CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS BRIDGE DISTRICT DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION INITIATIVE LOCAL PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING #5 JANUARY 21, 2020
CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS BRIDGE DISTRICTDOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION INITIATIVELOCAL PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING #5 JANUARY 21, 2020
AGENDA• Welcome
• Recusals
• Review of Project Schedule
• DRI Dollars Activity: Results Summary
• DRI Project Updates and Discussion
• Next Steps
• LPC Comments and Questions
• Public Comment
PUBLIC COMMENT
• Time will be reserved for public comment at the end of the meeting.
• A public workshop is taking place immediately following this meeting.
Thank you for taking the time to attend this meeting.
We appreciate your thoughts, comments, and feedback, and look forward to your continued participation in Niagara Falls’ DRI planning process.
RECUSALS
LPC RECUSALS
• Review recusal requirements
• LPC recusal updates
• Ensure recusal form is completed
PROJECT SCHEDULE
SCHEDULE
FEB 2020 MAR 2020
• Identify Recommended vs. Pipeline Projects
• Draft Project Profiles
• Draft Strategic Investment Plan
• Public Workshop #2 (February 4th)
• LPC Meeting #6 (February 11th)
• Student Engagement Sessions (TBD)
• Final Project Funding Recommendations
• Final Project Profiles
• Final DRI Strategic Investment Plan
• LPC Meeting #7 (March 10th)
• Public Workshop #3 (TBD)
DRI DOLLAR ACTIVITY RESULTS
HIGHLY SUPPORTED PROJECTS• Public Art and Placemaking Initiative ($1,036,800)
• Small Project Grant Fund ($600,000)
• Academic Innovation Hub ($600,000)
• 2025 Main Street ($500,000)
• Leasable Space at the Train Station ($450,000)
• 2002 Main Street ($400,000)
• DiCamillo Bakery Expansion ($247,500)
• Rapids Theatre Upgrades ($222,000)
• Heart, Love and Soul Entrance Improvements ($219,600)
• Signage and Wayfinding ($35,100)
PROJECTS10$4.3 M
DRI REQUEST
MODERATELY SUPPORTED PROJECTS
• Whirlpool Street Connectivity Improvements ($3,690,000)
• Intersection Improvements ($3,510,000)
• Main Street Streetscape Improvements ($2,250,000)
• DRI Lighting Improvements ($1,350,000)
• Barrel House and Cigar Bar ($630,000)
• Main Street / Cleveland Avenue Public Plaza ($450,000)
• 1812 Main Street ($400,000)
• 1810 Main Street ($300,000)
PROJECTS8
$12.6MDRI REQUEST
LIMITED SUPPORTED PROJECTS
• Neighborhood Streetscape Enhancements ($3,780,000)
• Freedom Plaza and Overlook ($2,430,000)
• First Congregational Church Plaza and Interpretation ($990,000)
• South Train Station Site Improvements ($450,000)
• Suspension Bridge Store ($250,000)
PROJECTS5
$7.9MDRI REQUEST
DRI PROJECT UPDATES AND DISCUSSION
PURPOSE OF TODAY’S MEETING
In-depth discussion of projects to facilitate identification of a preliminary slate of projects in the $13 – $15 million range. This is not the
official, final recommended
project list!
Each project identified as either:
• Recommended• Not a good fit for DRI funding (Pipeline Project) • Maybe
PROJECTS REMOVED FROM CONSIDERATION • Lincoln Place Pedestrian Access
• Suspension Bridge Pedestrian Access
• Site Development Incentive
• NACC Grand Theatre Improvements
• African Food Heritage Co-op
• Bridge District Gateway Signage
• Public Library Collections Inventory
• Willow Avenue Solar Array
• 734 Willow Avenue
RECOMMENDED PROJECT CRITERIA• TRANSFORMATIVE, projects that fundamentally change the District
• CATALYTIC IMPACT, ability to spur change and investment
• CONSISTENT, alignment with local goals and objectives
• FEASIBILE, costs are reasonable and project is realistic
• MARKET POTENTIAL and demand to fill gaps in local marketplace
• PUBLIC SUPPORT, community members support project
• LOCAL IMPACT, direct or indirect impact on tax revenues, jobs and workforce development
PROJECT CONTEXT
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
NEW DEVELOPMENT AND/OR REHAB
RECENT/PLANNED INVESTMENT
UPDATED PROJECT CONSIDERATION LIST
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS9BRANDING/MARKETING
9 NEW DEVELOPMENT AND/OR REHAB
2PROJECTS 21
$21.6 MREQUESTED DRI FUNDS
GRANT FUND1
$4.1 M
$15.9 M
$1.1 M
$600,000
HIGHLY SUPPORTED PROJECTS
HIGHLY SUPPORTED PROJECTS
PROJECTS 10$4.8 M
REQUESTED DRI FUNDS
DISCUSSION OBJECTIVES
• Identify DRI funding recommendations / match requirements
• Identify desired project scope changes, if any
• Reach consensus on advancing projects to recommendation list
PUBLIC ART AND PLACEMAKING INITIATIVE
PROJECT SCOPE
Installation of public art displays, including murals, sculptures, exhibits, and signage within the DRI area to enhance the public realm and tell the story of the area's past.
PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATE
Total: $1,296,000DRI request: $1,036,800 (80%)
SMALL PROJECT GRANT FUND
PROJECT SCOPE
Implement a capital improvement program for small-scale building improvements throughout the DRI area.
PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATE
Total: Up to $1,200,000DRI request: $600,000
ACADEMIC INNOVATION HUB
PROJECT SCOPE
Development of an innovation hub academic space on Main Street for Niagara University's use.
PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATE
Total: $2,205,000DRI request: $1,100,000
NOTES• Total project cost established for 1932
Main, resulting in an increased DRI ask
2025 MAIN STREETPROJECT SCOPE
Renovation of a three-story building (9,800 SF) to include retail on the first floor and apartments on the upper stories.
PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATE
Total: $2,047,000DRI request: $500,000 (24%)
TRAIN STATION LEASABLE SPACE
PROJECT SCOPE
Prepare 4,500 SF of leasable space in the Train Station for commercial use, including HVAC, upgraded lighting and a smoke evacuation system.
PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATE
Total: $500,000DRI request: $450,000 (90%)
2002 MAIN STREETPROJECT SCOPE
Renovation of the existing building (6,700 SF) to create a mixed-use building with retail, community service, and office space.
PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATE
Total: $1,454,000DRI request: $400,000 (28%)
DICAMILLO BAKERY EXPANSIONPROJECT SCOPE
Creation of a small museum/gallery space and outdoor eating space at the existing bakery. Includes purchase of state-of-the art equipment to expand production.
PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATE
Total: $450,000DRI request: $247,500 (55%)
RAPIDS THEATRE UPGRADESPROJECT SCOPEImprovements, including new flooring, interior and exterior paint, ceiling repairs to Rapids Theatre, a new sign that extends to the adjacent building, and installation of stamped concrete in between Theatre and future Barrel House and Cigar Bar.
PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATE
Total: $390,000DRI request: $234,000 (60%)
NOTES• Additional improvements added
HEART, LOVE AND SOUL ENTRANCE IMPROVEMENTS
PROJECT SCOPE
Construction of a new 300 SF front entrance to the existing building to improve appearance and functionality.
PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATE
Total: $292,800DRI request: $219,600 (75%)
SIGNAGE AND WAYFINDINGPROJECT SCOPE
Installation of 13 signs in the DRI area to identify the Underground Railroad Heritage Center and direct users to the Discover Niagara Shuttle.
PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATE
Total: $39,000DRI request: $35,100 (90%)
PROJECTS WITHLIMITED SUPPORT
LIMITED SUPPORT PROJECTS
PROJECTS 5
$6.8 MREQUESTED DRI FUNDS
DISCUSSION OBJECTIVES
• Reach consensus on Priority versus Pipeline
NEIGHBORHOOD STREETSCAPE ENHANCEMENTS
PROJECT SCOPE
Sidewalk reconstruction, placemaking and street tree planting along neighborhood side streets to improve connectivity to Main Street.
PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATE
Total: $4,200,000DRI request: $3,780,000 (90%)
MICHIGAN AVE ($675,000)
CLEVELAND AVE ($865,000)
ONTARIO AVE ($950,000)
SOUTH AVE ($775,000)
NIAGARA AVE ($900,000)
ONTARIO AVENUE
FREEDOM PLAZA AND OVERLOOK
PROJECT SCOPE
Advancement of vision for creating destination gathering space at the Gorge, including sidewalk enhancements and connectivity upgrades.
PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATE
Total: $1,500,000DRI request: $1,350,000 (90%)
NOTES
Project cost was reduced based on improvements taking place through the RMP removal
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH PLAZA AND INTERPRETATION
PROJECT SCOPE
Building stabilization and improvements to church and creation of a public gathering space with historic interpretive elements on vacant lot.
PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATE
Total: $1,000,000DRI request: $900,000 (90%)
SOUTH TRAIN STATION SITE IMPROVEMENTS
PROJECT SCOPE
Position the site for future development, including minor wall and railing repairs and replacement of street trees.
PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATE
Total: $500,000DRI request: $450,000 (90%)
SUSPENSION BRIDGE STOREPROJECT SCOPE
Renovation of an existing 4,080 SF vacant building at 1601 Main Street into a gently-used home goods and apparel store.
PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATE
Total: $404,000DRI request: $250,000 (62%)
PROJECTS WITH MODERATE SUPPORT
MODERATELY SUPPORTED PROJECTS
PROJECTS 6
$10.1MREQUESTED DRI FUNDS
DISCUSSION OBJECTIVES
• Identify DRI funding recommendations
• Identify desired project scope changes, if any
• Decide Recommended vs. Pipeline
WHIRLPOOL ST CONNECTIVITY ENHANCEMENTS
PROJECT SCOPE
Sidewalk reconstruction, repaving and street tree planting on neighborhood side streets to improve connectivity.
PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATE
Total: $3,200,000DRI request: $2,880,000 (90%)
DIVISION AVE ($400,000)
CLEVELAND AVE ($370,000)
ONTARIO AVE ($125,000)
WILLOW AVE ($700,000)
LINCOLN PLACE ($375,000)
LINWOOD AVE ($525,000)
NOTES
• Scope and fee modified to remove 4 of the intersection improvements on Whirlpool Street
MAIN STREET STREETSCAPE AMENITIESPROJECT SCOPE
Implement streetscape enhancements along Main Street, including sidewalk improvements, replacement of street trees and street furniture, and the conversion/replacement of light poles to LED. PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATETotal: $ 2,950,000DRI request: $ 2,565,000 (87%) NOTES• Scope and fee modified to ensure cohesive
streetscape absent intersection improvements• Increase to total project cost and DRI request
INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS
PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATE
PROJECT SCOPE
Enhance six primary intersections along Main Street to enhance connectivity, placemaking and pedestrian safety, including bump outs and enhanced crosswalks.
NOTES• Scope and fee modified as a result of decrease in
streetscape elements
Total: $2,400,000 (+/-$400,000 per intersection)
DRI request: $2,160,000 (90%)
MAIN STREET / CLEVELAND AVENUE INTERSECTION
FULL STREETSCAPE AND INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS
PROJECT SCOPE
• Main Street Streetscape Enhancements • Intersection Improvements (6
intersections total)
PROJECT COST
Total Project Cost: $5,350,000DRI Request : $4,725,000 (88%)
OPTION 2:
• Main Street Streetscape Enhancements • Intersection Improvements:
• Ontario Avenue • Cleveland Avenue • Division Avenue• Linwood Avenue
PROJECT COST
Total Project Cost: $4,550,000DRI Request : $4,005,000 (88%)
STREETSCAPE WITH 4 INTERSECTIONS
OPTION 2:
• Main Street Streetscape Enhancements • Intersection Improvements:
• Cleveland Avenue • Division Avenue• Linwood Avenue
PROJECT COST
Total Project Cost: $4,150,000DRI Request : $3,610,500 (88%)
STREETSCAPE WITH 3 INTERSECTIONS
STREETSCAPE WITH 2 INTERSECTIONS
OPTION 1:
• Main Street Streetscape Enhancements • Intersection Improvements
• Cleveland Avenue• Division Avenue
PROJECT COST
Total Project Cost: $3,750,000DRI Request : $3,285,000 (87%)
LIGHTING IMPROVEMENTSPROJECT SCOPE
Conversion and replacement of light poles throughout the DRI area, excluding Main Street, to LED.
PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATE
Total: $1,500,000DRI request: $1,230,000 (82%)
NOTES
• 154 light poles
BARREL HOUSE AND CIGAR BAR
PROJECT SCOPE
Renovation of the existing building into a restaurant and cigar bar.
PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATE
Total: $1,050,000DRI request: $630,000 (60%)
WITHDRAWN
MAIN STREET / CLEVELAND AVENUE PLAZA
PROJECT SCOPE
Create a unique and identifiable plaza on the green space in front of the Public Safety Building to provide flexible programming.
PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATE
Total: $500,000DRI request: $450,000 (90%)
1810 + 1812 MAIN STREETPROJECT SCOPE
Renovation of 1810 and 1812 into a mixed-use development with retail space and boutique hotel rooms.
PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATE
Total: $2,379,000DRI request: $700,000 (29%)
NOTES
Combined 1810 and 1812 Main Street into one development project
NEXT STEPS
NEXT STEPS
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
• Stakeholder Meetings (On-going)• Public Workshop #2 (February 4th, 2020)• LPC Meeting #5 (February 11th, 2020)
STRATEGIC INVESTMENT PLAN
• Continue to Advance Project Development• Draft Project Profiles• Draft Strategic Investment Plan
LPC: QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS
PUBLIC COMMENT