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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 05/15/2007 - ITEMS RELATING TO THE FOOTHILLS MALL URBAN RENEWAL ITEM NUMBER: 25 A-B AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY DATE: May 15, 2007 FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL STAFF: Ken Waido SUBJECT Items Relating to the Foothills Mall Urban Renewal Plan. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends adoption of the Resolutions. The Planning and Zoning Board finds,on a vote of 6-1, that the Foothills Mall Urban Renewal Plan is consistent with City Plan, the City's Comprehensive Plan. FINANCIAL IMPACT The Foothills Mall Urban Renewal Plan would open the Mall area to the types of financial benefits that have occurred in the downtown from the operation of the Downtown Development Authority, that is, the use of tax increment financing (TIF) to help stimulate private investment to encourage redevelopment activities. At this time, the best estimate of tax increment must be presented as a range of potential increment that may be generated based upon the expected level of private investment made by General Growth Partners (GGP), the owners of the Mall. The range of tax increment to be generated is estimated to be$52492 million based upon an investment of$60-$100 million by GGP. In addition to specific financial benefits of tax increment financing, there are generalized benefits of an economically healthy Mall, characterized by overall higher property values, rents, and retail sales in the area as a whole. The Mall has experienced declining sales and increasing vacancies in recent years. If the growth rate of sales tax collected at the Mall had tracked with the sales tax growth rate of the overall City since 2002, then the annual sales tax collected at the Mall in 2006 would have been approximately $4.5 million. However, actual collections in 2006 were approximately$3.3 million. The loss of sales tax revenue means less funding to support ongoing operations for core City services like Police,Fire,Transportation,and Parks and Recreation,as well as a decline in funding to Open Space and the Building on Basics capital campaign. An increase in retail activity at the Mall will help reverse the trend and help prevent further leakage of sales tax dollars from the City of Fort Collins to other retail destinations in the region. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A. Resolution 2007-052 Adopting the Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Survey and Making Findings Determining an Area Within the City of Fort Collins to Be a Blighted Area and Appropriate for Inclusion in an Urban Renewal Project. May 15, 2007 -2- Item No. 25 A-B B. Resolution 2007-053 Making Findings and Approving the Urban Renewal Plan for the Foothills Mall. Before the City Council can adopt an Urban Renewal Plan for any part of the City,the Council must determine the plan area to be a slum, blighted area, or a combination thereof, and designate such area appropriate for an urban renewal plan. Adoption of Resolution 2007-052 approves the Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Survey (a.k.a."Blight Study") and declares the Mall area blighted according to the criteria in State Law governing Urban Renewal Authorities. Adoption of Resolution 2007-053 will approve the Foothills Mall Urban Renewal Plan which will assist in elimination of the slum and blight conditions within the Mall area. The major purpose of establishing the Urban Renewal Plan for the Mall area is to allow the use of property tax increment financing(TIF)to fix infrastructure problems that hinder redevelopment. Tax increment financing is typically a useful financial assistance tool to be used in areas where the private sector is not capable of showing a return on investment due to excessive costs of correcting site issues, infrastructure deficiencies, or other issues that hinder redevelopment. BACKGROUND Colorado Revised Statutes provide for the establishment of"urban renewal areas";primarily,for the purpose of using property tax increment financing(TIF)to"fix"infrastructure problems that hinder redevelopment. The Statutes describe the findings that Council must make to approve an urban renewal plan;and,provides a technical definition of the conditions that the Council must find present to declare an area an urban renewal area. There is also a process that must be followed in approving an urban renewal plan. The Foothills Mall originally opened in the fall of 1973. For the first couple of decades of operation, the Mall was a major regional retail offering that attracted shoppers from northern Colorado, southeastern Wyoming, and southwestern Nebraska. The Mall underwent expansions in 1980 and again in 1989, but has experienced declining sales and increasing vacancies in recent years with increasing competition from larger and newer retail ventures in northern Colorado. The recent loss of two major anchor stores, Mervyn's and JC Penney, at the Mall has left larger areas of un- and under-utilized retail space, parking areas, and other areas. The 34-year old Mall has significant site and infrastructure problems; problems that present significant barriers (and costs) to the economic health of the Mall as well as future redevelopment including site layout, traffic circulation, obsolescent buildings and building systems, inadequate public facilities and utilities, and vandalism; conditions that will only get worse over time if significant steps are not taken; problems that will require a public/private partnership to resolve. Tax increment financing by way of an urban renewal authority is a tool that is commonly used throughout Colorado for a variety of economic development these purposes. Timnath, Loveland (Centerra), Westminster/Thornton and many other front range communities use TIF as a principal tool for funding public improvements related to redevelopment and non-redevelopment sites. TIF has proven an effective tool by these communities to overcome significant public improvement costs to facilitate development to assist in producing a healthy economy in a competitive regional market. May 15, 2007 -3- Item No. 25 A-B Given the lack of economic tools at the City's disposal and the effectiveness of TIF, staff believes that utilizing TIF is the most effective tool to help keep the downtown,North College,Foothills Mall and other targeted redevelopment areas competitive with these other communities. The obvious advantage of using TIF is that public assistance toward the development is driven by enhancements to the assessed valuation of the property and are funded through property tax revenues versus sales tax revenues. City staffhas been working with General Growth Partners(GGP)for the past several years regarding redevelopment of the Mall. The overall redevelopment of the Mall has been a high priority for the City and community. All indications are that GGP is now ready to move forward with their redevelopment plans. However,the costs of redevelopment are significant. The use of the property tax increment is key to GGP's redevelopment plans for the site and for making the Mall competitive in the regional retail economy. The use of other public and private financing mechanisms is also anticipated. The Foothills Mall is specifically identified in many principles and policies of City Plan, the City's comprehensive plan. A major goal of City Plan is to increase economic activity in the Mall area, and where necessary,provide the stimulus to redevelop.The Mall is a"targeted redevelopment area" (see attached map). As a targeted redevelopment area,the Mall is an area of the City where general agreement exist that development and redevelopment is beneficial. Also,redevelopment of the Mall conforms to principles and policies to remedy infrastructure deficiencies, provide for the strategic use of public investment, and maintain and expand the City's revenue base. In addition to the policies of City Plan,redevelopment of the Foothills Mall is identified in the City's Economic Action Plan as the "single most important retail redevelopment initiative in the City." This plan also identifies establishment of an urban renewal plan as the"most effective manner for the City to assist in the redevelopment"of the Mall. Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Survey The purpose of the Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Survey is to evaluate and determine whether the Mall area constitutes a"blighted area" as defined in the State's Urban Renewal Statutes. The survey(copy attached as"Exhibit A"to Resolution 2007-052)was prepared by a private consultant, Terry Ware Associates of Denver, and evaluated a wide range of conditions in the Mall area. The evaluation included on-site reconnaissance,interviews,and photographic documentation involving City of Fort Collins staff from Advance Planning, Transportation, Engineering, Utilities, Fire Authority, Police, and Building Inspection departments. The study area includes properties within the general area bounded by: East Swallow Road on the north, Stanford Road on the east, East Monroe Drive (extended) on the south, and South College Avenue on the west. The study area encompasses 72 total acres, consists of twelve real estate parcels. The area is approximately 100% developed. The evaluation of the area identified that conditions relevant to six (6) of the eleven(11) statutory "blight factors"were readily apparent and evident within the area,based upon direct observation and May 15, 2007 -4- Item No. 25 A-B review of planning documents and that the area,either wholly or in part,is appropriate to be defined as a "blighted area" qualified for urban renewal plan remedies and activities as permitted in the statute because the presence of only four (4) factors is the threshold for a finding of"blight." However,while evidence of"blight factors"were apparent in the study area,this does not mean that every parcel and building exhibited evidence of the factors--some of the factors are evident on a spot basis; some on a linear basis along streets and utility lines; and some on an area basis, in vacant, neglected,or deficient areas within the Mall area. But when the factors are considered cumulatively, the entire study area is affected. Foothills Mall Urban Renewal Plan The Foothills Mall Urban Renewal Plan (copy attached as"Exhibit A"to Resolution 2007-053)is an urban renewal plan prepared for the Fort Collins Urban Renewal Authority and the City of Fort Collins and describes the framework for certain public undertakings constituting urban renewal projects and other authorized activities under the Urban Renewal Law for the Mall area. The boundary of the area to which the Plan applies includes those properties located within the same area studied in the Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Survey. Development and redevelopment in the Mall area is anticipated to occur incrementally over a substantial period of time. The primary focus of the redevelopment efforts at the Mall will be to replace the two vacant anchor tenants, update the common areas of the mall, and provide new offerings that are more in line with the demands of today's consumers. The redevelopment efforts can be broken into seven distinct areas that will be completed as obstacles to the program are overcome and market forces dictate. The seven areas can be roughly described as follows: 1. replacement of Mervyn's with a future anchor tenant, 2. replacement of JC Penney with a future mini-anchor tenant, 3. an update of the interior common areas of the Mall, 4. addition of an exterior facing streetscape along Foothills Parkway, 5. redevelopment of the Shops at Foothills, 6. redevelopment of the former Perkins site, and 7. redevelopment of The Plaza at Foothills. Referrals and Notification Requirements Before the Council can officially approve the Foothills Mall Urban Renewal Plan, State law on Urban Renewal Authorities requires the Council to formally submit the Plan to the Planning and Zoning Board for its review and recommendation as to the Plan's conformity with City Plan, the City's Comprehensive Plan, which is the general plan for development of the municipality as a whole. The Council is also required to formally submit the Plan to the Poudre School District Board of Education, and the Larimer County Board of Commissioners for their review. On April 17, 2007, the City Council adopted Resolution 2007-040 submitting the Foothills Mall Urban Renewal Plan,and its related Existing Conditions Survey,to the Planning and Zoning Board, the Poudre School District Board of Education and the Larimer County Board of Commissioners. A separate notification was sent to the Larimer County Assessor's Office. Although there is no provision in the statute requiring that the Board of Education and/or the Larimer County Board of May 15, 2007 -5- Item No. 25 A-B Commissioners to comment,in writing or otherwise,on the Plan,the school district and the county were notified that their comments would certainly be welcome. The City has received information from Frank Lancaster,County Manager,that the Larimer County Board of Commissioners unanimously support the Foothills Mall Urban Renewal Plan. No response has been received from the Poudre School District. Prior to the Council's hearing on the adoption of the Plan, thirty days notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City describing the time, date, place and purpose of the hearing,and generally identifying the urban renewal area covered by the Plan,and shall also outline the general scope of the urban renewal project under consideration. This notice was published in the Coloradoan newspaper on April 6, 2007. Furthermore, the City must take reasonable efforts to provide written notice by mail of the public hearing to all property owners,residents,and owners of business concerns in the proposed urban renewal area at their last known address of record at least thirty days prior to the hearing. Such written notice shall contain the same information as is required to be published in the newspaper. This written notice was mailed on April 4, 2007. Planning and Zoning Board At its regular monthly meeting on April 19, 2007, the Planning and Zoning Board adopted a resolution(copy attached)on a vote of 6 to 1, stating that in the Board's opinion,the Foothills Mall Urban Renewal Plan was in conformance with City Plan. The Board also passed, on a vote of 4-3, a motion to ask the Council to review the Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Survey in detail and to reassess which elements that constitute"blight"are truly present at the Mall. As a result of the motion,staff worked with the consultant to revise the Existing Conditions Survey to identify the six factors as discussed above. A draft copy of the Board's minutes is attached. