Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency Commission

AGENDA Tuesday, December 14, 2021 - 4:00 P.M. The regular meeting of the Metropolitan Redevelopment Area Commission will be held in the Executive Conference Room, 800 Municipal Dr., Farmington, NM 1. Meeting Called To Order 2. Approval of the November 16, 2021 Meeting Minutes 3. Review Presentations for City Council Consideration of Animas / Healthcare Hub Plan - John McNeill 4. New Mexico Main Street Virtual Site Visit - Eduardo Martinez & Lucas Pedraza 5. Main Street Advisory Board Business a. Staff Update – Karen Lupton i. Upcoming Events and Trainings 6. City Staff Updates – (Warren Unsicker) 7. Business From: a. Floor b. Chair c. Members d. Staff 8. Next Meeting – January 18, 2022 9. Adjournment Virtual particiapation is avaliable via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88028209485?pwd=QVdiKzlTeDFkWFZIQ1NBQk5nL2psUT09 or by dialing 1 (253) 215-8782 Meeting ID: 880 2820 9485 Passcode: 641165 ATTENTION PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: If you plan to attend the virtual meeting and will need an auxiliary aid or service, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 599-1101 prior to the meeting so that arrangements can be made.  MINUTES Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency Board of Commissioners – November 16, 2021 Held in the Council Chambers at 800 Municipal Dr., Farmington NM Virtual Participation Made Available via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83775645147 Members Present: John McNeill, D.D.S. – Chair Jill Tanis – Vice Chair Doug Dykeman – Commissioner Elizabeth McNally - Commissioner Members Absent: None Staff Present: Julie Baird Beth Escobar Karen Lupton Elizabeth Sandoval Warren Unsicker Anita Vigil Others Present: None 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. by Chair McNeill. A roll call was taken showing Chair McNeill, Vice Chair Tanis and Commissioner Dykeman and Commissioner McNally in attendance. There being a quorum the following proceedings were duly had and taken. 2. Approval of the October 26, 2021 Minutes A motion was made Commissioner Dykeman and seconded by Vice Chair Tanis to approve the minutes of October 26, 2021, and upon voice vote the motion carried unanimously 4-0. 3. MRA Discussion Regarding Animas/Health Care Hub District Scope of Work - John McNeill Chair McNeill presented the following slides and presentation: Slide 1 Mayor and Councilors, thank-you for the opportunity to present a request from the MRA Commission. The Commission is seeking your approval to fund a plan for the Animas Area and the Healthcare Hub which would create an identity for the two districts and provide direction for their redevelopment. The present commission which the Mayor has appointed with your consent is made up of volunteer residents from a wide variety of backgrounds that have an interest in seeing that the historic area within the MRA is redeveloped; and each of those members of the commission would like to speak to this request this evening. By way of background, one of the mandates in the ordinance establishing the MRA is that: "The Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency shall cause redevelopment plans to be developed and drafted by city staff or contractors on behalf of the Agency and recommend them for approval and adoption by the city council." The Mission Statement from the 2009 MRA Plan states that the "MRA Agency or Commission is to be the catalyst for creating renewed energy and vitality in the area it serves through plan development and design." In specific reference to the Animas Area the plan states that the goal is to: "Redevelop the Animas Neighborhood as a mixed-use development with new types of affordable housing, expanded medical and cultural facilities linking Downtown to the Riverwalk." Slide 2 This original plan established three distinct areas within the Metropolitan Redevelopment Area. They were the Civic Center neighborhood, our Historic Downtown Corridor, and the Animas Area, south of Broadway St. The updated plan of 2019, which was accepted by Council, established one more district titled the Healthcare Hub which encompasses the San Juan Regional Medical Center Campus and which has its own distinct character, identity and purpose. This same plan states that "Land use places and guidelines play perhaps the strongest role in shaping the physical development of an area by determining aspects such as allowable uses, building size and set-back and even landscaping and sidewalk configuration. Presently we lack such guidelines resulting in some of these redevelopment challenges: Slide 3 Homes separated from industrial and pipe storage facilities by only a fence: Slide 4 Efforts to increase multiple family dwellings in unsightly surroundings is a significant deterrent to developers. Take for example this attractive apartment building. Please note the mailbox structure in this photo. Slide 5 This image is taken from the back of the same mailbox and displays