Loading...
Marquette Hall Urban Revitalization Plan_Initiate Copyright 2014 City of Dubuque Items to be set for Public Hearing # 2. ITEM TITLE: Marquette Hall Urban Revitalization Plan SUMMARY: City Manager recommending approval of a resolution directing the Marquette Hall Urban Revitalization Plan (Former Sacred Elementary Heart School) be set for public hearing on March 7, 2016. RESOLUTION Finding that the designation of the Marquette Hall Urban Revitalization Plan is necessary in the interest of public health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the City of Dubuque, Iowa SUGGESTED DISPOSITION: Suggested Disposition: Receive and File; Adopt Resolution(s), Set Public Hearing for 3/7/16 ATTACHMENTS: Description Type Marquette Hall Urban Revitalization Plan-MVM Memo City Manager Memo Staff Memo Staff Memo Marquette Hall Urban Revitalization Plan Supporting Documentation Resolution Resolutions THE CITY OF Dubuque UBE I erica .i Masterpiece on the Mississippi 2007-2012-2013 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Request for Public Hearing for Marquette Hall Urban Revitalization Area District DATE: January 12, 2016 Housing and Community Development Department Director Alvin Nash requests the City Council approve a resolution directing the Marquette Hall Urban Revitalization Plan be set for public hearing on March 7, 2016. 1 concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. Mic ael C. Van Milligen MCVM:jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager Alvin Nash, Housing & Community Development Department Director THE CITY OF Dubuque AII-Ame1 rica City DUBgkE r Masterpiece on the Mississippi 2007.2012.2013 TO: Michael Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Alvin Nash, Housing & Community Development Director DATE: January 12, 2016 RE: Request for Public Hearing for Marquette Hall Urban Revitalization Area District Introduction This memorandum presents for City Council a petition for Urban Revitalization Area Designation from Cohen-Esrey Affordable Partners (Developers). The memorandum recommends the City Council review and approve the attached resolution to establish Marquette Hall as a property that meets the requirements for designation as required by Chapter 404 of the Iowa Code. Background Urban Revitalization Chapter 404 of the Iowa Code (Urban Revitalization Act) authorizes cities to designate areas as urban revitalization areas. Improvements to qualified real estate within these designated areas may receive a total or partial exemption from property taxes for a specified number of years. The exemptions are intended to stimulate private investment by reducing tax increases that usually accompany property improvements. This additional private investment provides a long-term increase or stabilization in the area's tax base, enhances the visibility of revitalization areas and/or supports important city objectives such as historic preservation, economic development and affordable housing development. In order to implement the provisions of Chapter 404, the City determine the area is eligible for exemption, prepare a revitalization plan for each designated area, and hold at least one public hearing after proper notice. The law mandates specific criteria and procedures must be followed. Discussion The Developers propose to redevelop the former Sacred Heart Elementary School, located at 2222 Queen Street, into 28 historic and affordable senior apartments. Cohen-Esrey Affordable Partners development will preserve and restore the historic Marquette Hall, built in 1915. The restored structure will provide affordable housing for seniors in the North End Neighborhood of Dubuque. The project utilizes a number of funding sources for redevelopment including private funding, State and Federal Historic Tax Credits, Low Income Housing Tax Credits, and requests support from the City of Dubuque through the Urban Revitalization Tax Exemption and by selling a city owned alley for $1 .00, a discount off market rate. Contingent upon an award of Low Income Housing Tax Credits, the City of Dubuque will contribute $65,000 in Downtown Rehabilitation Grants and Urban Housing Incentive funds, consistent with incentives provided to other downtown projects. The area is established under 404.1 (3) and is defined as an area in which there is a predominance of buildings or improvements which by reason of age, history, architecture or significance should be preserved or restored to productive use. The basis for an exemption under 404.3(4) permits a one hundred percent exemption from taxation on the actual value added by improvements for qualified real estate assessed as residential property or assessed as commercial property, for a period of ten years. Cohen-Esrey Affordable Partners has agreed to this exemption schedule. This assistance is very important to the success of the project. The application for