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends adoption Resolution 2007-052 which will approve the Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Survey and declare the Foothills Mall area"blighted" according to the criteria in State Statutes governing Urban Renewal Authorities;and staff recommends adoption of Resolution 2007- 053 which will approve the Foothills Mall Urban Renewal Plan to assist in the elimination of the slum and blight conditions within the Mall area. ATTACHMENTS 1. Targeted Redevelopment Areas map 2. Planning and Zoning Board Resolution 3. Draft Minutes of the April 19, 2007, Planning and Zoning Board Meeting ATTACHMENT 1 vime i L I1 9 Pmsoea p .,Jetl Oake • 0 Hone[ 0 Harmony E OT- Targeted Redevelopment Areas ALMAreas ldenflfled by -- Subarea Plans(Additional) Redevelopment East Mullberry Corridor 5-Downtown Potential Intensification Areas Aason Street Corridor 6-Foothills Mall per Zoning without a Subarea Plan and I n f i I I ;ampus West 7-CSU --! 4-North College 8-South College C..�U City Limits 0 Source: Fort Collins& EDAW 9-CSU Foothills Campus 0 0.5 1Miies Fi ure 15 Growth Management Area � 9 Principals and Policies Growth Management March, 2007 147 ATTACHMENT 2 RESOLUTION PZ 07- OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS CONTAINING THE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD'S WRITTEN RECOMMENDATION TO THE CITY COUNCIL WITH RESPECT TO THE PROPOSED FOOTHILLS MALL URBAN RENEWAL PLAN WHEREAS, by Resolution 2007-040 of the Council of the City of Fort Collins, the Council has submitted to the Planning and Zoning Board the proposed Foothills Mall Urban Renewal Plan; and WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Board has, at its hearing on April 19, 2007, considered and reviewed the proposed Foothills Mall Urban Renewal Plan for the purpose of determining the Plan's conformity with the City's Comprehensive Plan, known as City Plan; and WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Board desires, by this Resolution, to submit its written recommendation with respect to said proposed Foothills Mall Urban Renewal Plan to the City Council. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS, as follows: Section 1. That the proposed Foothills Mall Urban Renewal Plan has been considered by the Planning and Zoning Board and has been determined to be in conformity with the general plan for the development of the City, which is the City's Comprehensive Plan, commonly knows as "City Plan", and in particular, that the Foothills Mall Urban Renewal Plan advances policy ECON-1.5 of City Plan which has, as its purpose, the maintenance and expansion of the City's revenue base, and further advances policy GM-8.5 which suggests that the City consider opportunities for public investment in order to encourage redevelopment in appropriate locations. Section 2. That the Planning and Zoning Board recommends to the City Council that the Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Survey (blight study) be carefully examined to ensure that the elements of blight as contained therein are truly present in the Foothills Mall area under present and existing conditions. Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Planning and Zoning Board held this 19th day of April, 207. David Lingle, C i 'r eron Gloss, ATTACHMENT Planning and Zoning Board April 19, 2007 . 1 Council Liaison: open; not appointed Staff Liaison: Cameron Gloss Chairperson: Dave Lingle Phone: (W)223-1820 Vice Chair: Brigitte Schmidt Phone: W 491-2579 ;�At , Chairperson Lingle called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. ON. GINFL Roll Call: Campana, Lingle, Rollins, Schmidt, Smith, Stockover ate Wetzry; Staff Present: Gloss, Eckman, Waido, Shepard, and Sanrz-Sprague • Director of Current Planning, Cameron Gloss, ; Pwed thdivenda noting Campana's conflict with Consent Agenda Items e, d Di „Sion Agenda Ite 3, Harmony School 0 Filing Major Amendment &6'" Filing Repi���Cactiparia left the cha ers for the �® motion/vote on the consent agenda. vmi. �s " a '�ryI& Project: Foothills Mail Al WT! wal Plan j w R,. F'�Sin49t .,.. Project Description: Colorado Resedtatut 17t' requires the City Council to formally submit theo Ells Ma m n Renewal Plan to the Planning and' bning Board fo'N s review an' 'recommendation as to the Urban Rerievi+al Plan s confo ity with City Plan, the City's Comprehensive Plan Planning anifjZoning Board needs to submit a written recommendation to the Council. Staff Reco n: Approval. NF Hearii"stimoriv. Writtli'° ommentsiand Other Evidence: City CouN' wa/ esolution (Resblution 07-2040)at their April 17, 2007 meeting referred the Foothills Mall an Plan to th4h0lanning and Zoning Board for its review and recommendation as to the Urbat Plan's conformity with City Plan as required by Colorado Revised Statutes 31-25- 107 (2)which sta "Prior to dsrpval Gfn urban renewal plan, the governing body shall submit such plan to the planning co ! ion of the municipality... for review and recommendations as to its conformity with the general plan for development of the municipality as a whole. The planning commission shall submit its written recommendations with respect to the proposed urban renewal plan to the governing body within thirty days after receipt of the plan for review." The Foothills Mall Urban Renewal Plan will derive its policy guidance from City Plan. The regulations of the City's Land Use Code will be applied to development and redevelopment projects within the Foothills Mall Urban Renewal Plan's boundaries. In 1982, the Fort Collins City Council created an Urban Renewal Authority(URA)and designated itself as the governing board (known as the "Authority"). The boundaries of the URA are the municipal limits. The Fort Collins URA was created to prevent and eliminate conditions related to certain "blight Planning & Zoning Board April 19, 2007 Page 2 factors" in the community. State Statutes give the URA broad powers to carry out its statutory mandate. Included are the powers to enter into contracts, borrow funds and acquire property voluntarily or by eminent domain, among others. Urban renewal projects may be financed in a variety of ways. URAs are authorized to borrow money, issue bonds, and accept grants from public or private sources. The principal method of financing urban renewal projects is through obligations secured by property tax or sales tax increments from the project area ("tax increment financing"). An URA exercises its powers by planning and carrying out urban renewal plans in urban renewal areas. In 2004, the City Council adopted an update to City Plan, the City's Comprgi ensive Plan. Principle GM-8 of City Plan states the following: The City will promote compatible infill and redevelopment in,, '%�yvithin the Growth Management Area boundary. ' Is And, Policy GM-8.1 of City Plan states the following: ; iilelp Targeted Redevelopmentlinftll. Redevelop and infiloevelopment enc uraged in targeted areas. The purpose of these areas i§4 .,,annel g, wth where ?�i l eficial and can best improve access to jobs, housing an ice "' l ,fewer aho r auto trips. The targeted areas are parts of the city where gene , menil exists that development or redevelopment is beneficial. A major goal is to increa nomic activity in the area to benefit existing residents and busiri sses and, where ne ry, provide the stimulus to redevelop. These areas should be defined from City Plad'hSgt) r a Plans ning and locational criteria , including areas where public investment iq warrafitett�afom,a,policy perspective. The Foothills Mall (Area #6) is one of the Targeted Reduglopment An3as: Other selected policies 4f City Plan include the folloting: Policy GM-8.5 Public Invesjtitent. The City will consider'opportunities, and the costs and benefits for targeted public investment in°otYlerto efiCttRtrage redevelopment and infill development in appropriate locations EEs6. Policy RAN 1.5 Maintain etKl Expartd11,�C%ity Revenue Base. The City will ensure that commercial uses that,gett ' a the sales and use tax revej'l0es which support the City's financial base are maintained and expe The City will also explore other options to expand and diversify its revenue base, including to annexations;tif existing commercial corridors, such as the Mulberry Corridor, as well as revenu ring agreements with other communities. The City will seek to strengthen existing Nn commercial distn ,.such as,the Downtown, North College, Campus West, and the Foothills Mall. The City will seek f 4haintairr'`and enhance its attractiveness as a place to do business in order to maintain its share of the legion's sales and use tax base. In addition to the policies of City Plan, the Foothills Mall redevelopment is identified in the City's Economic Action Plan as the "single most important retail redevelopment initiative in the City." This plan also identified establishment of an urban renewal plan as the "most effective manner for the City to assist in the redevelopment" of the mall. The area in question is 72 acres and includes the commercial properties in an area bordered by Swallow on the north, Stanford on the east, Monroe on the South and College on the west. The City has been approached by General Growth Partners (GGP,) the owners of Foothills Mall, to recognize Planning & Zoning Board April 19, 2007 Page 3 the mall as an urban renewal project area and to create an urban renewal plan for it. Foothills Mall Redevelopment objectives include: • Replace Mervyns with future anchor tenant • Replace JC Penney's with future mini-anchor tenant • Update interior common area • Addition of exterior facing streetscape along Foothills Parkway • Redevelopment of Shops at Foothills • Redevelopment of Perkins site • Redevelopment of the Plaza at Foothills Mall 4k Staff recommends the Planning and Zoning Board forward a recommrjatwn to the City Council that the Foothills Mall Urban Renewal Plan is in conformance with it P6arl `,Trry Ware, of Terrance Ware & Associates prepared the Foothills Mall Existing Conditioftrs Surve}r r Mr. Ware as well as representatives of GGP were available;forgaestions } Member Schmidt asked if funds generated from tax increment funding (TIF) could b for items such as the Youth Activity Center. Waido responded t1*11pere is O,#rroad range of p le items including utilities, public common areas, and facades. TIF'H ndituf4ere reviewed a"d approved by the Urban Renewal Authority, which is this case will be CityUtloil. GGP will submit a proposal that will be reviewed and components approved by the Authority. ta:i Member Stockover asked if there were any gv a arty owners wr#it;tke defined area. Waido responded that the only other property ownereare end Sears. > tt other land is owned by Y 65 Chair Lingle asked with reg , ;tg Foothills UrEte( 2enewal �ri s conformance to City Plan, some of the blight conditions ril in fjt rvey report ut,ude loading dock and vehicular and pedestrian circulation problems would the `6 conditions be1mitigated in a redevelopment proposal? Waido remarked that staff has iiq' een an roposal that sp 'to mitigation of those problems. fiRi ,ar Member Schm' a samtt, asi<ed Ulty lot line problems could be mitigated. Ware noted the p esult oN jgurations and site expansion constraints. The answers, be foun evefii t proposal and how it deals with 'necessity and possibility'for impro ' uilding config' 4 dip an tion patterns. Chair Ling ad if the define of bight"found on page two of the survey, which states "...at least four of the fo factors, suE7tantially impairs or arrests the sound growth of the municipality" relates to the d nation ofjht as found on page 10 of that same report. Ware responded there is a difference. H don pale 2, item I "if there is no objection by the property owner or owners" only one factor nee itf,his instance (rather than the items listed from a to k on that page.) Waido reported that no bon had been given to owners and tenants in the affected area and no concerns have been fo 'coming. In fact, the tenants are resoundingly in support of the renewal efforts. Chair Lingle ask about maintenance related issues. Is State statute language silent on the issue of whether self imposed delayed maintenance and rental vacancies create blight. Deputy City Attorney Eckman said yes—the state statute is silent. It makes no mention of external or self- imposition and there is no requirement to dig deeper for the reasons. Planning &Zoning Board April 19, 2007 Page 4 Member Schmidt asked why it was beneficial to list the seven factors in the summary of findings—it results in the expectation that all might be addressed. Ware responded that it presents a thorough list and there are no reasons not to mention them. Member Schmidt asked if this was a common practice. Ware said yes—it has been his experience in other blight survey work he'd done in Colorado, including mountain resort areas, Colorado Springs and Denver. Member Smith asked what is the role of the other two property owners to comment or object? If the URP is approved, what is their role in approving any future plans? Waido responded that if an urban renewal authority is established, they