the view from the front door of those apartments. Slide 6, 7, 8 There are multiple derelict properties in the Animas Area which could also present public health and safety issues. Slide 9 The plan points out, and I quote, "While the City of Farmington has not yet conducted large-scale rezoning in the MRA, it frequently approves requests from property owners to rezone specific parcels, known as "spot-zoning." This practice exacerbates the existing complexity and heterogeneity of zoning and land use in the MRA". This along with the fact that since 2007 the City has encouraged any rezoning request within the Animas area to be designated as Multiple Use has contributed to a confusion of uses mingled closely with one another and which have not contributed to the creation of a cohesive identity or a true vision for the area looking into the future. Take for example this photo displaying a storage yard juxtaposed to a city park. In the words of the planners who wrote the 2019 plan: Slide 10 "South of Broadway, the urban fabric dissolves amidst sparsely populated blocks with large parcels and very little street frontage. A mix of various uses - single family homes, manufactured home parks, light manufacturing and industrial, riparian areas, large stretches of vacant land, and sites associated with the San Juan Regional Medical Center resulting in a lack of order or cohesion." Slide 11 Presently 30% of the MRA, as a whole, is zoned Industrial. "Of the 144 acres in the Animas Area, 22.59% or 32.5 acres are vacant. Of those vacant parcels, 86% or 27.8 acres are zoned industrial and represent an opportunity for redevelopment." (2019 MRA Plan) Slide 12 "Establishing more cohesive and straightforward zoning districts may provide greater guidance to developers about the intended character of each neighborhood in the MRA. Slide 13 Rezoning could, for instance, create a light industrial core within the Animas Area, surrounded by multi-family residential complexes and mixed-use commercial areas." "Note that any zoning changes would not affect existing uses, regardless of whether they comply with the proposed zoning; existing uses would be "grandfathered" into any zoning changes and allowed to continue until use or ownership changes." Slide 14 We are here to request that a plan specific to the Animas Area and Healthcare Hub be created which will provide an identity for the districts, which creates a true neighborhood and which takes into consideration desired site planning, parking, public open space, landscaping, and consistent architectural designs. Consideration and planning for transportation, trails, bicycling and vehicular traffic need to be defined for the area once land uses are established. (pg. D-8) Some of the strategies which the plan suggests need further definition and they would promote economic development and lead to investment in the area. These strategies include: 1st Revising zoning codes to reflect the community vision as a mixed use neighborhood focused on outdoor recreation activities, related business and manufacturing and urban housing development. Slide 15 "The existing zoning is predominantly industrial with a number of spot Mixed Use areas. The desired vision for the area is not likely to be realized without a more certain land use framework that allows for the desired uses and prohibits incompatible uses, particularly intensive outdoor storage." This may be a matter of phasing out such uses as land changes hands or screening such uses from view. Slide 16 2nd we need to: Develop and Improve the parks, trails and access to the Animas River on the south edge of the MRA and Encourage development that engages the river. Slide 17 3rd And as we have heard in every plan including the new Comprehensive Plan for the City we must connect the Riverine Corridor to our Downton. Redesigning Orchard St. has often been suggested as such a connection. This plan could include the concept for creating that connection and provide the details to accomplish it. Slide 18 To create such a plan we will need to collaborate with SJRMC and SRMC Foundation to continue improving their neighborhood and support the rehabilitation or redevelopment of older deteriorated housing in the Healthcare Hub and throughout the Animas Area. The new Farmington Comprehensive Plan, created under the leadership of City Planner Escobar, has created a number of zoning types which provide for the opportunity to create varied uses within the area in question and their use could create a true community which embraces residential areas, retail uses, live/work lofts. Slide 19 These might not be the image of lofts we all have in mind, but they presently do exist!) Slide 20 The new zoning opportunities could also create spaces for studios, senior and affordable housing, and light industrial and manufacturing areas especially related to outdoor recreational products, as well as related to the creative industries and agricultural uses. But the road map on how to utilize the new zoning types in this area does not exist at this time. This is what we are seeking to secure through our request for funding for a plan specifically designed to create a vision and an identity and a complete roadmap to see them come to fruition in the Animas Area and the Healthcare Hub. I’d like to introduce Ms. Beth McNally, Ms. Jill Tanis and Mr. Doug Dykeman, my fellow partners in crime on the MRA Commission who would also like to speak to this request. Vice Chair Tanis presented the following: Animas District Development Plan Request for approval for funding Presented by: Jill Tanis MRA Board Member The purpose of this presentation is to demonstrate the need for a development plan for the Animas District (to include the Healthcare Hub). References will be made throughout the presentation to the 2019 MRA Updated Plan in an effort to support the need for the requested plan. While the 2019 MRA Updated Plan recognizes the current situation and addresses goals and catalytic projects, there remains a need to focus in on a number issues that, if intentionally addressed, could promote a district that is better organized, a better place for property investors, a better place to station a business, a better place to live, and more representative of the vision for the district. Considerations: The Animas District includes a ‘mish-mash’ of property types and uses such as residential (mostly non-conforming), light industrial and manufacturing, warehouses, outdoor storage situations, the area hospital, medical offices, various government buildings, and several parcels of vacant land. These property types and uses are interspersed throughout the district with no apparent differentiation within the district. No cohesive or distinct plan exists for how to further develop this district that considers these various components and how it relates to the 2019 MRA Updated Plan  Many properties are not maintained. This includes the exterior of buildings and the grounds of the property such as weeds and trash.  Many properties are vacant and are owned by absentee owners thus they are not available to check in on their properties nor perform needed maintenance.   The homeless population is more concentrated in the Animas District for various reasons. One of the attractions is there are numerous properties that are not maintained where access can be gained to vacant structures or there are places among the overgrown weeds and vegetation which provide minimal temporary shelter and hidey-holes for their belongings. This is an unsafe situation for both the homeless and the property owners.  Safety issues. While most of the time the area is essentially safe, the condition and visual experience of being in the district is that it is a bit ‘sketchy’ and not safe. What a Development Plan could contribute to the Animas District Professional consultants who specialize in this type of plan have experience with valuable insights into component parts of a plan that would be ‘personalized’ to the Animas District. Qualified consultants would:  Hold insightful stakeholder and community meetings to gain critical information. This may be the only way to obtain this type of information.  Propose various investment strategies and/or property reuse opportunities for current property owners and investors that are currently unknown. This could result in current stakeholders improving their properties and encouraging new businesses to locate in their premises.  Provide recommendations on areas or streets within the district that would best support the best locations for business locations, residential uses, and traffic circulation that aligns with the visions and goals represented in the 2019 MRA Plan Update such as proximity to Totah Park and the intended multi-modal connection between Main Street and the Animas River.  Provide recommendations for property maintenance guidelines for building exteriors, grounds, fencing and screening, and lighting. This should include both vacant buildings and absentee owner situations.  Provide recommendations for Livability Design Guidelines as suggested in the 2019 MRA Plan Update.  Offer valuable insights as to how to transition different phases of the plan over time. A Development Plan is crucial to the success of the Animas District that will promote a cohesive, workable, well thought out plan for now and into the future. A good plan has the potential to encourage district stakeholders to have confidence in improving and maintaining their properties, which in turn, will attract businesses to locate in the district and developers to consider Farmington a place to invest. Additionally, as components of the plan are implemented, people will begin to experience the Animas District as a community within the City of Farmington to safely live, work, and play. Commissioner Dykeman asked how affordable housing is defined. Planning Manager Escobar stated that affordable housing is defined as spending less than 30% of one’s annual income on housing. Commissioner McNally stated that she does not have a presentation prepared