throughout the review process, staff looked for a firm with
solid development credentials, one that would be able to assess the market, tell staff what types of new development are feasible, what we must do to achieve the development and which
developers are most likely to be interested in working with us.
In essence, we want a realistic market assessment, an action program that will help to generate new development and not simply a study that provides an overview of market demographics
and potentials.
The assessment will also serve as a policy framework to justify the input of city inducements that might be necessary in order to foster downtown redevelopment. The city will have
an opportunity to define the role it is prepared to play in pursuit of development while at the same time gain an intimate understanding of what the development community expects or
needs in
order to make a potential project work.
Michael Wright, Assistant City Manager, indicated staff was unanimous in its ranking of Hunter Interests, Inc. as first choice for this consultant contract.
Concerns were expressed regarding a project in Philadelphia which two commissioners had viewed over the weekend as they were in Philadelphia for the Phillies trip. Some concern was
expressed that the project was not overly impressive. It was indicated that this particular project had been completed and leased ahead of schedule and then sold by the developer.
Jerry Sternstein, Economic Development Director, stated what was considered in ranking was the individuals ability to do the assessment and to provide demonstrated ability in the development
field. He stated Mr. Hunter has the realistic ability to see what the market is and also the ability to talk to developers. It was indicated the Community Redevelopment Agency needs
to identify where it wishes to concentrate its efforts.
In response to questions, it was indicated staff would not dictate to Mr. Hunter regarding his study however, parameters would be provided. It was indicated that he has six months
to complete the work.
Member Regulski moved to approve staff's ranking of the firms for consultant services for the downtown market assessment and authorized negotiation of a contract. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM III. - Adjournment:
The meeting adjourned at 9:21 A.M.