Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency Commission

AGENDA Tuesday, April 19, 2022 - 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 March 22, 2022 Meeting Minutes 3. Discussion and Recommendation to Council of RFP Scope for the Animas District/Health Care Hub Plan 4. Main Street Advisory Board Business a. Staff Update – Karen Lupton i. Upcoming Events and Trainings 5. City Staff Updates – (Warren Unsicker) 6. Business From: a. Floor b. Chair c. Members d. Staff 7. Next Meeting – May 17, 2022 8. Adjournment 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 – March 22, 2022 Held in the Executive Conference Room at 800 Municipal Dr., Farmington NM Members Present: John McNeill, D.D.S. – Chair Jill Tanis – Vice Chair Doug Dykeman – Commissioner Elizabeth McNally - Commissioner Members Absent: None Staff Present: Beth Escobar Julie Baird Shana Reeves Karen Lupton Warren Unsicker Tami Spencer Others Present: Tristan Hawkins 1. Call to Order Vice Chair Tanis called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m., Vice Chair Tanis, Commissioner Dykeman and Commissioner McNally in attendance. (Dr. McNeill arrived at 4:13 pm). There being a quorum the following proceedings were duly had and taken. 2. Approval of the February 15, 2022 Minutes A motion was made by Commissioner McNally and seconded by Commissioner Dykeman to approve the minutes of February 15, 2022, and upon voice vote, the motion carried unanimously 3-0. Dr. McNeill arrived at 4:13 pm. 3. Continuing Discussion regarding the RFP for the Animas District/Health Care Hub Plan Planning Manager Escobar stated there are many implementation strategies included in the 2019 Downtown MRA Plan and the 2020 Comprehensive Plan. She feels it would be more effective to focus 1 on specific implementation strategies. Ms. Escobar presented the Commission with a draft Request for Proposal (RFP) with three main points for discussion. See below: Planning Manager Escobar informed the Commission a possible partner for the trail development would be the River Reach Foundation, who have extended their willingness to work with this Commission on that aspect. Economic Development Director Warren Unsicker added the 2019 MRA update has information of the existing status as well as the future use potential for the Animas Area and Hospital Hubs that can be used as fodder for that study. That would make it easier to determine what the overlay or rezoning might look like. Planning Manager Escobar pointed out the younger generations are looking for experiences, placemaking would give the possibility to have those experiences in the Animas District. Mr. Unsicker added it could be anything from breweries with taprooms to the rafting guide service that is in the Animas District. Mr. Unsicker also explained the consultants would be able to provide a more in depth plan after they conduct surveys and hold community and stakeholder meetings. Ms. Escobar added the response of what comes out of those public meetings will drive your plan. Commissioner McNally asked if it they could add another item to this scope of work. She would like to see what property the City has in the Animas District and what options the City would have for those properties. Perhaps a park that might help in the development of this project. She also asked if this 2  redevelopment plan could address if any of the existing streets would be re-routed or converted to one- way streets. Planning Manager Escobar stated that would take a traffic consultant who would consult with our City Engineer and the Traffic/Street Department. Economic Development Director Warren Unsicker added that might be the next phase of the process, after it is known what the development will look like. Dr. McNeill added he would like to see a vision and identity for the entire area and see how we are going to celebrate this area’s history and culture, and its importance to the City. He also asked how rezoning and the overlay boundaries are determined. Planning Manager Escobar informed Dr. McNeill that would be answered through the process. The consultant would start with the current land use definitions that are in the 2019 MRA Plan, and then look at the uses to see where there are areas of conflict and see what needs to be addressed. The boundary they would start with is the combined boundary of the Animas District and the Healthcare Hub so there might be a combination of rezoning and overlay. Ms. Escobar also pointed out that people that own property in that area have the right to use or develop it as zoned. In 2007 the City rezoned several locations that had residential uses that were rezoned to commercial in the area of Apache St. and Ute St. It was anticipated that with the