at this time but will work on a presentation for green infrastructure, utility development and possible revitalization for properties that qualify for Brownfields funding. Commissioner Dykeman stated that he will prepare a presentation on social aspects in regards to the presentation on cultural environment and what is available. Chair McNeill asked Karen Lupton, Downtown Coordinator, if she thought that the River Reach Foundation would like to be aware of the request being presented and if they would like to participate. Ms. Lupton stated that she believes that the River Reach Foundation would probably like to be aware of the request, but is not sure how they would feel as far as participating. Chair McNeill asked if anyone else had comments. Warren Unsicker, Economic Development Director, stated that the presentation should be concise when presenting to Council. Chair McNeill stated that Planning Manager Escobar prepared the following memo for the Council packets: Memo To: Mayor and City Council From: Dr. John McNeil, Chair, Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency Date: December 14, 2021 Subject: Discussion/possible action regarding a Development Plan for the Animas District/Health Care Hub portions of the MRA. Background The Metropolitan Redevelopment Area Commission is asking Council to consider directing staff and the Commission to complete a Development Plan for the Animas District/Health Care Hub areas of the Metropolitan Redevelopment Area. What is a Development Plan? A development plan, sometimes referred to as a re-development plan, identifies issues and opportunities for revitalizing specific sections of the City to achieve goals identified in a Master or Comprehensive Plan. The Animas District/Health Care Hub Plan will create a cohesive community identity for the area and stimulate investment. Strategic Goals for the Animas District/Healthcare Hub from adopted City of Farmington plans: From the 2019 MRA Plan: ANIMAS DISTRICT Many parts of the Animas Area are currently underused. They represent opportunities for development as community assets or to serve as incentives to attract infill development. Catalytic Projects listed in the 2019 Downtown MRA Plan: Encourage development of the Animas Area as mixed-use, with residential, retail, live/work, lofts and studios, senior and affordable housing, resulting in a light industrial and manufacturing hub, especially for outdoor recreational products, the creative industries and agricultural uses. Goals:  Revise zoning in the Animas Area to allow a mix of uses that include retail and residential uses either on a case-by case basis or as a blanket rezoning.  Review zoning in the Animas District and develop a strategy to transition to more appropriate land uses.  Recruit and encourage businesses and industries to locate in the Animas District.  Establish a multimodal north-south connection to the Animas River.  Adopt development standards as a means to encourage revitalization of the Animas District. HEALTHCARE HUB Serves as an employment center and potential partner. Critical to development of a residential hub in the Animas District that provides housing for health care workers, long- term patients. Goal  Encourage the development of additional multifamily and senior housing in the western edge of the healthcare hub. From the 2040 Farmington Comprehensive Plan Goals Land Use & Development  Action 3.1 Review proposed changes to existing land uses  Action 3.12 Develop and Adopt a revitalization plan for the MRA District  Economic Development  Action 2.4 Consider Evaluation of design-based code Housing  Action 1.1 Update code and zoning to promote the uniform construction and infill development of a number of housing options. Summary Through intense community outreach and collaboration, the Animas District/Healthcare Hub Development plan will identify measurable steps and timelines for reaching the goals for the the Animas District and Health Care Hub sub-areas of the MRA District included in the 2019 Downtown MRA plan and the 2040 Farmington Comprehensive Plan. An action list should be included in the development plan that provides the following:  Prioritization and consolidation of goals  Tasks required to achieve each goal  Identify the lead for each task   Identify partners  Set a timeline for completion  Identify resources needed to complete the tasks  Establish measures to evaluate the process Council Action The MRA Commission is seeking Council input and funding authorization regarding a Development Plan for the Animas District/Health Care Hub sub-areas of the Metropolitan Redevelopment Area. Chair McNeill stated that a revision is needed under goals for “Vision and Identity” and add “and funding” to the Council Action paragraph. 