could make their own application for redevelopment and be eligible for tax increment funding. Member Rollins asked when redevelopment plans are presented woutthey be reviewed by the Board and would they be able to check whether factors related to:bight hadlbeen addressed? Deputy City Attorney Eckman referred the Board to Section 6 of City Plan All ':.elopments would be reviewed in accordance with the Land Use Code and other°applicable standardse a development review procedures. Chair Lingle asked if staff would be i°eviewingahe redevelopm pppsal addressing the items that would mitigate blight. DIredltdFfSiIoss responded that staff W.", conduct a review as a matter of course using the breadth of Land Use'°code sttdards including; fchitectural and site design. There is nothing specific in the Land Use Code o 'in the actions being taken tonight that have reference to the site's blight conditions. Member Schmidt said if was her impression{ a I#{.O@n Renewal Aut'drity would review any redevelopment proposal and make any deter►r ins I'l-W�how TIF fun dsl siald be appropriated. x , U€, Campana asked for clarification--had the area ajdeadc �thted area designation? Waido responded no. The first ste t u:, process took on April 007 when by resolution City Council referred the Footh.0 an Renewaf Ian to the Punning and Zoning Board for its review and recommend on as to Conformity wift. ity Plan. On May 15, the issue will come back before City Council. Oetermii area is bli9ed.they will set the boundary and establish the urban renewal authority. Al ,o Public mp. t None. Member S " asked for clariGation of number 9 of the Foothills Urban Renewal Plan—Reasonable Variations. j" he URA vet development standards or design guidelines? Waido said no. The section refers dification of the Urban Renewal Plan and not City Plan policies or regulations. ri;,:,. Member Schmidt saidas ce this is a recommendation, would the Board be allowed to make additional comments in that recohlm6hdation. Eckman suggested that he takes the motion and create a resolution. Anything tWBoard would like to say over and above their determination of conformance with City Plan could be included in that resolution. Smith made a motion to notify City Council the Foothills Urban Renewal Plan is in conformance with City Plan for the following reasons: City Plan's GM 8.5 Public Investment Policy and ECON 1.5 Maintain and Expand City Revenue Base with the Foothills Mall specifically noted in that policy. Schmidt seconded the motion. Planning & Zoning Board April 19, 2007 Page 5 Member Rollins wondered how beyond the motion/resolution, the Board would have the opportunity to present additional comments to the URA related to items in the existing conditions survey at the time a redevelopment proposal is referred to the Board. Eckman asked if the Board wanted to communicate anything additional to Council and it would take an amendment to the motion. Member Campana, who sat on the City Plan Update Committee for 18 months, thinks this project is right on target with City Plan. Where he thinks there are reservations is the language seems too open-ended—how will the funds be spent. Member Schmidt asked if any of the tenants had been surveyed. Waid ,A d he sent a letter notifying affected parties of their opportunities to provide feedback. T etter spoke of the open house, the P&Z meeting, and the May 15'h City Council meeting. If., uld not attend any of the events, they had the option of sending feedback or posing questi, nod not received any communication. Nt ri;ll Member Schmidt's intent in putting forward a second motion its to Indicate to Ci ncil that the Board may not be in total support of the blight study as; hesented She'd like to s t that Council modify the report to more truly represent the conditipr4isigt existsecifically item Ion page 2 of the report. k ,. AM _ 6B Member Stockover suggested the Board was over analyzing.`H ,recommendation to City Council is the Foothills Urban Renewal Plan is in conformance with City PI & He believes City Plan will handle all the issues at the time the redevelopment pfoppsal is reviewed I MIRK, i��A" Member Campana said that while the Board n% agree the;plan confo€ s to City Plan, are they implicitly agreeing with the appendix(the Existing Condifi6Q.Sbrvey�,)-He'd also like to let Council know the Board is not affirming,khe blight study as presented. Chair Lingle said that Wb le he agrees°that redevelopment is desirable, the URA is only one tool in the toolbox and not the rig)it{ttsOl in this case. He believes the:whole plan is under-girded with the existing conditions survey. Fort 686111hs.would be no different fi'grri other communities where issues were taken on how urban renewal p12ns were used- the.ends justifying the means. In good conscience, he cannot sup F a ;, Membena Ietzler stated i e dpas suppott,,the motion. He's seen some deterioration at the Mall and along MO, a Street in which major redevelopment and renovation are in order. At the very minimum the archit r. is dated and unattractive. He thinks for the reason that it would spur economic vitality in that area, 'P'WRA should miz�te forward. Member Schmidt'140 that her worst fear is that anything 20 years or older in need of renovation would be considered Itghted and we'd be setting precedence. North College is a different problem— it had no infrastructure egin with. The motion passed with a vote of 6:1. Member Schmidt made a motion to ask City Council to review the Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Survey in detail and to reassess which elements (which constitute blight) are truly present at the mall.Wetzler seconded the motion. Member Stockover believes the motion/action would be overdoing it. The Board's role is making the recommendation relative to conformance with City Plan. It would then be City Council hands. Is the Planning &Zoning Board April 19, 2007 Page 6 Board throwing up road blocks resulting in the loss of time, effort and money? There are poor conditions--there is no need to restudy it. When Council adopts the URA, they can decide what to do relative to which definitions of blight apply to the Foothills Mall. Member Campana does not want to create road blocks. He appreciates all that General Growth Properties has invested in the community and will continue to do. He does, however, think TIF funds should be used for redevelopment of the exterior and not on items such as HVAC and interior design. Member Smith read through the summary of existing condition survey findings and agrees with them. He believes the community should take the expert at their word—looking, specifc examples such as the loadingdocks and vehicular and pedestrian circulation for improve "eht. He P P em finds no fault with report and will not support the motion. Chair Lingle believes it's kind of the reverse. The more specific tfte items :elude, the more you set the bar on what should be mitigated in a redevelopment,.'17ye ta:the site s- traints— configuration of the site and the buildings, lowering the b2f=(being more focused �ecific improvements) you'd be more likely to meet your objectives. Wetzler noted there are a lot of things at the mall that do hot work.-:;.Until presented wit't 'riew ideas, he's confident in City Council's ability to evaluate and to deterrajndwhich action to take. He's more inclined to err on the side of accepting, approving and moving-ttforward. The motion passed 4:3. UPFTMMATIIII, ix4 Rh i : 'VET'c 40y,k �{ I ic, EIT µ; `I P 5 d" RESOLUTION 2007-052 OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS ADOPTING THE FOOTHILLS MALL EXISTING CONDITIONS SURVEY AND MAKING FINDINGS DETERMINING AN AREA WITHIN THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS TO BE A BLIGHTED AREA AND APPROPRIATE FOR INCLUSION IN AN URBAN RENEWAL PROJECT WHEREAS, the City of Fort Collins (the "City") has conducted a study and survey to determine whether conditions that constitute a blighted area, as defined in the Colorado Urban Renewal Law, sections 31-25-101, et sea., C.R.S. (the "Law") exist in the City of Fort Collins Foothills Mall Area; and WHEREAS, the results of said survey have been prepared and entitled the "Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Survey"dated May 15,2007,(the"Conditions Survey"),which includes maps, a description of existing conditions and numerous photographs; and WHEREAS,the Conditions Surveyhas been presented to the City Council for its review and consideration,which Conditions Survey shows that the area described in Section 3 of this Resolution qualifies as a blighted area as defined in the Law; and WHEREAS, on May 15, 2007, the City Council conducted a public hearing and reviewed said Conditions Survey pursuant to the procedural and notice requirements of the Law; and WHEREAS, notice of the public hearing on the Conditions Survey and the physical conditions found in the proposed urban renewal area was published as required by section 31-25- 107(3), C.R.S., at least thirty days prior to the public hearing; and WHEREAS, reasonable efforts have been made to provide written notice of the public hearing to each property owner,business, and resident of the area as described in Section 3 of this Resolution informing them of the public hearing at least thirty days prior to the public hearing; and WHEREAS, the City Council has considered the evidence presented in support of and in opposition to the Conditions Survey and staff recommendations and has also considered the legislative record and given appropriate weight to the evidence and has determined to adopt the Conditions Survey and find that the area described in Section 3 hereof is blighted. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS as follows: Section 1. That the Conditions Survey attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit "A", is hereby accepted and adopted. Section 2. That the City Council hereby finds,determines and declares that the following conditions exist in the area described in Section 3 below: • Slum, deteriorated, or deteriorating structures; • Unsanitary or unsafe conditions; • Deterioration of site or other improvements; • Unusual topography or inadequate public improvements or utilities; • Buildings that are unsafe or unhealthy for persons to live or work in because of buildingcode violations dilapidation, deterioration defective r c e design, physical construction, or faulty or inadequate facilities; • The existence of health, safety, or welfare factors requiring high levels of municipal services or substantial physical underutilization or vacancyof sites, buildings, or other improvements. Section 3. That the following described area is hereby found and declared to be a blighted area as defined in the Law and appropriate for inclusion in an urban renewal project pursuant to the Law. This is a finding by the City Council based upon the Conditions Survey and other evidence presented to City Council. The blighted area is described as follows: The Foothills Mall Urban Renewal Area is located in Section 25 of Township 7 North Range 69 West of the Sixth Principal Meridian,City of Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado, being more particularly described as follows; Commencing at the northwest corner of Lot 1 of the Plat of A Replat Of Tracts F,G, And J, And Vacated Service Road Southmoor Village, Fifth Filing, the said northwest corner being the TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING OF THIS DESCRIPTION; THENCE easterly,along the northerly line of the said Lot 1 and its easterly extension to the easterly Right of Way of Mathews Street; THENCE southerly along the said easterly Right of Way to the northerly line of Tract Seven of the Plat The Foothills Fashion Mall Expansion; Thence easterly along the said northerly line to the westerly line of Tract B of the Plat of The Foothills Fashion Mall Foley's Expansion; THENCE northerly along the said westerly line to the northerly line of the said Tract B; Thence easterly along the said northerly line and along the northerly line of Tract A of the said Plat of The Foothills Fashion Mall Foley's Expansion to the westerly Right of Way of Stanford Road; THENCE southerly along the said Right of Way to the northerly line of Tract Nine of the said Plat of The Foothills Fashion Mall Expansion; THENCE westerly along the said northerly line to the easterly Right of Way of Monroe Drive; -2- THENCE northerly along the said easterly Right of Way to the northerly Right of Way of the said Monroe Drive; THENCE westerly along the said northerly right of Way to the easterly Right of Way of South College Avenue; THENCE northerly along the said easterly Right of Way to the westerly extension of the southerly line of Tract D of the Plat of Southmoor Village 5' ; THENCE easterly along the said extended line and along the southerly line to the easterly line of the said Tract D; THENCE northerly along the said easterly line to the northerly line of the said Tract D; THENCE westerly along the said northerly line and its westerly extension to the said easterly Right of Way of South College Avenue; THENCE northerly along the said easterly Right of Way to the Point of Beginning; The Foothill Mall Urban Renewal Area is comprised of twelve(12)separate parcels. The legal descriptions for the twelve separate parcels were derived from the Larimer County Assessor's Office and are presented below: LOT 1, REPLAT TR 'F', 'G' & 7', AND VACATED SERVICE ROAD, SOUTHMOOR VILLAGE STH,FTC;LESS ROW PER 2001090658&2001090659 TR 1, THE FOOTHILLS FASHION MALL EXPANSION, FTC TR 2, THE FOOTHILLS FASHION MALL EXPANSION, FTC TR 3, THE FOOTHILLS FASHION MALL EXPANSION, FTC TR 7, THE FOOTHILLS FASHION MALL EXPANSION, FTC TR 8, THE FOOTHILLS FASHION MALL EXPANSION, FTC TR 10, THE FOOTHILLS FASHION MALL EXPANSION, FTC TR A, FOOTHILLS FASHION MALL FOLEY'S EXPANSION, FTC TR B, FOOTHILLS FASHION MALL FOLEY'S EXPANSION, FTC TR'E',ALSO POR VAC ST PER 1580-897, SOUTHMOOR VILLAGE STH,FTC Part of Tract T and Tract U and Part