development of Walmart there would be commercial expansion. The existing single-family residential and multi-family residential became legal non-conforming, that use will be kept until it stops being used for at least a year. Chair McNeill asked if it could possibly change if the property changes hands. Ms. Escobar answered no, because you are impacting the value of the property for the current property owner. Planning Manager Escobar stated that staff would redraft the request for proposal based on the Commissions comments, and move that forward for consideration. Ms. Escobar also stated there are already vision statements for the Animas District and the Healthcare Hub. She believes the consultants will take the request for proposal and the vision statements as their foundation and proceed from there. Chair McNeill agreed, but also felt the consultant needs to create something that is identifiable. Ms. Escobar also noted the next step would the marketing and rebranding which would come from the people who live there and have businesses there. Commissioner McNally interjected that she would like to make it clear to the consultant that they are using the existing vision statements as a starting point to take it to the next level. 4. Presentation regarding a zone change at the corner of Cedar St. and Commercial Ave. for a residential triplex. Presented by Beth Escobar Petition • Applicant: Tristan Hawkins/Potential future owner • Location: NE Corner of S Commercial and E Cedar Streets • Parcel # R0028432 • Existing Zoning: GC: General Commercial • Request: Rezone to PD: Planned Development to allow for development of a three-unit residential project. 3  Zoning Aerial Map 4 Nearby Residential Uses Existing Driveway 5  401 N Auburn Ave. Preliminary Site/Floor Plan 6  2040 Comprehensive Plan Planning Manager Escobar asked for any comments to carry forward to the Planning & Zoning Commission. Commissioner McNally started a converstaion regarding the proposed sidewalks for this project. Planning Manager Escobar stated the developer would put in a sidewalk on the Cedar St. side. Mr. Tristan Hawkins, 5009 Largo St., Farmington, added the ADA compliant sidwalk will be in the City right-of-way, outside of the subject property. He also stated there is landscaping next to the road, which will act as a buffer and the sidewalk will be four to five feet behind that. Planning Manager Escobar added that the City does not require sidewalk installation for residential projects, with Mr. Hawkins offering to install the sidewalk, that is a benefit he is bringing forward with his zone change. Chair McNeill stated he strongly supports this application and he agrees with Ms. Escobar and the planning division, it fits in the MRA Plan, Comp Plan and with the vision of this Commmission. Dr. McNeil also stated that the review agencies for the zone change application should be made aware of the goals of the MRA and support those actions in their comments. 7  Motion A motion was made by Commissioner McNally and seconded by Vice Chair Tanis to support ZC 22-11 as it moves forward to the City Council. The motion carried 4-0. 5. Review and Possible Recommendation of Incentive Application The application was not received. This will be rescheduled when it is received. 6. Main Street Advisory Board Business – Karen Lupton Ms. Lupton informed the Commission that the last scheudled downtown cleanup was canceled due to lack of volunteers, their volunteers has a scheduleing issue, it will be rescheduled. The first Art Walk is scheduled for April 1st, and the SASSY Run Fundraiser is scheduled for April 2nd. 7. City Staff Updates – Warren Unsicker Mr. Unsicker stated the Totah Theater should have their equipment soon for installation. With spring arriving there will be more events scheduled. 8. Business From Floor – There was no business from the Floor. Chair – Chair McNeill will be unable to attend the next meeting, but will be able to attend virtually. Members – There was no business from the Members. Staff – There was no business from Staff. 9. Adjournment A motion was made by Vice Chair Tanis and seconded by Commissioner Dykeman to adjourn. The motion passed unanimously 4-0. The Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency meeting was adjourned at 5:04 p.m. __________________________________ ____________________________________ John McNeill Tami Spencer Chair Administrative Assistant 8  Submited 3/27/22 - Tanis Request for Proposals Animas Area / Healthcare Hub Development Plan The City of Farmington (City) is requesting proposals (RFP’s) from qualified professional planning consultants (Consultant) to create a Development Plan for the Farmington Metropolitan Redevelopment Area (MRA) Animas Area / Healthcare Hub. The Development Plan will draw upon the 2019 Downtown MRA Plan and its catalytic priority projects to include: 1. Placemaking – Identify methods and processes to create destination locations and experiences in the district to attract property development investors, businesses, residents, and visitors. a. Include essential stakeholders to promote cultural and historical connections. b. Include stakeholders that currently own businesses and/or property, including San Juan Regional Medical Center (SJRMC). 2. Rezoning/Overlay to promote residential/mixed use development – identify target locations for possible rezoning or application of an overlay district to encourage more appropriate land uses in the area. a. Address the current disparate uses of properties adjacent to one another. b. Create a distinct neighborhood within the Animas Area, with details for site planning, sidewalk configuration, parking, public open space, trails, landscaping and consistent architectural design. c. The plan should include concepts to accommodate transportation, trails, bicycling and vehicular traffic. d. Include input from City departments for issues relating to parks, streets/roads, and utilities/infrastructure. e. Rethink current unsightly storage and industrial yards and present methods of relocating or screening them. 3. Trail Development/River Connection/Wayfinding Signage – produce a rough design of routes within the Animas Area and to the City facilities along the Animas River. 4. City Brownfields Project - Develop a conceptual plan for a transformative City project on existing City properties adjacent to the Animas River, possibly incorporating Brownfield revitalization funding or support services. 5. Potential Deliverables: a. Develop a funding matrix to identify potential public/private funding sources; b. Conduct public stakeholder meetings, with visuals, as part of developing the plan; c. Prepare draft documents for further public review and comment; d. Prepare final plan, with documentation of concepts to allow for further development of architectural and/or engineering plans.  Formatted 4.11.22 - Escobar Request for Proposals Animas Area / Healthcare Hub Development Plan The City of Farmington (City) is requesting proposals (RFP’s) from qualified professional planning consultants (Consultant) to create a Development Plan for the Farmington Metropolitan Redevelopment Area (MRA) Animas Area / Healthcare Hub. The Development Plan will draw upon the catalytic priority projects in the 2019 Downtown MRA Plan to include: 1. Placemaking – Identify methods and processes to create destination locations and experiences in the district to attract private investors, businesses, residents, and visitors. a. Conduct public engagement with essential stakeholders to develop methods to promote cultural and historical connections. b. Identify community assets including existing public spaces and future opportunities to provide new connections creating a sense of place. 2. Development Plan - Produce a development plan that addresses: a. Potential Rezoning/Overlay District opportunities that promote residential/mixed use development and identify target locations for possible rezoning or application of an overlay district to encourage more appropriate land uses in the area. b. Provide implementation steps to help create a distinct neighborhood within the Animas Area, with details for site planning, walkability, parking, public open space, trails, landscaping and complementary architectural design. c. Conduct public engagement with businesses and/or property owners, including San Juan Regional Medical Center (SJRMC) to identify future development potential. d. The plan should include concepts to accommodate transportation, trails, bicycling and vehicular traffic. e. Solicit input from City departments for issues relating to parks, streets/roads, and utilities/infrastructure. f. Incorporate placemaking methods identified in item #1. 3. Trail Development/River Connection/Wayfinding Signage – produce a rough design of routes within the Animas Area and to the City facilities along the Animas River. 4. City Project - Develop a conceptual plan for a transformative City project on existing City properties adjacent to the Animas River. 5. Deliverables a. Collate and summarize all public comments b. Prepare draft documents for further public review and comment. v. 4 April 11, 2022 c.. Present draft in a public meeting to the MRA d.. Present draft in a public meeting to the Planning & Zoning Commission e.. Present final draft to City Council f.. Prepare final plan, with documentation of concepts to allow for further development of architectural and/or engineering plans. v. 4 April 11, 2022