HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-04-10 ACE MINUTESALLIANCE FOR COMMERCE IN ENGLEWOOD COMMITTEE
City Council Conference Room
April 10, 2 01 4
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I. CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Alliance for Commerce in Englewood Committee {ACE) was
called to order at 11 :35 a.m . in the City Counci l Conference Room of the Englewood Civic
Center, Vice Chair Weinberger presiding.
Present: Weinbe rger, Whyte, Farris, Schalk
Absent: Knoth-Excused, Miller-Excused
Also present: Joe Jefferson , City Council Liaison
Colleen Mello, Englewood Chamber of Commerce
Staff p resent: Alan White, Community Development Di rector
: Da r ren Hol lingsworth, Economic Deve lopme nt Manager
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
March 13, 2014
Vice Chair Weinberger stated that the Minutes of March 13 , 2014, were to be considered
for approval. It was determined there was a quorum . Vice Cha i r Weinberger asked if there
were any changes or adjustments to the M i nutes . There we re none.
Weinberger moved;
Whyte seconded : THE MINUTES OF MARCH 13 , 20 14, BE AP PROVED AS W RI TIEN.
Ayes :
Nays :
Abstain :
Absent:
The motion carried.
Weinberger, Whyte, Farris , Schalk
None
None
Miller, Knoth
II . ACE BUSINESS
The new projects on the South Broadway corridor (Flood Midd le School redevelopment,
Sprouts Market) will be catalysts for additional deve lopment. Council man Jefferson cited
the pending development of the Broadway/ Acoma pa rcel and the potential for EURA to
i nvest in another property once the sale is completed . Currently the re is not a mechanism
in place for the City to acquire property for redevelopment.
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Beautification of South Broadway is a priority. Maintenance and improvements may be
possible
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Analysis is needed for the area between US285 and Belleview on South Broadway to
identify what type of businesses exist currently.
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Improvements will need to be made to attract desirable businesses. By improving the
streetscape along the corridor with additional lighting and possibly banner signage, sections
of the corridor could become more walkable.
Mr. Weinberger suggested that improving either end of the corridor could make the area
more attractive. The middle section has a wide variety of businesses.
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Ms. Mello offered that any landscaping added to the area needs to be sustainable and
easily maintained .
Mr. Schalk suggested that solar lights could be an option because they are cost effective to
purchase and maintain. Banners added to light poles would be a way to publicize City
events and create a sense of community. He will forward information on the solar
powered lights to the Committee.
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Councilman Jefferson stated that the total amount of refund from the BID is approximately
$62,000 to the property owners. The balance will remain with the city to maintain the area.
Mr. Weinberger suggested that a recommendation be made to City Council to add
additional lighting south of the Flood Middle School project.
The Committee will develop a recommendation after further study. The recommendation
will include details for implementation, maintenance and costs associated with the
proposed improvements.
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Gathering information on current costs and budgets for improvements and maintenance
will help the Committee form a comprehensive proposal for City Council. Evaluation of the
return on investment would be necessary to continue improvement projects on the
Broadway corridor.
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One approach could be minimal implementation now with plans to expand improvements
over a period of time. Breaking the project down into smaller areas would be a , way to
facilitate City Council consideration of the proposal.
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The Committee requested that staff provide information regarding the current budget and
costs pertaining to the existing medians. Imagery of the area would be helpful in the
evaluation of the existing area as would the tax i ncome figures for the existing businesses to
the extent possible.
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The Committee requested details of the current Economic Development policy. The policy
has been in existence for 15 years and could be modernized and updated to better
facilitate use .by businesses.
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Ms. Mello asked if businesses are required to maintain landscaping to the original
development requirements. Director White stated that there is no specific regulation for
replacement but there are general rules in place . ....
By focusing on smaller areas , implementation of improvement plans would have a greater
impact on the surround in g areas . Business redevelopment wi ll bring improvements to the
residential areas adjacent to the Broadway corridor.
Ill. PUBLIC COMMENT
No public was present at the meeting . ..
IV. COMMENTS
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Chamber is sponsoring a golf tournament June 6 th and student recognition .
STAFF COMMENTS
The Englewood Business Summit will be held on May 15th. Two speakers will be presenting
and a continental breakfast wi ll be served. ACE members will have the opportunity to
promote and recruit for ACE at the event.
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CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilman Jefferson did not have any additional comments.
ACE COMMENTS
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Dr. Farris shared the South Broadway plan with his board; they are looking for 8 properties
to lease and are seeking direction from the City to determine what the desired
development might be. Councilman Jefferson mentioned the EURA efforts to create a
Creative District as a possible investment. llll .
There was some discussion about extending the Art Shuttle Route. It is supplied as a
community service and most likely will not be extended .
V. UPCOMING ACE BUSINESS
a. The next meeting is schedu led for May 8, 2014 .
b. Hotel
c. Elections of Officer
No further business was brought forth for consideration . The meeting was adjourned at
1 :00 p.m.
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