of the vacated road adjacent to said Tract U, Southmoor Village 5'Fort Collins,Described: Beginning at a point on the west line of the said Tract T, which bears South 01 degree 57 minutes 00 seconds East 7.19 feet, and again South 12 degrees 17 minutes 30 seconds West 180.10 feet from the Northwest corner of Tract T; Thence North 89 degrees 45 minutes 30 seconds East 243.55 feet to a point on the northerly line of East Monroe Drive; Thence South 51 -3- degrees 45 minutes 00 seconds West 231.73 feet; Thence along the arc of a 193.41 feet radius curve to the right, 127.73 feet,the long chord bears South 70 degrees 40 minutes 07 seconds West 125.42 feet; Thence South 89 degrees 35 minutes 15 seconds West 137.00 feet; Thence along the arc of a 15.00 feet radius curve to the right 23.56 feet the long chord bears North 45 degrees 24 minutes 45 seconds West 21.21 feet; Thence North 00 degrees 24 minutes 45 seconds West 169.17 feet; Thence North 89 degrees 45 minutes 30 seconds East 210.10 feet to the point of beginning. Part of Tract T, Southmoor Village 5' Fort Collins, Beginning at the Northwest corner of Tract T;Thence North 89 degrees 45 minutes 30 seconds East 227.00 feet; Thence South 74 degrees 54 minutes 00seconds East 170.06 feet; Thence South 00 degrees 14 minutes 30 seconds East 24.45 feet to a point on the north line of Monroe Drive; Thence along the said north line along the arc of a 301.32 feet radius curve to the left 124.25 feet, the long chord bears South 63 degrees 33 minutes 47 seconds West 123.37 feet; Thence South 51 degrees 45 minutes 00 seconds West 95.97 feet; Thence South 89 degrees 45 minutes 30 seconds West 243.55 feet; Thence North 12 degrees 17 minutes 30 seconds East 180.10 feet; Thence North 01 degrees 57 minutes 00 seconds West 7.19 feet to the point of beginning; Also a part of Tract U and a part of the vacated Frontage Road adjacent to Tract U whence beginning at the Northeast corner of Tract U; Thence South 01 degrees 57 minutes 00 seconds East 7.19 feet; Thence South 12 degrees 17 minutes 30 seconds West 180.10 feet; South 89 degrees 45 minutes 30 seconds West 210.10 feet to a point on the East right of way of South College Avenue;Thence North 00 degrees 24 minutes 45 seconds West 183.00 feet; Thence North 89 degrees 45 minutes 30 seconds East 249.52 feet to the Point of Beginning, Southmoor Village 5t°; Less the Foothills Fashion Mall Expansion, Fort Collins. Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held this 15th day of May, A.D. 2007. Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk -4- FOOTHILLS MALL EXISTING CONDITIONS SURVEY City of Fort Collins � ' "., � ,' � ' ,�.�s • �`i` � -� . • j•t as wv • ' :). it t ., C w � �� f w a. .4* 4 ;re l t [ ;•. 1• [ .IOweO[ M Ir Z .. . . I �, v' - '� `' �• 1 1. 1i� erg ` A• •�• - t IN �J a. .�. . . . 1.4�� i y � R tia. �� ?vim •.. May 15 , 2007 Preparcd by: Terrance Ware + Associates Table of Contents 1 . 0 Blight Survey Definition and Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2 . 0 Survey Methodology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 3 . 0 Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Survey Area Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 3 . 1 Survey Area Location and Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 3 .2 Existing Land Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 3 . 3 Existing Planning and Zoning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 4 . 0 Determination of Blight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 4 . 1 Slum, Deteriorated, or Deteriorating Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 4 . 2 Unsanitary or Unsafe Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 4 . 3 Deterioration of Site or Other Improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 4 . 4 Unusual Topography or Inadequate Public Improvements orUtilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 4 . 5 Buildings that are Unsafe or Unhealthy for Persons to Live orWork . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 4 . 6 The Existence of Health, Safety or Welfare Factors Requiring High Levels of Municipal Services or Substantial Physical Underutilization or Vacancy of Sites, Buildings or Other Improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 5 . 0 Summary of Findings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 4 6 .0 Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 7 Figures Figure 1 : Location Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Figure2 : Base Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Figure 3 : Zoning Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Figure 4 : Survey Area Findings Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Appendices Appendix I: Photo Inventory Sheets Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Survey — City of Fort Collins Terrance Tare Associates - 1 - 1 . 0 Blight Survey Definition and Scope The determination that an area constitutes a "blighted area" is a cumulative conclusion, attributable to the presence of several physical, environmental, social, and economic factors. Blight is attributable to a multiplicity of conditions which, in combination, tend to accelerate the deterioration of an area. For the purposes of this survey, the pertinent portion of the definition of a blighted area is articulated in the Colorado Urban Renewal Law (the "Act"), Colorado Revised Statute 31 -25 - 103 (2), as follows : A "blighted" area means " . . . an area that, in its present condition and use and, by reason of the presence of at least four of the following factors, substantially impairs or arrests the sound growth of the municipality, retards the provision of housing accommodations, or constitutes an economic or social liability, and is a menace to the public health, safety, morals or welfare: a. Slum, deteriorated, or deteriorating structures; b. Predominance of defective or inadequate street layout; c. Faulty lot layout in relation to size, adequacy, accessibility, or usefulness; d. Unsanitary or unsafe conditions; e. Deterioration of site or other improvements; f. Unusual topography or inadequate public improvements or utilities. g. Defective or unusual conditions of title rendering the title non-marketable; h. The existence of conditions that endanger life or property by fire and other causes; i. Buildings that are unsafe or unhealthy for persons to live or work in because of building code violations, dilapidation, deterioration, defective design, physical construction, or faulty or inadequate facilities; j. Environmental contamination of buildings or property; k. 5. The existence of health, safety, or welfare factors requiring high levels of municipal services or substantial physical underutilization or vacancy of sites, buildings or other improvements; or 1. If there is no objection by the property owner or owners and the tenant or tenants of such owner or owners, if any, to the inclusion of such property in any urban renewal area, "blighted also means an area that in its present condition and use and, by reason of the presence of any one of the factors specified in paragraphs (a) to (k. 5) of this subsection (2), substantially impairs or arrests the sound growth of the municipality, retards the provision of housing accommodations, or constitutes an economic or social liability, and is a menace to the public health, safety, morals or welfare. For purposes of this paragraph (1), the fact that an owner of an interest in such property does not object to the inclusion of such property in the urban renewal area does not mean that the owner has waived any rights of such owner in connection with laws governing condemnation. Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Survey — City of Fort Collins Terrance Tare Associates - 2 - Several legal principles have been developed by Colorado courts to guide the determination of whether an area constitutes a blighted area under the Colorado Urban Renewal Law. The absence of widespread violation of building and health codes does not, by itself, preclude a finding of blight. The presence of one well maintained building does not defeat a determination that an area constitutes a blighted area. An authority' s determination as to whether an area is blighted . . . . is a legislative question and the scope of review by the judiciary is restricted. The principle purpose of determining blight and the related urban renewal plan and programs and/or projects of redevelopment is to eliminate blight or to prevent the spread of blight and/or the further deterioration of blighted areas (Sec . 31 -25 - 107(4 . 5) CRS) . Thus, the determination of blight (and the application of blight factors) is for an area; blight need not be present (in fact it would be atypical to find blight) on every property, building, street, public improvement, or utility. For an area to be termed "blighted" the law does not specify the degree of deterioration or precise percentage of obsolescence of blight factors since the combination and effects of such things are highly variable from one urban renewal plan area to the next. The purpose of this Existing Conditions Survey is to assist the Fort Collins City Council in deciding whether the study area constitutes a "blighted area" as defined in the CRS 31 -25 - 103 (2) . Terrance Ware Associates were retained by the City of Fort Collins to conduct an independent survey of the Foothills Mall area and to determine if it constitutes a blighted area as defined above . Based upon the conditions existing in the survey area, this document will make a recommendation as to whether the survey area contains the characteristics of a blighted area. The actual determination itself remains the responsibility of the Fort Collins City Council . Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Survey — City of Fort Collins Terrance Tare Associates - 3 - 2 . 0 Survey Methodology An important objective of this survey is to obtain and evaluate data, where possible, on a wide range of physical and non-physical conditions present in the survey area. Data was collected from various public agencies and field research was conducted on these various topics : parcel and ownership patterns and history; traffic, circulation and parking; utilities ; street, building, and site conditions ; land use ; environmental conditions ; and compliance with the City of Fort Collins ' s City Plan and City ordinances. Supplemental information was sought from various professionals and public agencies concerning the conditions of public facilities, services, and issues in the survey area. Several variables have been considered, as required by the state statutes . The Existing Conditions Survey is divided into several tasks as follows : Task 1 : Collect base data associated with the project and research, as well as prepare base maps of, existing conditions for the Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Survey area. Task 2 : Conduct interviews with individuals from various departments within the City of Fort Collins and Larimer County. Task 3 : Conduct field surveys to determine if conditions of blight, as defined in the Act, exist in the survey area. Task 4 : Document survey findings in graphic and report forms, and present the findings as required by the signed contract. Information for this survey has been gathered from four principal sources : ■ Examination of existing reports and records of the City of Fort Collins and other public and quasi-public agencies; ■ Interviews with existing staff of General Growth Properties, owners and operators of the Foothills Mall; ■ Interviews with existing and former staff in various operating departments of the City of Fort Collins and Larimer County; and ■ A comprehensive field investigation of conditions in the survey area . Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Survey — City of Fort Collins Terrance Tare Associates - 4 - 3 .0 Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Survey Area Description 3. 1 Survey Area Location and Boundaries The survey area is located within the City of Fort Collins which is part of Larimer County, Colorado . Fort Collins is located approximately 60 miles north of Denver and adjacent to the communities of Tin-math, Windsor, and Loveland. The Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Survey area is a rectangular shaped area of approximately 72-acres, bounded by East Swallow Road on the north, Stanford Road on the east, South College Avenue on the west and the extension of Monroe Drive on the south (see Figure 1 ) . The topography of the area gently slopes to the east. No major landforms or grades are present within the area. Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Survey — City of Fort Collins Terrance Tare Associates - 5 - rroposea r- oomms mail W+ E s Urban Renewal Area M1 inch equals 350feet DEL CLAIR RD G O Z 6 � w ❑ � a � a 4 C� 61 0 W SWALLOW RD E SWALLOW RD o ❑ C C� a z p 0 �o � o N DR w U O U N E HORSETOOTH RD Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Survey — City of Fort Collins Terrance Tare Associates - 6 - 3 .2 Existing Land Use The Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Survey area is composed primarily of commercial, retail, and office uses. Single-family, duplexes, and multi-family residential structures front on Swallow Road, but are not included in the study area boundaries . The Foothills Mall is the predominate structure in the study area - surrounded by several pad buildings containing one or more retail, restaurant, and/or office users . The Mall opened in the fall of 1973 and has been expanded twice — in 1980 and again in 1989 . Currently, the land area is approximately 100% developed (see Figure 2) . 393 Existing Planning and Zoning 3 . 3 . 