4. Discussion and recommendation to Council regarding real property in MRA - (Warren Unsicker) Julie Baird, Assistant City Manager, stated that there are several transactions going on, first being the railroad right of way. The City has been approached by a property owner to purchase and acquire the railroad right of way from the intersection from Butler, turning into Pinon and Broadway. Ms. Baird stated that the City had been approached before by property owners to purchase this specific railroad right of way, and at that time the City was not ready to sell any railroad right of way. Ms. Baird stated that at this point looking at the land use and the area, the City Council has indicated their willingness to entertain selling that portion of railroad right of way. Ms. Baird stated that this is the MRA Boards opportunity to express any issues or concerns with this request. Commissioner Dykeman asked how wide the railroad right of way is. Ms. Baird stated that she believes that it is 30 feet. Chair McNeill asked if the right of way would have gone across the intersection and continued into Berg Park. Ms. Baird stated that was correct and the railroad right of way from the northeast corner does continue over and does connect to Berg Park, there are utilities on both sides of the intersection, which will allow the City to retain an easement. Chair McNeill asked if the transaction would change any current land use. Ms. Baird stated that she has not had that discussion. Chair McNeill asked if this transaction affects other uses of the right of way. Ms. Baird stated that is correct, that by this one action, it is not a signal that all railroad rights of way is for sale. Commissioner McNally asked if there is irrigation water crossing the right of way. Commissioner Dykeman stated that there is not. Chair McNeill asked Ms. Baird what she would like from the MRA Board.  Ms. Baird stated that staff would be seeking consensus from the MRA Board to put this railroad right of way back into private hands. Chair McNeill, Vice Chair Tanis, Commissioner Dykeman and Commissioner McNally all stated that they were in support of putting the railroad right of way back into private hands as presented by Ms. Baird. Ms. Baird stated that the next item was an offer brought forth by Brian McCarty, Farmington Heating, suggesting a possible land swap. Ms. Baird stated that the suggested property is a piece of property that the City is not quite ready to let go of, but oddly enough the City is interested in Mr. McCarty’s property that he is willing to swap. Ms. Baird stated that after discussions with Council, Council has determined that they are not interested in the swap with Mr. McCarty. Ms. Baird stated that she is in talks with Mr. McCarty to discuss a price for his property. Chair McNeill, Commissioner Dykeman, Vice Chair Tanis and Commissioner McNally stated that they agree with Council in regards to not swapping the land. Ms. Baird thanked the Board for their input. 5. Discussion and approval to move December meeting to December 14th Ms. Tanis stated that she is in favor of moving the December meeting to December 14 for the purpose of preparing for the City Council meeting. Chair McNeill, Commissioner McNally and Commissioner Dykeman all agreed with Vice Chair Tanis. The December meeting of the MRA Board will be held December 14, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. 6. MainStreet Advisory Board Business Mr. Unsicker shared the following events with the Board: a) Small Business Saturday – Nov. 27th: Several businesses will be hosting artists; Parks is hoping to have the Christmas lights for the event. b) Holiday Art Walk – Nov. 27th c) Festival of Trees – Dec. 2nd: The lighting of the Christmas tree will be at 5 p.m. followed by the Christmas Parade and the Festival of Trees. d) Christmas Parade – Dec. 2nd – 12th 7. City Staff Updates – Warren Unsicker Mr. Unsicker stated that the Totah Theater renovations are full steam ahead. The Parks & General Services Departments are working on the renovations of the interior in regards to restrooms, seats, and ceiling. The projection and sound system are in the works as well. Mr. Unsicker stated that Ms. Lupton has been helping with events, meeting with merchants and has signed up for Main Street training available to directors. 8. Business From Floor – There was no business from the Floor. Chair – There was no business from the Chair.  Members – Commissioner McNally stated that she did meet with Game and Fish and was informed of winter trout stocking in the river, some off the access area near Miller Street Bridge. Game and Fish did mention that they would reach out to the Parks Department in regards to the location of the trout stocking. Commissioner McNally asked if maybe the City could get the word out about the fishing opportunities. Staff – There was no business from Staff. 9. Adjournment A motion was made by Commissioner McNally and seconded by Vice Chair Tanis to adjourn. The motion passed unanimously 4-0. The Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency meeting was adjourned at 5:03 p.m. ___________________________________ ____________________________________ John McNeill Elizabeth Sandoval Chair Administrative Assistant THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK