Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Staff Updates topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Staff reports: TAP-funded sidewalk designs, Alice Williams library plans and CDBG work on Cervantes/Pace and Baptist campus
Summary
CRA staff updated the Westside Redevelopment Board on several active projects: a TAP-funded sidewalk/lighting design for Legion Field connectivity nearing final design, an interior restoration for Alice Williams Library, CDBG commercial-redevelopment mapping for Cervantes/Pace and procurement for environmental studies at the Baptist campus site.
City staff reported several project updates and near-term actions for the Westside CRA during the meeting.
Connectivity to Legion Field: Victoria (CRA staff) said the Legion Field connectivity project, funded in part by Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funding through the regional TPO, is at approximately 90 percent design and includes sidewalk improvements along L Street, Gregory Street and a short portion of Wright Street. If bid results leave additional funds, staff will consider pedestrian-scale lighting. Board members asked that the city coordinate with property owners affected by sidewalk work and utility relocations; one board member noted that chain-link fences, power poles and fire hydrants may need to be moved and urged proactive homeowner notification.
Alice Williams Library restoration: Staff presented schematic plans for interior modifications to make the Alice Williams Library building more usable; potential reuse concepts discussed included auxiliary space for the Fricker Center, event space or an auxiliary childcare/senior center. Staff said the immediate scope is interior improvements to support future uses rather than locking in a specific program at this time.
CDBG mapping and Baptist campus procurement: Staff presented maps for two CDBG-funded opportunities. A commercial-redevelopment/rehabilitation area along Cervantes and Pace was shown as a large pink area for scope-of-grant considerations; staff said they will hire a consultant to develop a retail strategy and to scope how the grant would be applied. For the Baptist Hospital campus (a large, complex area), staff said the city is procuring environmental services required for CDBG compliance; an environmental firm selection was mid-procurement at the time of the meeting and staff expected an award recommendation to the mayor and council soon. Staff noted that the city will pursue a development-consultant RFP to study the broader redevelopment of the Baptist campus and to inform any potential master-planning or master-developer steps.
Funding and sequencing: Staff reiterated that the CDBG funds are likely to focus on commercial parcels south of Reno Street in the Baptist area; staff also said that the implementation chapter and TIF projections for the Westside plan will help prioritize investments and that separate master-planning or development consulting will be needed for large sites.
Board members raised questions about earlier planning work for the Baptist campus, and staff agreed to locate and share previous studies and to coordinate future engagement to avoid "engagement fatigue" among residents who participated in prior efforts. Staff also confirmed they will check slide content to ensure bus shelter improvements and transit coordination are listed in plan materials.