state tax credits is competitive. A developer receives points for city financial assistance, with maximum points provided for assistance equaling 7% of project costs. Chapter 404 provides for a public comment period prior to the adoption of an urban revitalization plan. Additionally, the City's Code of Ordinances requires comment by the Long Range Planning Commission on any urban revitalization plan. Based upon these requirements, the Council is requested to set a public hearing for March 7, 2011 that will provide a 30 day comment period on the proposed plan. The property owners will be notified. The Long Range Planning Commission will review the plan at their January 20, 2016 meeting. Budgetary Impact The property value, based upon 2015 Beacon data, is $39,560 for land and $892,380 for dwelling for a total taxable value of$931 ,940. Dubuque City Assessor Rick Engelken estimates after improvements the assessed value for taxation will be $624,414 and the yearly taxes will be $17,983. The abatement of$17,983 will be in effect for 10 years for a total of$179,830. After the abatement period expires the property will be taxed based on the assessed value for taxation as determined by the assessor. The ten year abatement is consistent with other affordable senior housing projects being submitted from Dubuque. Recommendation I recommend that the City Council approve the attached resolution directing the Marquette Hall Urban Revitalization Plan be set for a public hearing on March 7, 2016. Action Requested The Action Step is for the City Council to adopt the attached resolution. Prepared by: Erica Haugen, Community Development Specialist F:\USERS\CDBG\Urban Revite\Petiti on s for Districts\Marquette Hall 2016\Memo to Council set Public hearing- Marquette Hal I.doc 2 RESOLUTION NO. 19-16 RESOLUTION FINDING THAT THE DESIGNATION OF THE MARQUETTE HALL URBAN REVITALIZATION PLAN IS NECESSARY IN THE INTEREST OF PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND WELFARE OF THE RESIDENTS OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA. Whereas, the City Council of the City of Dubuque finds that the property at 2222 Queen Street, (Property) is currently vacant and underutilized, and Cohen -Esrey Affordable Partners (Cohen -Esrey) has proposed to develop the Property by rehabilitating the former Sacred Heart Elementary School into 28 historic and affordable senior apartments; and Whereas, the City supports the development and construction of housing and residential properties which provide quality, affordable housing; and Whereas, the Property is located in an area eligible for the Urban Revitalization Tax Exemption program; and Whereas, in the area proposed for designation under the Urban Revitalization Act is an area in which there is a predominance of buildings or improvements which by reason of age, history, architecture or significance should be preserved or restored to projective use Section 404.1(3) of the Iowa Code; and Whereas, through the Urban Revitalization Program, the Property is eligible to receive a one hundred percent exemption from taxation on the actual value added by the improvements for a period of ten years so long as it is assessed as residential property or assessed as commercial property, if the commercial property consists of three or more separate living quarters with at least seventy-five percent of the space used for residential purposes; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA: Section 1. The new construction housing development at the Property legally described as: Lot #'s 31,32,33,34 Sanford Sub., according to the recorded plat thereof, is deemed necessary and in the interest of the residents of the City. Section 2. That the City Council supports the Cohen-Esrey's Petition asking the Property be designated an Urban Revitalization Area and supports Cohen-Esrey's efforts to receive a tax credit award from the Iowa Finance Authority for this Development. Section 3. The City Council approves supporting the project and authorizes staff to work with the City Assessor to complete the form 5S for the Developer's submission to the Iowa Finance Authority prior to the December 7, 2015 deadline for consideration. Section 4. The proposed Development is consistent with the City of Dubuque's affordable housing strategies and goal to implement the City's comprehensive plan. Section 5. That the City is authorized and directed to submit the Marquette Hall Urban Revitalization Area Plan to the City's Long Range Planning Advisory Commission for review and comment. Section 6. That the City Clerk is directed to publish notice of a public hearing on the Marquette Hall Urban Revitalization Area Plan to be held on March 7, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 350 West 6th Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001. Section 7. That the owners of record will be notified by the thirtieth day prior to the public hearing. Passed, approved and adopted this 19th day of uary, 2016. Ric W. Jone', Mayor Pro -Tem Attest: Kev.n S. Firnstahl, 'ity Clerk CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA OFFICIAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA, ON THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION OF A PROPOSED URBAN REVITALIZATION PLAN FOR MARQUETTE HALL Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Dubuque, Iowa, will hold a public hearing on 7th day of March, 2016, at 6:30 p.m., in the Historic Federal Building, 350 West 6th Street, Dubuque, Iowa, at which meeting the City Council proposes to take action on the adoption of an urban revitalization plan designated as the Urban Revitalization Plan for Marquette Hall (the "Plan") under the authority of Chapter 404, Code of Iowa, as amended. The property which comprises the revitalization area within which the Plan shall be applicable is legally described as Lot #'s 31, 32, 33, 34 Sanford Sub., according to the recorded plat thereof. (2222 Queen Street) Chapter 404, Code of Iowa, as amended, and the Plan authorize the City to make property tax exemptions for property on which improvements have been made. Any persons interested may appear at said meeting of the City Council and present evidence for or against the adoption of the Plan. The proposed Plan is on file in the office of the City Clerk and available for public inspection or copying during regular office hours. Written comments regarding the above public hearings may be submitted to the City Clerk's Office on or before said time of public hearing at 50 W. 13th Street, or ctyclerk@cityofdubuque.org. At said time and place of public hearings all interested citizens and parties will be given an opportunity to be heard for or against said proposal. Any visual or hearing impaired persons needing special assistance or persons with special accessibility needs should contact the City Clerk's Office at (563) 589-4100 or TDD (563) 690-6678 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. This notice is given by order of the City Council of the City of Dubuque, Iowa. Dated this 19th day of February, 2016. Kevin Firnstahl, City Clerk of Dubuque, Iowa 1t 2/19 Marquette Hall Urban Revitalization Plan For Public Review until March 7, 2016 Contents Introduction......................................................................................................................................... 1 TheArea ...............................................................................................................................................2 Availabilityof Funding......................................................................................................................3 RevenueBonds ..................................................................................................................................3 Relocation............................................................................................................................................3 Qualificationof Areas.......................................................................................................................4 HistoricSignificance.........................................................................................................................4 BuildingConditions...........................................................................................................................4 RevitalizationProgram .....................................................................................................................5 ApplicationProcedure......................................................................................................................6 Conclusion...........................................................................................................................................s [Type here] MARQUETTE HALL URBAN REVITALIZATION PLAN For Public Review Until March 7, 2016 Introduction The following plan describes certain provisions of the Iowa Urban Revitalization Act and proposes the Marquette Hall Revitalization area. The State of Iowa, under Iowa Code Chapter 404, allows cities to designate areas as urban revitalization districts. Under this Act, improvements to qualified areas may receive a total or partial exemption from property taxes for a specified number of years. The exemptions are intended to stimulate private investment through the reduction of tax increases related to property improvements. Once an area is deemed to meet the requirements established in Chapter 404, a plan must be established which identifies the district boundaries, property owners, existing conditions, proposed plans and the basic abatement provisions for the revitalization area. Iowa Code Chapter 404.1 lists five reasons for which a city or county may establish urban revitalization plans. These include: 1 . The existence of numerous buildings that are dilapidated or deteriorated; 2. The need for preservation and restoration of buildings due to their historic significance; 3. The area is appropriated as an economic development region as defined in Iowa Code 403.17; 4. The need for public improvements related to housing; and 5. The encouragement of housing and residential development. The Marquette Hall Urban Revitalization Plan will be based upon the predominance of buildings or improvements which by reason of age, history, architecture or significance should be preserved or restored to productive use as defined by Section 404.1(3). 