1 Existing Planning The 2004 Fort Collins City Plan - Comprehensive Plan (the Plan) is the applicable land use policy for the area. The Foothills Mall lies within an area identified on the Structure Plan map as a Community Commercial District (CCD) which the Plan describes as : a " . . . hub of high frequency transit system offering retail, offices, services, small civic uses, and higher density housing. The physical environment will promote walking, bicycling, transit use, and ridesharing, as well as provide a high quality urban life for residents . Vertical mixed-use (multi-story buildings) will be encouraged with housing and/or offices located above ground- floor retail and services . The Foothills Mall is also identified in City Plan as a "Targeted Redevelopment Area. " A targeted redevelopment area is a part of the city where general agreement exists that redevelopment is beneficial. A major goal of City Plan is to increase the economic activity in a targeted redevelopment area and, where necessary, provide a stimulus to redevelop. The City of Fort Collins Land Use Code (the Code) is the applicable regulation for the study area, including the Zoning Ordinance and the Site Development Standards . Some of the Code ' s standards pertaining to the study area include : screening trash and mechanical equipment, placement of street lighting, placement of electric and communication utilities, compliance with ADA Standards, and the use of conforming signage in the area. 3 . 3 .2 Existing Zoning The zoning map provided shows zoning in the Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Survey area (see Figure 3 ) . Currently, the study area is zoned in the Commercial Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Survey — City of Fort Collins Terrance Tare Associates - 7 - FORT COLLINS Foothills Mall W SWALLOW RD - ESWALLOW RD _ .E 1 7� - Er eL�f it y6i z1i . � . p1F ;, I bow will 6 . dor ow Cp V✓, / - Q' W FOOTHILLS PRWY _ -itlerR< '> ' 1000 IF •. i lie wwP y i 0 jr XN, to < .� n Am 4' ' E YOM f . . . 0 :k m „ JL PoMORROE DR ^ 4: Y E^ _ - � ' � Af « it q io, A 1 r �. at W 14ORSETOOTH RO - i Jo r ' - E HORSETOcm" A • I tomato, i3 �%a " 3 FJ 41, Existing Conditions Survcy Figure 2: Survey Area Boundaries nN 0 150 300 600 A . , . . ,, Feet Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Survey — City of Fort Collins Terrance mare Associates - 8 - FORT COLLINS Foothills Mall RL t t t r C MMN wrwnn of -=MAE- 3 N KYff.00M f0 [uOlt[IO�Iu u� ® Existing Conditions Survey L•gepticelfwth Parcel WrMer City ZOWng OWrdumDfmtyMnfE-Ule %mghEoncco FIGURE 3: ZONING N C ifv of Ioff Cullim Cfnwa Twcfi - Cam l _ low pfmty ResAfmui ��C �C 4�F F881 Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Survey — City of Fort Collins Terrance Tare Associates - 9 - District (C) . The Commercial District is intended to be a setting for development, redevelopment, and infill of a wide range of community and regional retail uses, offices, and personal and business services . Secondarily, it can accommodate a wide range of other uses including creative forms of housing. While some Commercial District areas may continue to meet the need for auto-related and other auto-oriented uses, it is the City ' s intent that the Commercial District for the Mall area emphasize safe and convenient personal mobility in many forms, with planning and design that accommodates pedestrians . The zoning permits a wide variety of uses including : civic, public, institutional, residential, office, and retail uses . Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Survey — City of Fort Collins Terrance lure Associates - 10 - 4 . 0 Determination of Blight The significant findings of the Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Survey area are presented in this section. This evaluation is based on an analysis of documents and reports, interviews, and several field surveys conducted in July and August 2006 and, January 2007 . Each parcel and building along with all public improvements within the survey area were evaluated and deficiencies noted. The purpose of this Existing Conditions Survey is to determine whether conditions of blight as defined by the Act, exist in the survey area. The following standards were applied to aid the consideration of structures and improvements : Standard, Sound These buildings or sites contain no or relatively minor defects, are adequately maintained and require no treatment outside of normal ongoing maintenance . Substandard, Minor Deficiencies These buildings or sites contain deficiencies which require minor/major repairs to secondary structural elements, such as fascia/soffits, gutter/downspouts, exterior finishes, windows, doors, stairwells and fire escapes . Sites with surface pavement deterioration of 25 -75 % of the survey area are considered minor deficiencies . These types of deficiencies might possibly be corrected through normal maintenance, however, replacement or rebuilding of components by people skilled in the building trades is recommended. Substandard, Major Deficiencies These buildings or sites contain major defects over a widespread area and would be difficult to correct through normal maintenance. Buildings in the major deficiency category would require replacement or rebuilding of components by people skilled in the building trades . Sites with surface pavement deterioration of 75 % or more of the survey area are considered major deficiencies . The following conditions were observed in the survey area, and the factors that contribute to the blight conditions are described below. They are not listed in order of importance . Representative photos showing blight conditions in the Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Survey area are provided in Appendix I. Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Survey — City of Fort Collins Terrance bare Associates 4. 1 Slum, Deteriorated, or Deteriorating Structures Within the Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Survey area, all of the structures show evidence of minor deterioration. Most of the structures have deteriorating exterior finishes, caused by weathering and a lack of maintenance . Exterior walls, facades, and fencing require painting, trim repair, and/or tile replacement. The Mall building(s) itself and the majority of the pad buildings have signs of major building deficiencies, both exterior and interior. This includes primarily major building infrastructure components such as HVAC, lighting, gas, electrical, sanitary sewer, drainage, fire protection and telecommunication facilities . These issues are shared by many of the pad buildings surrounding the Mall as well. The costs of repairing or replacing the building systems are greater than the value of the buildings resulting in economic obsolescence and general deterioration of the site and area. 4.2 Unsanitary or Unsafe Conditions There were many examples of this factor. Several of the properties lack sufficient lighting around the building and surrounding parking and access areas . Weeds, trash, and other debris were present in the survey area. Drainage facilities lack adequate capacity. This includes curb and gutters, culverts, and drainage channels which are needed to convey stormwater away from the existing facilities . These factors have resulted in the deterioration of the paved areas as well as created hazards for pedestrian movement throughout the study area. During winter months, these areas freeze creating hazardous situations for vehicular travel. Sidewalks are missing along College Avenue and other sidewalk segments are inadequate in size and condition, failing to meet ADA standards. Pedestrian facilities connecting the outparcels and the Mall are non-existent leaving pedestrians to navigate the haphazard parking lot and drives between these uses . Loading areas extend into drive aisles and onto sidewalks . This creates on-going hazardous situations for pedestrian circulation. Elevation changes in the Mall's interior create potential hazardous slip and fall situations, and are difficult for the elderly and disabled to navigate due to the unusual angles and slopes on stairs and ramps . Vandalism, crimes against property, auto theft, and graffiti have increased dramatically over the previous two years . This may be attributable to inadequate lighting and distribution of parking facilities in isolated locations, and a loss of tenants and activity on-site due to the increase vacancies . Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Survey — City of Fort Collins Terrance lure Associates - 12 - 4.3 Deterioration of Site or Other Improvements Deferred maintenance is the most common cause of site deterioration within the study area. This includes neglect of landscaping, and vacant areas, exterior finishes of existing structures, parking lot surfacing, and business signage. Several buildings within the study area have graffiti on at least one exterior surface. Several of the buildings within the study area have unscreened trash disposals and service areas . Drainage on the 72-acre parcel is highly inadequate . There are only six drains to facilitate drainage for the entire property . This causes significant back ups often resulting in flooding during heavy rainstorms . On the south side of the Mall from the Wells Fargo/Mall intersection to the JC Penney building a small river forms creating vehicle and individual safety concerns . Water routinely expands eight feet across the walkway six to eight inches in depth. 4A Unusual Topography or Inadequate Public Improvements or Utilities There is lack of sufficient lighting, adequate sidewalks, and drainage facilities . In addition, most of the site infrastructure including drainage, irrigation, water, sanitary and storm systems are nearing the end of their life cycle and are in need of replacement. 4.5 Buildings that are Unsafe or Unhealthy for Persons to Live or Work A number of instances of poor or unsafe ingress/egress were noted, where building exits place occupants directly into the vehicular path in alleys . Also, several buildings fail to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for ingress and egress . The building systems are nearing the end of their life cycle and are in need of replacement as many of the systems are obsolete and unable to be repaired because parts are no longer available. This includes all basic HVAC, plumbing, and electrical components . 4.6 The Existence of Health, Safety or Welfare Factors Requiring High Levels of Municipal Services or Substantial Physical Underutilization or Vacancy of Sites , Buildings, or Other Improvements. Several interior tenant spaces are vacant or underutilized, as are several pad sites around the Mall. This is due to the growing physical obsolescence of the Mall building and physical constraints to redevelopment of the site . The underutilization of these properties leads to reduced revenues and subsequent reduced investment. Over time this will cause deterioration of the site and buildings as the costs exceed revenue. Increased vandalism and crime result in greater police services . Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Survey — City of Fort Collins Terrance lure Associates - 13 - Summary of Findings It is the conclusion and recommendation of this survey that the Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Survey area, in its present condition and use, is a blighted area as defined in Colorado Revised Statute / 31 -25 - 103 (2) . By reason of the presence of numerous factors identified in Section 103 (2) of the Urban Renewal Law and discussed above in Chapter 4, the survey area substantially impairs or arrests the sound growth of the City of Fort Collins, retards the provision of housing accommodations, constitutes an economic or social liability, and is a menace to the public health, safety, morals, and welfare. While some properties in the survey area are in standard or sound condition, deteriorated and substandard conditions are prevalent throughout the area. It should be noted that this conclusion is for the survey area as a whole and is not based on separate individual properties. As described in this survey, conditions existing in the survey area constitute at least four of the factors or incidents indicative of a blighted area. The conclusion of this survey is based on the following summaries of the six blighted conditions found in the survey area and described previously in this report: 1 . Slum, Deteriorated, or Deteriorating Structures . Deterioration of structures, deterioration of exterior finishes, and major exterior and interior building deficiencies within the survey area. 2 . Unsanitary or Unsafe Conditions. Pavement deterioration, accumulation of weeds, trash, and debris, vacant structures and tenant spaces, poor site drainage, elevation changes within the structure, and poor site lighting. 3 . Deterioration of Site or Other Improvements . Obsolesce of site infrastructure and building systems (electrical, water, telecommunications, drainage, etc . ) contribute to the overall deterioration of the site. 4. Unusual Topo�_ raphy or Inadequate Public Improvements or Utilities . Inadequate sidewalks, parking, roadways vehicular, drainage facilities, sanitary and storm systems, and utilities . 5 . Buildings that are Unsafe or Unhealthy. Poor and unsafe ingress and egress at several buildings within the survey area is present. Major building systems in need of repair or replacement due to deterioration or capacity. Vandalism and property crimes also occur within the survey area. 6 . The Existence of Health, Safety or Welfare Factors Requiring High Levels of Municipal Services or Substantial Physical Underutilization or Vacancy of Sites, Buildings or Other Improvements . Several interior tenant spaces are vacant or underutilized, as are several pad sites around the mall . This is due to the growing Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Survey — City of Fort Collins Terrance lure Associates - 14 - physical obsolescence of the mall building and physical constraints to redevelopment of the site. Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Survey — City of Fort Collins Terrance lure Associates - 15 - FORT COLLINS Foothills Mall ps } 1 , DEL GLAIR RD � + �v7•� OA lks? , I - . r Ile Sit AP z 1 pp ir IL Loading area&eaten ✓ ! drive langra siclga� . s �� 4 °o � .