Springs RAC approves 5-year plan

The Springs Redevelopment Advisory Committee at its meeting last week approved a 5-year implementation plan covering fiscal years 2009–2014. The plan outlines projects, activities and procedures and can be amended at any time. It provides an outline for improvements on street projects, storm drains and traffic, as well as housing and non-housing issues. It is a requirement of the committee and must be approved every five years.
The plan allocates $1.4 million each year for non-housing projects, $10 million over 5 years for housing projects, $6 million for Highway 12 improvement, and $3 million left over for other projects. There is also a $4.2 million balance available now in unspent bond revenue, which cannot be used for housing. The plan will now move on to the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors for further evaluation.
Cas Ellena, Redevelopment Manager for the RAC, presented a report on the progress of the Highway 12 improvements. “They are in phase 2, stage 2 and are making good progress. They are currently working on traffic signal modifications and are putting in streetlights every 90 feet.” She also reported that the increasingly busy Springs Graffiti Abatement program is seeking to merge with the City of Sonoma and its program. Ellena also announced that there will be a Teen Job and Career Fair on Wednesday, May 27 from 4 – 7 p.m. at the Valley of the Moon Teen Center.
The “Façade Improvement Program” has undergone a name change to the “Commercial Rehabilitation Program,” but the three levels of assistance will be the same:
Phase 1: 3-Year Forgivable Loan. Up to $5,000 for projects like paint, awnings or signage that will make “substantial visible improvements viewable from the public right of way.” Loans are forgiven after three years if improvements are adequately maintained. Otherwise they must be paid back over a 3-year term with interest.
Phase 2: 5-Year Forgivable Loan. Up to $15,000 for improvements in architecture and landscaping. Loan rules and policies are the same as with the 3-year loan but over a 5-year term.
Phase 3: 20-Year Loans. Up to $80,000 for rehabilitation and renovation of commercial buildings. Additional funds are available for buildings that have been vacant more than three years or existing businesses that can demonstrate the ability to generate tax revenue for the project area. The interest rate is 3 percent and must be paid over a 20-year term.
The committee discussed policies about reapplying, guidelines for the program, the amounts be allocated and options to offset marginal costs. The committee decided to continue the discussion about the program until the next meeting.
Discussion about the Gateway Arch Project was brief but it was revealed that the artist is interested in a new contract for adding to the arch as his costs have gone up. Further discussion on that topic was also continued until the next meeting.