1 [Type here] The Area Location The area included in the Marquette Hall Urban Revitalization district is located at 2222 Queen Street, Dubuque, IA legally described as: Lots 31 ,32,33,34 Sandford Sub. A map of the area boundaries is attached as Exhibit A. Zoning The existing zoning is OR (Office Residential District). Exhibit B shows the existing zoning districts. The property was rezoned from R-2A (Alternate Two-Family Residential District) on December 21 , 2015 (Ordinance No. 76- 15. Existing and Proposed Land Use The property was part of the original Sanford's Subdivision platted circa 1900. The Four-story Sacred Heart School was built in 1920 and remained active until recently. It is currently vacant. The property is on a 27,460 square foot corner lot with frontage along Regent and Queen Streets. The property accommodates a four-story vacant school building with approximately 14,000 square feet of area on each floor and an 18-space surface parking lot with access from both Queen and Regent Street. The proposed development plan will preserve and restore a historic building and provide 28 affordable senior housing apartments in the North End Neighborhood. Exhibit C identifies the existing primary land use for the proposed district. Assessed Valuations and Owners of Records 2 [Type here] The assessed value for 2015 is $39,560 for the land and $892,380 for the building, for a total of$931 ,940. Holy Spirit Parish, 2115 Windsor Avenue, Dubuque, IA is the current owner of the property. Holy Spirit Parish has entered into a purchase agreement with Cohen-Esrey Affordable Partners for the sale of the property pending the approval of state tax credits to finance the project. City Services There are no current plans to expand or improve City services to this area. Currently the area enjoys the same level of City services as most other areas of the City. Availability of Funding Funding sources for the redevelopment will include private funding, State and Federal Historic Tax Credits, and Low Income Housing Tax Credits. The City of Dubuque will sell a City-owned alley for one dollar, a discount off the market rate value of$11 ,000 to support the project. Contingent upon an award of Low Income Housing Tax Credits in 2016, the City will contribute $35,000 in Downtown Rehabilitation Grants (fagade, design, and financial consultant) and $30,000 Urban Housing Incentive. The establishment of the Marquette Hall Urban Revitalization Plan will assist to make this project financially feasible. Revenue Bonds There are no plans to issue revenue bonds for revitalization projects in this area. Relocation No relocation is expected due to rehabilitation of the parcels identified for this district since the buildings are currently vacant. Should relocation occur as a result of rehabilitation in the proposed district, the person(s) causing a qualified tenant to be displaced shall pay all of the relocation costs of the tenant as a condition for receiving a tax-exemption under Iowa Code Section 404.3. "Qualified tenant' shall mean the legal 3 [Type here] occupant of a residential dwelling unit which is located within this designated revitalization area and who has occupied the same dwelling unit continuously since one year prior to the city's adoption of this plan pursuant to Iowa Code Section 404.2. Qualification of Areas The Marquette Hall Urban Revitalization District Area is an area comprised of a four-story vacant building on a relatively level corner lot. The property was built in 1920. The building was formerly used as the Sacred Heart School. The property is located in a mixed use area that is characterized by single and two-family homes, an 18-unit housing complex, a church and associated parking lot, and a small restaurant with upper story residential. Historically, buildings associated with a church campus are difficult to adaptively reuse. These buildings typically sit vacant for long periods of time, due to the size and limitations for these large structures. The revitalization and reuse of these currently vacant buildings will prevent deterioration of the structures and the negative impact on the neighborhood that often results from blighted properties. Historic Significance The Marquette Hall Urban Revitalization Area contains historic structures that are worthy of preservation. In an effort to prevent the deterioration this building, it's appropriate that this area be designated as an urban revitalization area. The plan seeks to preserve and renovate the existing buildings into functional residential housing units. Building Conditions The City Assessor's office has classified the condition of the buildings as normal. The adaptive re-use of such buildings can be a challenge. To prevent blight that can be associated with vacant and underutilized structures, the development of this project is desirable. 