the COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT agencyy 2012 ANNUAL REPORT fiscal year
CONTENTS Mission District Map iii iv History 1 Boards & Staff 4 Strategic Plan 6 Projects 7 Programs 11 Events & Partners 13 Financials 15 ii
MISSION To preserve and improve the residential viability and livability of the neighborhoods within the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) area by initiating and encouraging activities which empower residents to effect change and to enhance and improve the commercial areas of the CRA by implementing and encouraging activities that promote economic growth. The Winter Park CRA is guided by a CRA Plan which is designed to explore the critical factors that have shaped Winter Park and to identify opportunities to create a quality environment for residents and businesses. The CRA Plan has been the foundation for establishing and defining the vision and mission for revitalizing the Winter Park CRA area. The CRA Plan and the CRA Plan Amendment were adopted in August 1994 and February 1999, respectively. iii
cra DISTRICT MAP winter park Winter Park CRA Map C R A community CRA Boundaries Winter Park City Limits WEBSTER AVE redevelopment agency E. SWOOPE AVE W. SWOOPE AVE NEW ENGLAND AVE LYMAN AVE FAIRBANKS AVE HOLT AVE iv N INTERLACHEN AVE PARK AVE MORSE BLVD NEW YORK AVE PENNSYLVANIA AVE CAPEN AVE MORSE BLVD DENNING DRIVE U.S HIGHWAY. 17-92 CANTON AVE
HISTORY The Winter Park Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Fiscal Year 2012 Annual Report covers all activities for the period of October 1, 2011, through September 30, 2012. The report includes a complete financial statement of the CRA s revenues and expenses, amount of tax increment funds collected, and a record of CRA activities for the fiscal year. For nearly two decades, the agency has played an integral role in the revitalization of the downtown area and the surrounding community. The CRA was established in 1994 with the purpose of creating a vibrant, highquality environment for residents and businesses. Established initially in the central business district and historic Westside community of Winter Park, the CRA expanded its boundaries to include the U.S. Highway 17-92 corridor in 1999. Today, the CRA encompasses 15 percent of the city s land area, has approximately 10 percent of the residential population, and contains over 50 percent of all businesses in the City of Winter Park. The CRA fulfills its goals by investing tax increment financing (TIF) revenues into capital improvements, incentive programs, and offering numerous community initiatives to meet the needs and education of the community that it serves. The agency receives tax revenue from both the city and county for the area it 1
HISTORY encompasses. In 1994, the CRA s taxable value of all properties was $194 million. Although we have entered a difficult period of declining tax base value, the 2012 CRA s taxable value was $519 million, which represents a 5.4 percent decline from the prior year but is still more than twice the starting base year value. The activities in each area are outlined in adopted redevelopment plans and are guided by volunteer advisory boards that make all budget, program and project recommendations to the Community Redevelopment Agency Board. This board is comprised of the Winter Park City Commission and a representative appointed from Orange County. Redevelopment initiatives are coordinated in these areas by CRA staff and implemented by partners including city departments, the Florida Department of Transportation, local non-profits and community groups, as well as private citizens. 2
HISTORY Historical CRA Tax Base and Revenues 800,000 3,500 700,000 Taxable Value TIF Revenue 3,000 TAXABLE VALUE ($ millions) 600,000 500,000 400,000 300,000 2,500 2,000 1,500 TIF REVENUE ($ thousands) 200,000 1,000 100,000 500 0 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 FISCAL YEAR 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 0 3
BOARDS&STAFF BOARD The Board consists of the Mayor and City Commissioners, as well as an appointed Orange County Commissioner Representative. They are the decision making body. left to right ~ Commissioner Steven Leary, Commissioner Sarah Sprinkel, Mayor Ken Bradley, Commissioner Carolyn Cooper and Commissioner Tom McMacken not pictured ~ Orange County Representative Frank DeToma ADVISORY BOARD The Advisory Board is a seven-member and one alternate volunteer committee made up of residents and business owners appointed by the Mayor. City staff works with the CRA Board and CRA Advisory Board to carry out the CRA Plan. 4 left to right ~ Daniel Butts, John Dowd, Susan Lawrence and Hal George. not pictured ~ Max Remer, Paul St-Pierre, Joe Terranova and Alan Thompson.