%; N Building • 414P , 1 S constrai to TNILLS PKWY > 17' /'`. configL io t RL ic 1 ' N r•}" Mi ; sin <idP •alk ` . �f _--IS / pl'T K r 41 it\W %� .'. r� 1 ' v t ' . •t _ o i . � ' , .. ► tea_ ` Et • . • h ! MONROE OR r Poorly defifled circtila#P its •I • r +< ; t le 7V MfiNNOr DN• I • � L �1 r • u • Y• ` � 1 � � ' MINE 41 Ito 1 .• , 1t,. ..� fly — . ..t ` I , i.� pti`- t Alf qA 1971ORSETDOT RD - — w — EKORGETOOr1YtD A4I : _ it 1 Existing Conditions Survey Figure 4: Survey Finding Examples n(v ritynt Fon Collin. 0 150 300 600 A (wavAl-ku 1•In,•uilt, Feet Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Su1Vey — City of Fort Collins Terrance Dare Associates - 16 - 6.0 Sources City of Fort Collins, 2003 City Plan, City of Fort Collins, Municipal land Use Code, City of Fort Collins, Website, http : //www.fcgov. com/ Kimberly Straw, AICP, City Planner, Urban Renewal Authority Cynthia Eichler, General Manager, Foothills Mall, General Growth Properties, Inc. Paul Brown, Operations Manager, Foothills Mall Lori Frank, City of Fort Collins Police Department Doug Martine, City of Fort Collins Electric Project Engineering Supervisor Marsha Hines-Robinson, City of Fort Collins Floodplain Administrator Jon Cowling, Assessors Office, Larimer County Jeremy Reese, Sales Tax Manager Terrance Ware Associates Field Surveys, July and August 2006 ; January 2007 . Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Survey — City of Fort Collins Terrance lure Associates - 17 - Appendices I . Photo Inventory Sheets Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Survey — City of Fort Collins Terrance bare Associates A1212endix I Photo Inventory Sheets 4A Unsanitary or Unsafe Conditions 4.8 Inadequate Public Improvements or Utilities Lack of pedestrian facilities along College Avenue. 4.4 Unsanitary or Unsafe Conditions Lack of definition of vehicular routes or pedestrian facilities in parking areas . Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Survey — City of Fort Collins Terrance Vare Associates - 19 - , r ram , a _ ` Y - r j ' v n 43FaultyLot Layout Lot size and shape constrain development of the site. Parking facilities, vehicular and pedestrian facilities are impacted by the lot size and configuration. The configuration of mall on this sit, and the sites size create these conditions . 4.4 Unsanitary or Unsafe Conditions The lack of adequate loading facilities impacts the safety of vehicles and pedestrians. rt NFF Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Survey — City of Fort Collins Terrance lure Associates - 21 - 4.4 Unsanitary or Unsafe Conditions Drainage and access are poor throughout the study area. 43 Deterioration of Site or Other Improvements Deferred maintenance is the most common cause of site deterioration within the Study Area. Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Survey — City of Fort Collins Terrance Tare Associates - 22 - RESOLUTION 2007-053 OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS MAKING FINDINGS AND APPROVING THE URBAN RENEWAL PLAN FOR THE FOOTHILLS MALL WHEREAS, by Resolution 2007-052, the City Council has found and declared the area described in said Resolution (the "Area") to be a blighted area as defined in the Colorado Urban Renewal Law, Sections 31-25-101, et sea., C.R.S. (the "Law"), and appropriate for inclusion in an urban renewal project; and WHEREAS,it is desirable and in the public interest that the City's Urban Renewal Authority (the "Authority") undertake the urban renewal activities described in the Foothills Mall Urban Renewal Plan(the "Plan"),which Plan is attached hereto as Exhibit"A" and by this reference made a part hereof; and WHEREAS, approval of the Plan will facilitate the elimination and prevention of blighted areas and promote the redevelopment, conservation, and rehabilitation of the Area; and WHEREAS, on May 15, 2007, the City Council conducted a public hearing and reviewed the Plan pursuant to the procedural and notice requirements of the Law; and WHEREAS, notice of the public hearing on the Plan was published as required by Section 31-25-107(3), C.R.S., at least thirty days prior to the public hearing; and WHEREAS, reasonable efforts have been taken to provide written notice of the public hearing to each property owner, business, and resident of the Area included in the Plan informing them of the public hearing at least thirty days prior to the public hearing; and WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Board has considered the Plan and made its recommendation as required by the Law; and WHEREAS, the City Council has considered the evidence presented in support of and in opposition to the Plan,the Conditions Survey,the Planning and Zoning Board recommendation and staffs recommendation and has considered the legislative record and given appropriate weight to the evidence and has determined to approve the Plan. NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS as follows: Section 1. That the Area described in the Plan is hereby found,determined and declared to be a blighted area as defined in the Law. This is a finding by the City Council based upon the Conditions Survey and other evidence presented to City Council at a public hearing. Section 2. That the boundaries of the Area described in the Plan have been drawn as narrowly as is feasible to accomplish the planning and development objectives of the Plan. Section 3. That the Plan has been submitted to the Board of County Commissioners of Larimer County,Colorado,together with the information required by Section 31-25-107(3.5)of the Law. Section 4. That the Poudre School District has been permitted to participate in an advisory capacity with respect to the inclusion in the Plan of the tax allocation provisions authorized by Section 31-25-107(9) of the Law. Section 5. That the Plan meets the requirements of Section 31-25-105.5(2)of the Law, and that the Authority is authorized to acquire any interest in property by any manner available, including,without limitation,by exercise of the power of eminent domain under the following terms and conditions and any other requirements of any applicable law. The decision by the City Council to authorize the use of eminent domain is based on its finding that the Area is a blighted area as defined in the Law. (a) The activities and undertakings that constitute the Project described in the Plan shall be commenced no later than seven years from the effective date of this Resolution. (b) Not later than the commencement of the negotiation of an agreement for redevelopment or rehabilitation of property acquired or to be acquired by eminent domain, the Authority must provide notice and invite proposals for redevelopment or rehabilitation from all property owners, residents, and owners of business concerns located on the property acquired or to be acquired by eminent domain in the Area by mailing notice to their last known address of record. The Authority may also at the same time invite proposals for redevelopment or rehabilitation from other interested persons who may not be property owners,owners of business concerns,or residents within the Area, and may provide notice thereof by publication in a newspaper having a general circulation within the City. (c) In the case of a set of parcels to be acquired by the Authority in connection with the Project, at least one of which is owned by an owner refusing or rejecting an agreement for the acquisition of the entire set of parcels, the Authoritymust make a determination that the redevelopment or rehabilitation of the remaining parcels is not viable under the Plan without the parcel at issue. (d) Acquisition of any property by eminent domain shall be for the purpose of preventing or eliminating conditions ofblight without regard to the economic performance of the property to be acquired. -2- (e) Prior to exercising the power of eminent domain to transfer acquired property to a private party as authorized in accordance with the Law, the Authority shall adopt relocation assistance and land acquisition policies to benefit displaced persons that are consistent with those set forth in Article 56 of Title 24,C.R.S.,to the extent applicable to the facts of each specific property,and, at the time of the relocation of the owner or the occupant, shall provide compensation or other forms of assistance to any displaced person in accordance with such policies. In addition,in the case of a business concern displaced by the acquisition of property by eminent domain, the Authority shall make a business interruption payment to the business concern not to exceed the lesser of$10,000 or one-fourth of the average annual taxable income shown on the three most recent federal income tax returns of the business concern. (f) In any case where the acquisition of property by eminent domain by the Authority displaces individuals,families,or business concerns,the Authority shall make reasonable efforts to relocate such individuals, families, or business concerns within the Area, where such relocation is consistent with the uses provided in the Plan, or in areas within reasonable proximity of, or comparable to,the original location of such individuals,families,or business concerns. Section 6. That the Plan meets the requirements of the Law and the principal public purpose for adoption of the Plan is to facilitate redevelopment of the Area in order to eliminate or prevent the spread of a physically blighted area as defined in the Law. Section 7. That to the extent that any relocation of individuals and families will be required in connection with the Plan, a feasible method exists for the relocation of individuals and families in decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling accommodations within their means and without undue hardship to such individuals and families. Section 8. That to the extent that any relocation of business concerns will be required in connection with the Plan,a feasible method exists for the relocation of such business concerns in the Area or in other areas that are not generally less desirable with respect to public utilities and public and commercial facilities. Section 9. That the City Council has taken reasonable efforts to provide written notice of the public hearing prescribed by Section 31-25-107(3) of the Law to all property owners, residents, and owners of business concerns in the Area at their last known addresses at least thirty days prior to the public hearing on the Plan. Section10. That Section 31-25-107(4)(d)of the Lawdoes not apply because no more than 120 days have passed since the commencement of the only public hearing on the Plan. -3- Section 11. That Section 31-25-107(4)(e) of the Law does not apply because the City Council did not fail to previously approve the Plan. Section 12. That the Plan conforms with "City Plan", which is the general plan for the development of the City as a whole, and that the Council expressly adopts the provisions contained in Section 6 of the Plan,pertaining to conformance with"City Plan"and particularly,the"City Plan" principles and policies contained in said Section 6. Section 13. That the Plan will afford maximum opportunity, consistent with the sound needs of the municipality as a whole, for the rehabilitation or redevelopment of the Area described in the Plan by private enterprise. Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held this 15th day of May,A.D. 2007. Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk -4- FOOTHILLS MALL Urban Renewal Plan City of Fort Collins Prepared for : City of Fort Collins and Fort Collins Urban Renewal Authority May 15 , 2007 Foothills Mall Urban Renewal Plan 1 Table of Contents 1 . Preface and Intent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 2 . Finding of " Blight " . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 3 . Plan Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Foothills Mall Redevelopment Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 05 4 . Renewal Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 5 . Development Standards and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 6 . Conformance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 UrbanRenewal Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 CityPlan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 IN ve 7 . Project Financing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Property Tax Increment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 10 SalesTax Increment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Tax Increment Reimbursement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 8 . Modifications to the Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 9 . Reasonable Variations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Appendix A - Legal Descriptions Foothills Mall Urban Renewal Plan 2 1 . Preface and Intent The Foothills Mall Urban Renewal Plan ( Plan ) is an Urban Renewal Plan prepared for the Fort Collins Urban Renewal Authority ( Authority ) and the City of Fort Collins ( the City ) , pursuant to the provisions of the Urban Renewal Law , Colo . Rev . Stat . § § 31 - 25 - 101 et seq . ( Urban Renewal Law ) . Terms used in the Plan have the same meaning as in the Urban Renewal Law . The jurisdictional boundaries of the Authority are the same as the boundaries of the City . Within the City boundaries there may be one or more urban renewal areas . This Plan describes the framework for certain public undertakings constituting urban renewal projects and other authorized activities under the Urban Renewal Law in the Foothills Mall area , located in the City of Fort Collins , Larimer County , Colorado . The boundary of the area to which this Plan applies generally includes those properties located within the area generally bounded by : ■ East Swallow Road residences ( rear property lines ) on the north , ■ East Monroe Drive on the south , ■ Stanford Road on the east , and ■ South College Avenue on the west . The plan area is depicted on the Boundary Map located at the end of this document . The legal descriptions of the perimeter boundary and the twelve parcels within the Plan area are attached hereto as Appendix A . This Plan was prepared for adoption by the City Council in recognition that this Renewal Area requires a coordinated , cooperative strategy , with financing possibilities , to eliminate blight and prevent the spread of blight , and accomplish the City 's development objectives for improving the continued viability of the mall and surrounding retail areas . The Plan effort was originated in response to a request by the current owner of the Foothills Mall , General Growth Properties . The mall originally opened in the fall of 1973 and has undergone expansions in 1980 and again in 1989 , but has experienced declining sales and increasing vacancies in recent years with increasing competition from larger and newer retail ventures in Northern Colorado . The recent loss of two major anchor stores , Mervyn 's and JCPenney , at the mall has left larger areas of un - and under- utilized retail space , parking areas , and other areas that are contributing to the escalating blight on the mall properties . Foothills Mall Urban Renewal Plan 3 The driving interest in the establishment of this Plan is to offer tax increment financing as a tool to stimulate and leverage private sector development and redevelopment , to help eliminate blight , and to prevent the spread of blight . Development and redevelopment in the area is anticipated to occur in the near future , with the potential for URA financing to provide the impetus and means to undertake this redevelopment at a faster pace than might occur otherwise . 