4 [Type here] Revitalization Program Tax Exemption a) Residential property, assessed as residential or assessed as commercial property, if the commercial property consists of three or more separate living quarters with at least seventy-five percent of the space used for residential purposes, is eligible to receive a one hundred percent exemption from taxation on the actual value added by the improvements. The exemption is for a period of ten years. The property tax exemption will be in accordance with the Code of Iowa, Chapter 404.3(4), providing for a ten-year, 100% exemption of the actual value added by the improvements. b) "Qualified real estate" means real property, other than land, which is located in a designated revitalization area and to which improvements have been added, during the time the area was so designated, which have increased the actual value by at least fifteen percent., or at least ten percent in the case of real property assessed as residential, or which have, in the case of land upon which is located more than one building and not assessed as residential property, increased the actual value of the buildings to which the improvements have been made by at least fifteen percent. "Qualified real estate" also means land upon which no structure existed at the start of the new construction, which is located in a designated revitalization area and upon which new construction has been added during the time the area was so designated. c) Property tax exemption shall be available only for 'improvements', which include rehabilitation and additions to the existing structures. "Actual value added by improvements" means the actual value added as of the first year for which the exemption was received. To qualify for exemption, improvements to qualified real estate must increase the value of the property by ten percent for real property assessed as residential property or fifteen percent for land upon which is located more than one building and not assessed as residential property, increase the actual value of the buildings to which the improvements have been made by at least fifteen percent. 5 [Type here] d) Any improvements that were assessed before the area was officially designated will not be eligible for exemption. Improvements begun prior to one year prior to the area becoming designated will not be eligible for exemption. e) Improvements must result in that structure meeting applicable building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and other code requirements of the City of Dubuque. f) The actual value of the improvements must result in an increase in assessed value as stated above in (b). Each year an application is made for tax exemption, the assessed value must have increased in that year by the required percentage. g) The area shall become a Revitalization District commencing upon the adoption of the ordinance approving this Revitalization District by the City Council. The designation of the Marquette Hall Urban Revitalization Plan Area will remain in effect until the desired level of revitalization has been attained, or for five (5) years, whichever occurs first. Upon repeal of the ordinance establishing this revitalization area, all existing exemptions would continue until their previously established expiration date. Application Procedure This area, upon designation, will follow the procedures for application and granting of the property tax exemption within the City of Dubuque. a) The property owner must apply for an exemption by February 1 sc of the assessment year for which the exemption is first claimed, but not later than the year in which all the improvements included in the project are first assessed for taxation, or the following two assessment years, in which case the exemption is allowed for the total number of years in the exemption schedule. Upon the request of the owner, the governing body of the City may provide by resolution that the owner may file an application no later than February 1 of the tenth assessment year. b) The application must contain, at a minimum, the following: a. The nature of the improvements, 6 [Type here] b. The cost of the improvements, c. The actual or estimated date of completion, and d. The tenants occupying the property as of the date of the