BOARDS&STAFF PARK AVENUE AREA TASK FORCE The Park Avenue Area Task Force is a nine-person member volunteer committee made up of Park Avenue and Hannibal Square representatives appointed by the CRA Agency. The main objective of the Park Avenue Area Task Force is to achieve the six goals established in the Park Avenue Area Strategic Plan. left to right ~ Ed Furey, Woody Woodall, Grant Leibell (holding son Moses), Paige Blackwelder, Susan Lawrence, John Dowd and Patrick Chapin not pictured ~ Dexter Richardson and Margie Varney CITY STAFF left to right ~ Assistant Director Peter Moore, Director Dori Stone and Coordinator Gabriella Serrado 5
STRATEGIC PLAN The decline in commercial real estate values has, once again, continued to affect the CRA s revenues. TIF revenues for fiscal year 2012 continued to see a decline of about 10% percent or approximately $231,000. This continued decline has required the CRA to make budget cuts to operations, programs and projects and will require ongoing fiscal prudence. Despite the uncertain future, this lull in funding provides the CRA with an opportunity to plan for future projects and programs in order to ensure that the next 15 years will be as effective as the first. Although we are amid a period of struggling growth, the CRA has been able to complete a number of initiatives that will facilitate the continued redevelopment of the city s CRA area according to the strategic plan. The CRA is committed to maintaining and creating programs that will accomplish both the continued implementation of the redevelopment plans, and also address some of the immediate needs of our businesses, property owners and residents. A complete copy of the CRA Strategic Plan can be found on the city s official website at cityofwinterpark.org under Departments > Economic Development/CRA by clicking on What we do > Community Redevelopment Agency. 6
completed PROJECTS Despite the drop in property values and resulting decline in tax increment revenue, the Agency was able to achieve several major projects this year. ENSURING THE LONG-TERM FINANCIAL VIABILITY OF THE CRA In November 2009 in accordance with Goal 5, the CRA Board allocated $150,000 of CRA funds towards the implementation of the Park Avenue Area Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan outlines six important goals to ensure the financial liability of the downtown core and were the focus of CRA activities in 2012. These goals include: EXPAND BRAND & IMPROVE MARKETING OF THE PARK AVENUE AREA The CRA staff moved forward on creating and using Downtown Winter Park as an umbrella brand for the entire downtown area by copyrighting the brand and logo. Staff also worked closely with merchants and business owners as well as the Park Avenue Area Association to begin implementing portions of the completed marketing study through logo placements, sponsorships and brochures. 7
completed PROJECTS IMPLEMENT A PARKING & WAYFINDING PROGRAM After much planning and work with the Florida Department of transportation, the CRA and the city received authorization to move forward with a wayfinding program in downtown. The signs, which are unique to Winter Park and offer extensive wayfinding for a number of our downtown areas of interest were installed during the fall of 2012. The CRA also funded a parking implementation study in cooperation with the city s Public Works Department. When completed, the study will include parking recommendations and implementation strategies for employee parking, visitors during peak events and valet services. While options to expand the parking area in downtown Winter Park are limited, the ability to manage parking continues to impact visitors and businesses throughout the city. NURTURE & CULTIVATE EXISTING BUSINESSES; IDENTI & RECRUIT NEW ONES The Winter Park commercial sector has been very active and successful in the past 12 months. With vacancy rates at less than 3% for most of the 2012 calendar year, Winter Park leads the region in occupancy within identified 8
completed PROJECTS downtown areas. The CRA s business façade program, highlighted on page 11 has helped to create an environment to attract and keep businesses within the city s core. INCREASE MAINTENANCE & AESTHETICS The CRA has continued to fund maintenance of the downtown area through sidewalk cleaning, Central Park maintenance and upkeep and the streetscape maintenance. A continuing effort has been done through enforcing city codes. Cooperation between business owners and code enforcement is necessary to ensure that the quality of the downtown area as a walkable and attractive destination is kept in place. ENHANCE THE PARK AVENUE EXPERIENCE Much of the marketing study was directed at enhancing the Park Avenue experience. Staff has worked diligently throughout the last year to create a rejuvenated shop local program that will showcase downtown businesses and their offerings. The CRA is increasing communications to improve the customer experience through Downtown Blasts quarterly e-mail blasts about events and programs directed specifically to downtown merchants. The CRA staff also surveys business owners following major events such as 9
completed PROJECTS parades and the holiday ice saking rink to determine the impact of these events on the businesses. Areas that the CRA will continue to work on are drawing on a targeted tourism market and making downtown a center for activities as well as events. CREATE A BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT A Business Improvement District (BID) is a voted, self-assessment district that raises funds from commercial property owners to supplement not replace baseline city services and marketing efforts. Staff and the Park Avenue Area Task Force (PAATF) worked diligently to create this special district. A working group of merchants was formed to implement the three year marketing plan as part of the BID education process. The city and the PAATF held numerous public workshops to educate both property owners and merchants about the options of a BID. While these efforts were successful in creating an educational process for the BID, there was not enough interest on behalf of the property owners to hold an election for a BID. Although the BID was not created, the merchants along Park Avenue have implemented significant portions of the city s marketing plan and have created an online presence with a new website. They are also actively looking for marketing opportunities given a fairly restricted budget. 10
PROGRAMS The CRA supports a number of initiatives devoted to improving the health, education and environment of the people and businesses it serves. HOUSING REHABILITATION PROGRAM This program is designed to ensure safety and maintain the character of residential neighborhoods by completing necessary rehabilitation work to distressed single-family, owner-occupied homes. To date, approximately 130 homes have been improved for income-qualifying families within the CRA, three of which were completed in 2012. BUSINESS FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM This program provides matching grant funds of up to $20,000 to be used toward exterior improvements to businesses within the CRA, supporting economic stability and maintaining the character and quality of commercial districts. Two businesses were approved for funding under this program during the 2012 fiscal year. COMMUNITY CENTER PROGRAMMING The CRA provides funding to a selection of community partners that promote leadership, health and learning activities at the Winter Park Community Center. Program selection is managed by a CRA partner, the city s Parks & Recreation Department. 11
PROGRAMS SUMMER YOUTH ENRICHMENT PROGRAM The CRA, in partnership with local nonprofit organizations, provides paid internships and local summer camp opportunities to CRA high school students. It focuses on providing real-world work experience while developing business etiquette skills to aid in future career success. MICRO LOAN PROGRAM BankFIRST is a community partner who provides loans to start-up and existing small businesses desiring to expand or relocate within the CRA. The CRA provided an additional $10,000 match for this progra m in 2011-12. BUSINESS DISTRICT EVENT MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM The CRA encourages the formation and aids in the development of business associatons within the CRA area by assisting with event sponsorships, which results in the promotion and growth of the business district. 12 QUALIFIED TARGETED INDUSTRY INCENTIVE PROGRAM The CRA promotes the expansion, growth and development of high wage jobs to maintain the City of Winter Park s competitiveness as a location for major employers, incentivizing continued long-term investment and involvement in the community.
EVENTS&PARTNERS The CRA works in partnership with several community organizations also devoted to improving the health, education and environment of the people and businesses it serves. Over the past year, several initiatives were implemented to advance the CRA goals and improve the community s quality of life. WINTER IN THE PARK : HOLIDAY ICE SKATING RINK For the fourth year in a row, the CRA funded the holiday ice skating rink Winter in the Park in the Central Park West Meadow. From November 18, 2011, through January 8, 2012, residents and visitors were able to experience a bit of winter heaven at the holiday ice skating rink in Central Park West Meadow. This event drew over 17,000 skaters to the downtown shopping district. The event grew by almost 14 percent compared to the same period the prior year. This attraction also provided fundraising opportunities for local schools. During this crucial holiday shopping season, this event was estimated to bring in between approximately $165,000 to $323,000 in direct economic impact to local businesses. 13
EVENTS&PARTNERS ENZIAN THEATER S POPCORN FLICKS The CRA provides monthly films in Central Park and periodically in Shady Park. This is done in part to encourage families and friends to gather and build community while promoting economic viability by bringing people to shopping and dining areas. CREALDÉ SCHOOL OF ART The CRA provides funding for programming and exhibits at the Hannibal Square Heritage Center managed by Crealdé School of Art. ST. PATRICK S DAY PARADE This long running tradition is now supported by the CRA and brings thousands of visitors to the central business district each year to celebrate this 30+ year celebration. 14
FINANCIALS Actual Actual Budget REVENUES 2011 2012 2013 TIF Revenue 2,309,577 2,090,102 2,024,435 Investment Revenue 42,382 62,765 40,000 Misc. Revenue 159,803 170,586 170,000 Totals $2,511,762 $2,323,453 $2,234,435 EXPENDITURES Operating 474,191 403,413 377,520 Community Initiative 134,530 118,349 80,000 Capital Maintenance 97,539 70,141 77,000 Totals $706,260 $591,902 $534,520 DEBT SERVICE Principal 791,868 872,234 906,891 Interest 718,130 683,012 640,392 Totals $1,509,998 $1,555,247 $1,547,283 NET OPERATING GAIN/LOSS $295,505 $176,304 $152,632 CAPITAL OUTLAY New Projects $8,401,551 $599,296 $1,606,581 Totals $8,401,551 $599,296 $1,606,581 OTHER FINANCING SOURCES Issuance of Debt $2,230 0 $2,230 0 $2,230 0 CHANGE IN FUND BALANCE $(8,106,046) $(422,992) $(1,453,949) BEGINNING FUND BALANCE $11,106,323 $3,002,650 $2,579,658 ENDING FUND BALANCE $3,000,277 $2,579,658 $1,125,709 2011 and 2012 totals represent actual project expenditures. 2013 total reflects projected balances rolled forward and estimated budgeted project expenditures. 2011 and 2012 Ending Fund Balance represents funds carried over to the subsequent fiscal year from previously approved or ongoing projects. 2013 figures represent unencumbered funds remaining to be assigned to a project before the close of the fiscal year. 15
DIRECTOR Dori Stone @ 407.599.3665 dstone@cityofwinterpark.org MANAGER David Buckheit @ 407.599.3695 dbuckheit@cityofwinterpark.org COORDINATOR Laura Neudorffer @ 407.643.1657 lneudorffer@cityofwinterpark.org