2 . Finding of " Blight "I Based on the evidence presented at a public hearing , and in the Foothills Mall Existing Conditions Survey , dated May 15 , 2007 , the City Council , by Resolution 2007 - , made a finding that the Renewal Area was " blighted " as defined by the Urban Renewal Law , by the existence of the following six factors : ■ Slum , deteriorated , or deteriorating structures ; ■ unsanitary or unsafe conditions ; ■ deterioration of site or other improvements ; ■ unusual topography or inadequate public improvements or utilities ■ buildings that are unsafe or unhealthy ; ■ the existence of health , safety , or welfare factors requiring high levels of municipal services or substantial physical underutilization or vacancy of sites , buildings , or other improvements The City Council also found that these factors , taken together, substantially impair the sound growth of the City , constitute an economic and social liability , and are a menace to the public heath , safety and welfare of the community . Based on evidence of the " blighted " factors , the Renewal Area is appropriate for authorized activities of the Authority pursuant to the Urban Renewal Law . 3 . Plan Objectives The overall objective of this Plan is to remedy blight and prevent the spread of blight by assisting implementation of the relevant provisions contained in the following documents : ■ City Plan (The City of Fort Collins Comprehensive Plan) ■ Fort Collins Infill Infrastructure Report ■ City of Fort Collins Master Transportation Plan ■ City of Fort Collins Economic Action Plan To do this , this Plan is intended to stimulate private sector development in and around the Renewal Area . A combination of private investment and Urban Foothills Mall Urban Renewal Plan 4 Renewal Authority financing will assist progress toward the following additional objectives : ■ To address and remedy conditions in the area that impair or arrest the sound growth of the city ■ To implement the Comprehensive Plan and its related elements ■ To redevelop and rehabilitate the area in a manner which is compatible with and complementary to unique circumstances in the area ■ To effectively utilize undeveloped and underdeveloped land ■ To improve pedestrian , bicycle , vehicular, and transit - related circulation and safety ■ To ultimately contribute to increased revenues for all taxing entities ■ To encourage the voluntary rehabilitation of buildings , improvements , and conditions ■ To watch for market and / or project opportunities to eliminate blight , and when such opportunities exist , to take action within the financial , legal and political limits of the Authority to acquire land , demolish and remove structures , provide relocation benefits , and pursue redevelopment , improvement and rehabilitation projects . Foothills Mall Redevelopment Objectives The primary focus of the redevelopment efforts at Foothills Mall will be to replace the two vacant anchor tenants , update the common areas of the mall , and provide new offerings that are more in line with the demands of today 's consumers . The redevelopment efforts can be broken into seven distinct areas that will be completed as obstacles to the program are overcome and market forces dictate . The seven areas can be roughly described as follows : 1 , replacement of Mervyn 's with a future anchor tenant , 2m replacement of JC Penney with a future mini - anchor tenant , I an update of the interior common area of the mall , 4n addition of an exterior facing streetscape along Foothills Parkway , 5 . redevelopment of the Shops at Foothills , 6 . redevelopment of the former Perkins site , and 7 . redevelopment of The Plaza at Foothills . The existing Mervyn 's building is contemplated to be replaced by a 2 - story 150 , 000 square foot Anchor tenant in roughly the same location as the former Mervyn 's . This will allow Foothills Mall to attract a higher end anchor than the current single - story 75 , 000 square foot building allows for . The Current JC Penney location will be replaced with a single - story mini - anchor of approximately 50 , 000 square feet in a significantly different configuration than the current JC Penney store . This will again allow Foothills Mall to attract the best possible tenant for this Foothills Mall Urban Renewal Plan 5 location and also allow for improved parking and traffic circulation by eliminating a pinch point between the corner of the existing JC Penney building and the ring road . The existing interior common areas of the mall will also be upgraded to reflect current standards for a first class shopping center . The final piece of the mall itself will be the addition of a two - story 40 , 000 square foot mini - anchor and 26 , 500 square feet of exterior facing restaurants and retail shops in a streetscape facing Foothills Parkway . This will allow Foothills Mall to accommodate those tenants who will only accept exterior locations with immediate access to parking . The former Perkins building will be demolished and rebuilt in a configuration to provide both better access and visibility for future tenants . This location will be marketed to both single use and multi - tenant food offerings . Both the Shops at Foothills to the north and the Plaza at Foothills to the south will be the subjects of future redevelopment plans with a focus on providing the best possible retail offerings and improving connectivity to the central core of Foothills Mall . The overall vision for Foothill Mall , upon completion of all redevelopment activities , is to create a first class shopping and dining destination that will function as one cohesive , pedestrian friendly site . 4 . Renewal Activities To support progress toward the objectives , the Authority may undertake any of the following renewal activities , as deemed appropriate for the elimination or prevention of blight factors within the renewal area , pursuant to the Urban Renewal Law : a . Public Improvements . The Authority may cause , finance , or facilitate the design , installation , construction , and reconstruction of public improvements in the Renewal Area . In order to promote the effective utilization of undeveloped and underdeveloped land in the Renewal Area , the Authority may , among other things , enter into financial or other agreements with the City of Fort Collins to provide the City with financial or other support in order to encourage or cause the City to invest funds for the improvement of storm drainage and street conditions and deficiencies in the Renewal Area . b . Purchase of Property . In the event that the Authority finds it necessary to purchase any real property for an urban renewal project to remedy blight factors pursuant to the Urban Renewal Law and this Plan , the Authority may do so by any legal means available , including the exercise of the power of eminent domain , pursuant to the Urban Renewal Law . If the power of eminent domain is to be exercised for the purpose of transfer of property to another private person or entity , the Authority 's decision whether to acquire Foothills Mall Urban Renewal Plan 6 the property through eminent domain shall be guided by the following criteria , with the understanding that these guidelines shall not be construed to constrain the Authority 's legal ability to exercise the power of eminent domain : ■ all requirements of the Urban Renewal Law , including eminent domain procedures , have been met ; ■ other possible alternatives have been thoroughly considered by the Authority ; ■ good faith negotiations by the Authority and / or the project developer have been rejected by the property owner ; ■ reasonable efforts have been undertaken to : ( a ) understand and address the property owner' s position and his or her desires for the property and for any existing business on the site , and ( b ) work with the owner to either include the owner in project planning or purchase the property and relocate the owner in accordance with the Urban Renewal Law on terms and conditions acceptable to the owner . c . Demolition . The Authority may provide for the demolition of existing development and clearance of sites as part of specific projects . d . Participation Agreements . The Authority may enter into participation agreements with property owners or developers in the renewal area to facilitate participation and assistance that the Authority may choose to provide to such owners or developers . These may include provisions regarding project planning , public improvements , financing , design , and any other matters allowed pursuant to the Urban Renewal Law . e . Relocation Assistance . It is not expected that the activities of the Authority will displace any person , family , or business . However , to the extent that in the future the Authority may purchase property causing displacement of any person , family , or business , it shall develop a relocation program to assist any such party in finding another location pursuant to the Urban Renewal Law , and provide relocation benefits consistent with the Urban Renewal Law . There shall be no displacement of any person or business without there being in place a relocation program , which program shall become a part of this Plan when adopted . f . Hiring . The Authority may employ consultants , agents , and employees , permanent and temporary , and it shall determine their qualifications , duties , and compensation . g . Legal Authority . The Authority may also exercise all other powers given to it under the Urban Renewal Law . Foothills Mall Urban Renewal Plan 7 5 . Development Standards and Procedures Development within the Renewal Area shall be designed and processed in accordance with the City of Fort Collins Land Use Code and other applicable standards , in the City 's standard development review procedures . 6 . Conformance URBAN RENEWAL LAW This Plan is in conformity with and subject to the applicable statutory requirements of the Urban Renewal Law . CITY PLAN The City 's adopted Comprehensive Plan , known as City Plan , describes desirable land use and transportation patterns , with goals and policies for those topics along with community appearance and design , the environment , open lands , housing , the economy , and growth management . Briefly summarized , the land use pattern envisioned by these plans for the Renewal Area is a retail and commercial hub , providing major shopping and service opportunities to the residents and visitors of the City of Fort Collins . The redevelopment envisioned includes a safe , efficient , and logical circulation pattern , including options for alternative modes of transportation as well are passenger vehicles ; significant exterior upgrades . This Plan is intended to provide mechanisms to facilitate implementation of City Plan , and therefore it is in direct conformance with City Plan . The following excerpts from City Plan highlight the linkage between City Plan and this Urban Renewal Plan . These are representative excerpts , and not an all - inclusive listing of relevant statements : ■ PRINCIPLE GM - 8 : The City will promote compatible infill and redevelopment in areas within the Growth Management Area boundary . ■ Policy GW8 . 1 Targeted Redevelopment / Infill . Redevelopment and infill development will be encouraged in targeted locations . The purpose of these areas is to channel growth where it will be beneficial and can best improve access to jobs , housing and services with fewer and shorter auto trips . These targeted areas Foothills Mall Urban Renewal Plan 8 are parts of the city where general agreement exists that development or redevelopment is beneficial . A major goal is to increase economic activity in the area to benefit existing residents and businesses and , where necessary , provide the stimulus to redevelop . These areas should be defined from City Plan , Subarea Plans , Zoning and locational criteria such as : a . Underutilized land b . Areas already undergoing positive change , which is expected to continue c . Areas where infrastructure capacity exists d . Areas where public investment is warranted from a policy perspective e . Areas with special opportunities , such as where major public or private investment is already planned f . Transportation opportunities : • Along travel corridors • Along enhanced travel corridors ■ Policy GM - 8 . 