City's resolution adopting this plan. c) The City reviews all applications to determine whether the improvement project conforms to the revitalization plan, is within a designated area, and if the improvements were made during the appropriate time period. If the project meets all three criteria, the City shall forward the application to the assessor by March 1 st, with a statement as to which exemption applies. Applications for exemptions for succeeding years on approved projects shall not be required. d) The local assessor shall review each application by making a physical review of the property, to determine if the improvements made increased the actual value of the qualified real estate by at least fifteen percent or ten percent in the case of real property assessed as residential property. If the assessor determines that the actual value of that real estate has increased by at least the requisite percent, the assessor shall certify the property valuation, determined pursuant to the tax exemption schedule, to the County Auditor at the time of transmitting the assessment rolls. The assessor shall notify the applicant of the determination, and the assessor's decision may be appealed to the local board of review at the time specified in Iowa Code. The property owner may also refile an application in a subsequent year after additional improvements have been made. e) After the tax exemption is granted, the assessor shall continue to grant the tax exemption, with periodic physical review by the assessor, for the ten- year time period specified in the tax exemption schedule. f) An application for exemption received by February 1 in any year after the year in which the improvement was completed and first assessed for taxation, is a late application. Late application may be made in any year up to the tenth year following completion of the improvement. The exemption period will be the remainder of the ten year period, which began upon completion of the improvement, except the total number of [Type here] years in the exemption schedule will be allowed if a claim for exemption is filed within two years of the February 1 filing deadline. Conclusion The proposed urban revitalization district will assist the development of affordable housing for vulnerable populations by providing needed housing units for seniors in Dubuque. The project will assist the rehabilitation efforts of vacant or deteriorating properties by providing needed housing units and supporting reuse of existing structures for the citizens of Dubuque. In addition, the rehabilitation of the buildings will place the formerly tax-exempt buildings on the tax rolls. After the ten-year abatement period lapses on these projects, the full assessed value of the rehabilitation property will go on the tax rolls to the benefit of the entire community. F:\USERS\CDBG\Urban Revite\Marquette Hall 2016\Marquette Hall UR Plan.docx 8 Exhibit A: Location of Urban Revitalization District Plat of Survey (ROW Vacation) of: Lot 34—A of Sanford Subdivision, In the City of Dubuque, Iowa Comprised of: being a ROW vacation of the 20' Alle, between Regent St. & Queen St. and between Lots 11-19, inclusive, & Lots 31-34, inclusive, all in Sanforc Subdivision, in the City of Dubuque, Iowa PA PARED NY:NIS A As xA-fE .00 Ess:,a,x LocusT s DURUWE,IOWA PNONE 365 556-{SRR \ \fb / NOTE LOT 1-1 \ �$�/ LOT euac ! m,s 541RLEr Is LocATfc N rHf sfl/4 a Aop11,ON Yctgn n,TR6IR,RPE Uw9Va.E TNR}w PLACE / TVi 5TH F.N..N THE CITY DE pJ6UWL \ \ WOWUE EOLNtt.ATMA \ 4 _scxA>'r�Lor,-z ¢o3j� \mss#` ('a �i � b'� �9 \\ \\\ 'wasuOF / \ J ,\ // // \NO�ASCALE♦ v�\By /M01 / \ \ o LOT 10 OF QL@'. od� / SANE woWoN + ti-- POB <1 Lor IR / \ \�o• `'�'.+ 1 HATOIEAREA IS FOR PUBLIC O UTuIY£A9 \ \ \"•,y F 1-1-0 � ADO'TiaRG 61TIUN LOT 17 \ \ LOT �, RY \ �\ SANE sue')? 51QN \ \\ \\ LOT 16 V �=MOM M ti3O'Z...�'"� GIT-11 N\ \adF LOT 38 `.-�' METAL PLAR t\\ \ LOT 15 Ram\ \J �\ \ LOT 33 _ / A Lor u SUSpf SIOIN � \ LOT 74 s 8. LOT I W SACRED b$% Tr\ \ �+ ?D' 1A1�L 1RGOY LOT 13 / Y /O3 HEART PLACE OJ\ \ S a$..r"- SANF LOT SOIViSION \ LOT 11 / ry LQT 2 OF SACRED /s'Roo HEART PLACE S 30'51'16"w ,rym NOME/ 4.72' / �"�Of /NE5a'-5w166'-sNl9E' LOT(It IN Row / /32 Sr) OF LOT 1 OF MINERAL LEGEND Pwwr iRcn mPe O' 30' 6o' 120' 1—DTN-1 norm) 9 PpuAn cur_x SCALE: 1" - 60' CD R.Acep crr-x NOTES pPLA[yp p/8'RCN RER.O V.- 1.ALL N----N——OECI—MfRf6, PLASTC CAP A.—'—f64AT 2 PACPNE10x Ci ABNE OfSCRRFll ARE4 Ott OF WBuM PUAVEYfp BWMRY LVE 0.gyq,ATrTp P[Wf6'TEp BY.MARY LW BAAL 6�RIufg9 wNAOFR p ALLY—11 P.— ROPfRtt LINf 4.TOTAL ARLA ff TFRIMEIER SURtiEYm IS p11t ACk[5[6,13 CFNiFA u w ]:AIR RAT IS—T TO ALL EASE IS OF RM—1.0 x01 Cr RC—G ——50N—_ AGxT a v uxE R SUBJECT PROPERTY 6 ♦ .: � [Type here] Exhibit C. Current Land Use Legend Current Land Use Land Use Code Single-Family Multiple Family Institutional fCommeraal Public open Space park wm,w. Rd1 Moa(erylueon tl¢Mi�sr5eipp[