Planning staff says Schlage Lock redevelopment needs new financing plan; community prioritizes grocery and open space

Planning Department staff updated the commission on the 2012 revisit of the Schlage Lock master plan, saying the loss of redevelopment tax-increment financing requires revisiting commitments and exploring new financing tools and a phased development approach.

Claudia Flores, Planning Department staff, told commissioners the city is working with the Office of Economic and Workforce Development to evaluate alternatives including new-market tax credits, bonds and other tools "to make up the gap" created by the end of the redevelopment agency. She said early community workshops identified five top priorities to retain: a full-service grocery, preservation of open space/parks, improved circulation (especially along Bayshore), retail along Leland Avenue and affordable housing, with a specific interest in senior housing.

Staff described a Phase 1 concept intended to jump-start development while preserving core public benefits. A technical advisory body composed primarily of prior citizen advisory committee members will help guide outreach and feasibility work; staff plans additional community workshops and expects to return with proposed revisions in spring 2013.

Commissioners discussed connectivity to nearby projects, potential infrastructure financing mechanisms, and opportunities to coordinate with Brisbane and regional transit planning. Staff cautioned the plan will need to be scaled to match realistic financing and that some components of the original 2009 plan will need adjustment to remain feasible.