4 Remedy Infrastructure Deficiencies . The City will consider opportunities to selectively correct infrastructure deficiencies in targeted areas , such as storm drainage and streets , so that infill development or redevelopment does not pay an infrastructure " penalty " to remedy past problems in existing developed areas . ■ Policy GM - 8 . 5 Public Investment . The City will consider opportunities , and the costs and benefits for targeted public investment in order to encourage redevelopment and infill development in appropriate locations . ■ Policy ECON - 1 . 5 Maintain and Expand City Revenue Base . The City will ensure that commercial uses that generate the sales and use tax revenues which support the City 's financial base are maintained and expanded . The City will also explore other options to expand and diversify its revenue base , including targeted annexations of existing commercial corridors , such as the Mulberry Corridor, as well as revenue sharing agreements with other communities . a . The City will assist in identifying and preserving key undeveloped parcels in appropriate locations for additional commercial activity . b . The City will seek to strengthen existing commercial districts , such as the Downtown , North College , Campus West , and the Foothills Mall . c . The City will seek to maintain and enhance its attractiveness as a place to do business in order to maintain its share of the region 's sales and use tax base . Foothills Mall Urban Renewal Plan 9 7 . Project Financing Specific projects may be financed in whole or in part by the Authority , under the tax increment financing ( TIF ) provisions of CRS § 31 - 25 - 107 ( 9 ) ( a ) of the Urban Renewal Law , or by any other available source of financing authorized to be undertaken by the Authority pursuant to CRS § 31 - 25 - 105 of the Urban Renewal Law . The Authority is authorized to : ( a ) finance urban renewal projects within the Renewal Area with revenues from property tax increments , sales tax increments , interest income , federal loans or grants , agreements with public , quasi - public or private parties and entities , loans or advances from any other available source , and any other available sources of revenue ; ( b ) issue bonds and incur other obligations contemplated by the Urban Renewal Law in an amount sufficient to finance all or any part of a project within the Renewal Area ; and ( c ) borrow funds and create indebtedness in any authorized form in carrying out this Plan . Any principal and interest on such indebtedness may be paid from property tax increments , sales tax increments or any other funds , revenues , assets or properties legally available to the Authority . Such methods may be combined to finance all or part of the Plan activities . PROPERTY TAX INCREMENT A fund for financing projects may be accrued and used by the Authority under the property tax allocation financing provisions of the Urban Renewal Law . Under this method , property taxes levied after the effective date of the approval of this Plan upon taxable property in the Renewal Area each year by or for the benefit of any public body shall be divided for a period not to exceed twenty - five ( 25 ) years after the effective date of the adoption of the tax allocation provision , as follows : Base Amount - That portion of the taxes which are produced by the levy at the rate fixed each year by or for such public body upon the valuation for assessment of taxable property in the Renewal Area last certified prior to the effective date of approval of the Plan or , as to an area later added to the Renewal Area , the effective date of the modification of the Plan , shall be paid into the funds of each such public body as are all other taxes collected by or for said public body . Foothills Mall Urban Renewal Plan 10 Increment amount - That portion of said property taxes in excess of such base amount shall be allocated to and , when collected , paid into a special fund of the Authority to pay the principal of, the interest on , and any premiums due in connection with the bonds of, loans or advances to , or indebtedness incurred by ( whether funded , refunded , assumed or otherwise ) the Authority for financing or refinancing , in whole or in part , a specific project . Such increment amount shall also be used to pay for the Authority ' s financial obligations incurred in the implementation of this Plan . Unless and until the total valuation for assessment of the taxable property in the Renewal Area exceeds the base valuation for assessment of the taxable property in the Renewal Area , all of the taxes levied upon taxable property in the Renewal Area shall be paid in to the funds of the respective public bodies . In the event that there is a general reassessment of taxable property valuations in Larimer County , which are subject to division of valuation for assessment between base and increment , as provided above , the portions of valuations for assessment to be allocated as provided above shall be proportionately adjusted in accordance with such reassessment . Note that at the time of this Plan adoption , such a general reassessment occurs every two years , in the odd - numbered years . When such bonds , loans , advances , indebtedness , and financial obligations , including interest thereon and any premiums due in connection therewith , have been paid , all taxes upon the taxable property in the Renewal Area shall be paid into the funds of the respective public bodies . SALES TAX INCREMENT The project may also be financed by the Authority under the sales tax allocation financing provisions of the Urban Renewal law . The act allows that upon the adoption or amendment of an Urban Renewal Plan , sales taxes flowing to the City may be " frozen " at their current level . The current level is established based on the previous twelve months prior to the adoption of this Plan . Thereafter, the City can continue to receive this fixed sales tax revenue . The Urban Renewal Authority thereafter may receive all , or an agreed upon portion of the additional sales taxes ( the increment ) which are generated above the base . The Authority may use these incremental revenues to finance the issuance of bonds , reimburse developers for public improvement costs , reimburse the City for public improvement costs and pay off financial obligations and other debts incurred in the administration of the Urban Renewal Plan . This increment is not an additional sales tax , but rather is a portion of the established tax collected by the City , and the sales tax increment resulting from redevelopment efforts and activities contemplated in this Plan . Foothills Mall Urban Renewal Plan 11 TAX INCREMENT REIMBURSEMENT Tax increment revenues may be used to reimburse the City and / or developer ( s ) for costs incurred for improvements related to a project to pay the debt incurred by the Authority with such entities for urban renewal activities and purposes . Tax increment revenues may also be used to pay bonded indebtedness , financial obligations , and debts of the Authority related to urban renewal activities under this Plan . S . Modifications to the Plan This Plan may be modified pursuant to requirements and procedures set forth in CRS § 31 - 25 - 107 of the Urban Renewal Law governing such modifications . 9 . Reasonable Variations The Board shall have the ability to approve reasonable variations ( as determined by the Board ) from the strict application of these Plan provisions , so long as such variations reasonably accommodate the intent and purpose of this Plan and the Urban Renewal Law . Plan provisions may be altered by market conditions , redevelopment opportunities and / or the needs of the community affected by the Plan . Foothills Mall Urban Renewal Plan 12 Appendix A - Legal Description LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF THE FOOTHILLS MALL URBAN RENEWAL AREA BOUNDARY The perimeter boundary of the Foothill Mall Urban Renewal Area is depicted on the map following page 14 , The legal description of the boundary is as follows : The Foothills Mall Urban Renewal Area is located in Section 25 of Township 7 North Range 69 West of the Sixth Principal Meridian , City of Fort Collins , Larimer County , Colorado , being more particularly described as follows ; Commencing at the northwest corner of Lot 1 of the Plat of A Replat Of Tracts F, G , And J , And Vacated Service Road Southmoor Village , Fifth Filing , the said northwest corner being the TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING OF THIS DESCRIPTION ; THENCE easterly , along the northerly line of the said Lot 1 and its easterly extension to the easterly Right of Way of Mathews Street ; THENCE southerly along the said easterly Right of Way to the northerly line of Tract Seven of the Plat The Foothills Fashion Mall Expansion ; Thence easterly along the said northerly line to the westerly line of Tract B of the Plat of The Foothills Fashion Mall Foley 's Expansion ; THENCE northerly along the said westerly line to the northerly line of the said Tract B ; Thence easterly along the said northerly line and along the northerly line of Tract A of the said Plat of The Foothills Fashion Mall Foley 's Expansion to the westerly Right of Way of Stanford Road ; THENCE southerly along the said Right of Way to the northerly line of Tract Nine of the said Plat of The Foothills Fashion Mall Expansion ; THENCE westerly along the said northerly line to the easterly Right of Way of Monroe Drive ; THENCE northerly along the said easterly Right of Way to the northerly Right of Way of the said Monroe Drive ; THENCE westerly along the said northerly right of Way to the easterly Right of Way of South College Avenue ; THENCE northerly along the said easterly Right of Way to the westerly extension of the southerly line of Tract D of the Plat of Southmoor Village 5tn ; THENCE easterly along the said extended line and along the southerly line to the easterly line of the said Tract D ; THENCE northerly along the said easterly line to the northerly line of the said Tract D ; THENCE westerly along the said northerly line and its westerly extension to the said easterly Right of Way of South College Avenue ; THENCE northerly along the said easterly Right of Way to the Point of Beginning ; Foothills Mall Urban Renewal Plan 13 The Foothill Mall Urban Renewal Area is comprised of twelve ( 12 ) separate parcels . The legal descriptions for the twelve separate parcels were derived from the Larimer County Assessor 's Office and are presented below : LOT 1 , REPLAT TR ' F ' , ' G ' & ' J ' , AND VACATED SERVICE ROAD , SOUTHMOOR VILLAGE 5TH , FTC ; LESS ROW PER 2001090658 & 2001090659 TR 1 , THE FOOTHILLS FASHION MALL EXPANSION , FTC TR 2 , THE FOOTHILLS FASHION MALL EXPANSION , FTC TR 3 , THE FOOTHILLS FASHION MALL EXPANSION , FTC TR 7 , THE FOOTHILLS FASHION MALL EXPANSION , FTC TR 8 , THE FOOTHILLS FASHION MALL EXPANSION , FTC TR 10 , THE FOOTHILLS FASHION MALL EXPANSION , FTC TR A . FOOTHILLS FASHION MALL FOLEY' S EXPANSION , FTC TR B . FOOTHILLS FASHION MALL FOLEY' S EXPANSION , FTC TR ' E ' , ALSO POR VAC ST PER 1580 - 897 , SOUTHMOOR VILLAGE STH , FTC Part of Tract T and Tract U and Part of the vacated road adjacent to said Tract U, Southmoor Village 5tn Fort Collins, Described: Beginning at a point on the west line of the said Tract T, which bears South 01 degree 57 minutes 00 seconds East 7. 19 feet, and again South 12 degrees 17 minutes 30 seconds West 180. 10 feet from the Northwest corner of Tract T; Thence North 89 degrees 45 minutes 30 seconds East 243 . 55 feet to a point on the northerly line of East Monroe Drive; Thence South 51 degrees 45 minutes 00 seconds West 231 .73 feet; Thence along the arc of a 193 .41 feet radius curve to the right, 127.73 feet, the long chord bears South 70 degrees 40 minutes 07 seconds West 125 .42 feet; Thence South 89 degrees 35 minutes 15 seconds West 137 .00 feet; Thence along the arc of a 15 . 00 feet radius curve to the right 23 . 56 feet the long chord bears North 45 degrees 24 minutes 45 seconds West 21 .21 feet; Thence North 00 degrees 24 minutes 45 seconds West 169. 17 feet; Thence North 89 degrees 45 minutes 30 seconds East 2 10 . 10 feet to the point of beginning. Part of Tract T, Southmoor Village 5tn Fort Collins, Beginning at the Northwest corner of Tract T; Thence North 89 degrees 45 minutes 30 seconds East 227 .00 feet; Thence South 74 degrees 54 minutes 00seconds East 170. 06 feet; Thence South 00 degrees 14 minutes 30 seconds East 24 .45 feet to a point on the north line of Monroe Drive; Thence along the said north line along the arc of a 301 .32 feet radius curve to the left 124 .25 feet, the long chord bears South 63 degrees 33 minutes 47 seconds West 123 . 37 feet; Thence South 51 degrees 45 minutes 00 seconds West 95 . 97 feet; Thence South 89 degrees 45 minutes 30 seconds West 243 . 55 feet; Thence North 12 degrees 17 minutes 30 seconds East 180. 10 feet; Thence North 01 degrees 57 minutes 00 seconds West 7 . 19 feet to the point of beginning; Also a part of Tract U and a part of the vacated Frontage Road adjacent to Tract U whence beginning at the Northeast corner of Tract U; Thence South 01 degrees 57 minutes 00 seconds East 7 . 19 feet; Thence South 12 degrees 17 minutes 30 seconds West 180. 10 feet; South 89 degrees 45 minutes 30 seconds West 210. 10 feet to a point on the East right of way of South College Avenue; Thence North 00 degrees 24 minutes 45 seconds West 183 .00 feet; Thence North 89 degrees 45 minutes 30 seconds East 249 .52 feet to the Point of Beginning, Southmoor Village 5t'; Less the Foothills Fashion Mall Expansion, Fort Collins. Foothills Mall Urban Renewal Plan 14 Proposed Foothills Mall Urban Renewal Area ; 17 = - cc . I :. = _C 0%!e - 1 hyAl.[ il4C :;rti3LVAV � 0 QD a [;3 cj o 0 GH r4 LN L• HUIL9. IQaTH M Foothills Mall Urban Renewal Plan 15