HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 07/06/2004 - RESOLUTION 2004-081 DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO ITEM NUMBER: 30
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY DATE: July6, 2004
FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL STAFF: Darin Atteberry
SUBJECT
Resolution 2004-081 Directing the City Manager to Initiate a Process for Disposition and
Appropriate Development of Certain City-Owned Property Known as Block 33.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends adoption of the Resolution.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This Resolution directs City staff to initiate a process which, if successful, would lead to the
disposition of certain City-owned property in the downtown, and would result in development of
the site in conformance with adopted City plans and policies. Specifically, the property would be
characterized by residential development, mixed with other compatible uses, and designed to
conform to the design standards of the Civic Center Master Plan and Downtown Plan.
Block 33 was assembled by the City through several purchases. The Howes Street stormwater
outfall crosses the middle of the block from south to north. A report distributed to Council last
March provided background on the property and proposed uses, including a review of the policy
basis, conceptual design of improvements, the value of the real estate, and options for offering the
site to the private sector.
The staff recommends using a process often referred to as an "exclusive negotiating agreement',
which gives mutual benefit to the City and to potential developers. The City would issue a request
for statements of qualifications from interested development companies or teams,and include in the
request specific goals to be achieved by development of the site. Staff would choose the best
qualified developer,and enter into an agreement to negotiate exclusively with that developer or team
prior to returning to the City Council for a final action on disposition of the property.
This appears to be an excellent time to put the property into the market. The housing industry is
currently responding to a demand for housing downtown with several other projects. While those
tend to be high-end products, staff expects Block 33 to hit the middle of the market.
The historic Car Barn will stay in City ownership, with a full quarter block of property, to provide
for its historic context, yard space, and any future parking needs.
RESOLUTION 2004-081
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO INITIATE A PROCESS FOR
DISPOSITION AND APPROPRIATE DEVELOPMENT OF CERTAIN
CITY-OWNED PROPERTY KNOWN AS BLOCK 33
WHEREAS, the City has heretofore embarked upon an assembly of land in Block 33 of the
original plat of the City through various purchases, and now is the owner of the entire block; and
WHEREAS, over the passage of time events have occurred with regard to the development
of the Latimer County office and justice center buildings and the City's Mason Street office building
that obviate the need for the City to retain ownership of approximately three-quarters of Block 33
for municipal purposes; and
WHEREAS,the City's comprehensive plan,known as"City Plan,"has established a character
and vision for the downtown area which includes residential development, mixed with other
compatible uses conceived to conform to the design standards of the Civic Center Master Plan and
the Downtown Plan; and
WHEREAS,the Downtown Civic Center Master Plan,dated July 1996,calls for residential
mixed-use development on three-quarters of Block 33; and
WHEREAS, the Land Use Code permits residential mixed-use development in the zone
district applied to Block 33; and
WHEREAS, the Council has determined that it is in the best interest of the City that, if
portions of Block 33 are to be sold, they be sold to purchasers who are ready, willing and able to
develop the property in rigorous accordance with the adopted City Plan policies and principles
including the subarea plans that are incorporated therewith and are applicable to Block 33; and
WHEREAS,the staff has recommended, and the Council agrees, that a process designed to
solicit proposals from potential purchasers/developers that would result in an "exclusive negotiating
agreement," is desirable with regard to the sale of portions of Block 33, which process would result
in the issuance of a request for statements of qualifications from interested development companies
or teams, and would include in the request specific goals to be achieved by the development of the
site with respect to City Plan and its related subarea plans.
NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS that the City Manager is hereby directed to initiate a process for the disposition and
appropriate development of Block 33 with a view toward soliciting an "exclusive negotiating
agreement"with the best qualified developer,whereupon the City would enter into an agreement to
negotiate exclusively with that developer(or team of developers) for possible development of the
Block in rigorous conformity with the City's Comprehensive Plan, prior to returning to the City
Council for any final action on the disposition of Block 33.
2004. Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held this 6th day of July, A.D.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk