the COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT agencyy 2013 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 2013 Annual Report covers all activities for the period of October 1, 2012, through September 30, 2013. 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 needs and education of the community that it serves. The agency receives tax revenue from both the city and county for the area it encompasses. 1
HISTORY 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 2013 CRA s taxable value was $513 million, which represents a 2.8 percent decline from the prior year but is still more than twice the starting base year value. The activities in each area are outlined in adopted redevelopment plans and are guided by volunteer advisory boards that make all budget, program and project recommendations to the Community Redevelopment Agency Board. This board is comprised of the Winter Park City Commission and a representative appointed from Orange County. Redevelopment initiatives are coordinated in these areas by CRA staff and implemented by partners including city departments, the Florida Department of Transportation, local non-profits and community groups, as well as private citizens. 2
HISTORY 10-year Historical CRA Tax Base & Revenues 800,000 3,500 700,000 Taxable Value TIF Revenue 3,000 TAXABLE VALUE ($ 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 0 - FY 05 FY 06 FY 07 FY 08 FY 09 FY 10 FY 11 FY 12 FY 13 FY 14 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 ~ Coordinator Laura Neudorffer and CRA Manager David Buchheit not pictured ~ Director Dori Stone 5
STRATEGIC PLAN TIF revenues for fiscal year 2013 continued to decline. However, the decline has reduced from prior years. In 2013, the decline was about 4.8 percent or approximately $90,000. This continued decline has required the CRA to continue to make budget cuts to operations, programs and projects. 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 The Agency was able to move forward on several projects this year, despite the drop in property values. PARKING AND WAYFINDING PROGRAM The CRA funded a parking implementation study in cooperation with the city s Public Works Department. The study included parking recommendations and implementation strategies for employees, visitors during peak activities, and valet services parking. The ability to build additional parking areas in downtown Winter Park is limited, and managing parking continues to impact visitors and businesses throughout the city. MAINTENANCE AND AESTHETICS The CRA has continued to fund maintenance of the downtown area through sidewalk cleaning, Central Park maintenance, and streetscape maintenance programs. A continuing effort has been exercised by enforcing the city s codes. Cooperation between business owners and the City of Winter Park ensures the quality of the downtown area as a walkable and attractive destination is maintained. 7
completed PROJECTS MARKETING 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 individuals following major events such as parades and the Ice Rink to determine the impact of the events on the CRA. Areas that the CRA will continue to work on include drawing on a targeted tourism market, and making downtown a center for activities as well as events. Staff also created a Winter Park City Guide. The guide provides information about the various businesses and activities that exist in Winter Park. The guide features area-specific maps, local cultural venues, and a calendar of events that take place within the CRA district. It will be used as a marketing tool at various distribution points to bring more visitors to this amazing city. 8
completed PROJECTS BUY LOCAL PROGRAM Staff worked with the merchants to create a Buy Local Program. The Buy Local Program features an interactive online directory of businesses in and around the City of Winter Park. Whether you are looking for that special gift, a mouth-watering meal, professional service, or quality healthcare, you can find what you need at Buy Local Winter Park. While shopping around, you can also find special offers, job opportunities, maps, and much more! Buy Local Winter Park helps support the local economy and small businesses that give back to the community throughout the year. BUY LOCAL winter park 9
completed PROJECTS PUBLIC ART IN TRANSIT The CRA Board approved the design and funding of the Public Art in Transit project Tree Whisperers that will be located in Central Park adjacent to the new City of Winter Park Train Station. This new art feature will greet train passengers as they arrive in beautiful downtown Winter Park. Tree Whisperers will be an eight-piece metal photographic panel, created by Diane Gillett Boswell. She has lived in Winter Park since 1965, and graduated from Winter Park High School. We are very proud to be a part of this homegrown artist s continued success. The piece will be installed in 2014. 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. 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. 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 numerous 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. 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. 12
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. The event ran from Friday, November 16, 2012, through Sunday, January 6, 2013, and was held in the Central Park West Meadow. Residents and visitors were able to experience the feel of winter during the holiday season at Winter in the Park. The event drew over 17,000 skaters to the downtown shopping district. In its fourth year, the event grew by 20 percent compared to the same period the prior year. This attraction also provided fundraising opportunities for local schools. During this crucial holiday shopping season, the event brought direct economic impact to local businesses. 13
EVENTS&PARTNERS ENZIAN THEATER S POPCORN FLICKS The CRA provides monthly films in Central Park. The free and familyfriendly event showcases films that are appropriate for all ages and include holiday classics. Popcorn Flicks is provided to encourage families and friends to gather and build community. It also helps promote economic viability by bringing people to shopping and dining areas. The event generally draws hundreds of people per showing. CREALDÉ SCHOOL OF ART The CRA provides funding for programming and exhibits managed by Crealdé School of Art at the Hannibal Square Heritage Center. The CRA also supports the annual Unity Heritage Festival. 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 35+ year celebration. 14
FINANCIALS Actual Actual Budget REVENUES FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 TIF Revenue 2,090,102 2,003,379 2,130,437 Investment Revenue 62,765 (77,694) 40,000 Misc. Revenue 170,586 220,662 225,000 Totals $2,323,453 $2,146,347 2,395,437 EXPENDITURES Operating 403,413 373,382 409,534 Community Initiative 118,349 80,592 98,000 Capital Maintenance 70,141 85,178 90,000 Totals $591,902 $539,152 $597,534 DEBT SERVICE Principal 872,234 490,000 1,010,000 Interest 683,012 435,864 476,425 Totals $1,555,247 $925,864 $1,486,425 NET OPERATING GAIN/LOSS $176,304 $681,330 $311,478 CAPITAL OUTLAY New Projects $599,296 $1,606,581 $1,324,774 Totals $599,296 $1,606,581 $1,324,774 OTHER FINANCING SOURCES Issuance of Debt $2,230 0 $(485,249) $2,230 0 CHANGE IN FUND BALANCE $(422,992) $(259,200) $(1,013,296) BEGINNING FUND BALANCE $3,002,650 $2,579,658 $2,320,458 ENDING FUND BALANCE $2,579,658 $2,320,458 $1,307,162 FY 2013 debt totals appear understated due to a refinancing of existing debt. FY 2012 and 2013 totals represent actual project expenditures. FY 2014 totals reflect project balances rolled forward and estimated budgeted project expenditures combined. FY 2012 and 2013 Ending Fund Balance represents funds carried over to the subsequent fiscal year from previously approved or ongoing projects. FY 2014 figures represents 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 Buchheit @ 407.599.3695 dbuchheit@cityofwinterpark.org COORDINATOR Laura Neudorffer @ 407.643.1657 lneudorffer@cityofwinterpark.org