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TR-2014-50 GRANT FOR TOWN 4(-Gon (�--p p rtW d, TR-2014-60 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A GRANT FROM MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PURSUANT TO MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL LAWS CHAPTER 44, SECTION 53A TO TOWN OF AGAWAM (Sponsored by Richard A. Cohen) WHEREAS, on November 28, 2014, the Town of Agawam applied for a grant under the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development 2015 Downtown Initiative Program and that these applications are due on December 4, 2014; and WHEREAS, the Town of Agawam seeks the amount of ten thousand and 001100 ($10,000.00) dollars; and WHEREAS, the Town of Agawam will use the funds to further develop the conceptual plan currently being prepared by the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission; and WHEREAS, the Town of Agawam desires to accept said grant; if awarded; and WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the Town of Agawam to accept the grant from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development. NOW THEREFORE, the Agawam City Council hereby resolves pursuant to M.G.L. c.44, §53A to accept this grant, if awarded to the Town of Agawam, from Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development; and The AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL hereby further resolves that the Mayor is authorized to expend said funds, as permitted by law, and to do all things necessary for the purposes so stated. DATED THIS DAY OF , 201g7 PER ORDER qf THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL Christopher C. hnson, President OVED A TO FORM AND LEGALITY �is �bi DI r i JA- 0 Vincent K bimkia, Solicitor %ca C'ouric.tk C-0 - C4L&1tC+1 - - � 50 MAYORAL ACTION Received this day of JA(U"L(lt2015 from Council Clerk. Signed by Council President this _ 2L) day of Ck 5. APPROVAL OF LEGISLATION By the powers vested in me pursuant to Article 3, Section 3-6 of the Aga charter, as am ,I hereby a rove the passage of the above legislation on this n day of 2015. Richard A. Cohen,Mayor DISAPPROVAL OF LEGISLATION By the powers vested in me pursuant to Article 3, Section 3-6 of the Agawam Charter, as amended, I hereby veto the passage of the above legislation on this day of 2015 for the following reason(s): Richard A. Cohen, Mayor RETURN OF LEGISLATION TO CO-I NCIIL CLERK Returned to Council Clerk this day ofJR 0-6 , 2015. barbara bard From: Deborah Dachos Sent: Friday,January 02, 2015 11:36 AM To: barbara bard Cc: Mayor Richard Cohen Subject: Downtown Initiatives Program Grant Attachments: Downtown Initiatives Grant Application.pdf Hi Barb, Happy New Year! I noticed that the Council Finance Subcommittee will be discussing the Town's grant application to the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development's Downtown Initiatives Program on Monday evening. I am scheduled to meet with the funeral home on Monday evening and will not be able to attend the subcommittee meeting or the Council meeting. I have attached a copy of the grant application for the Council's information. On December 4, 2014, the Town applied for$10,000 to commence preliminary engineering plans to further the conceptual design plans prepared by the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) for the Walnut Street Extension Shopping Area. PVPC staff and I have been meeting with an advisory committee, property owners and business owners to address a number of concerns expressed during earlier phases of the Walnut Street Extension Redevelopment Project. The new design incorporates new parking and circulation, improved pedestrian and bicycle access,green infrastructure and streetscape improvements. If funded, the $10,000 will cover approximately 100 hours of design work. The engineering plans will enhance the Town's competitive position when apply for MassWorks construction plans in the Fall. If you or any of the Council members require additional information prior to Monday evening, please do not hesitate to contact me. Debbie Deborah S. Dachos, Director Agawam Office of Planning and Community Development 36 Main Street Agawam, MA 01001 (413) 786-0400, ext. 8738 planningAaQawam.ma.us i - 2015 Downtown Technical Assistance Application Cover Sheet (Massachusetts Downtown ZnlNatNe Program. AR1311cation Deadline: 5: 0 p.m. on DecelDber&2Q14 Common Name: Townofftawarn Date of Application: November 28 2014 Title of Project: Walnut Street Extension Shopping Center Revelopment Project Principal Contact Please print clearly. Name: Deborah S.Dachos Address: 36 Main Street Dlr., Planning and Comm. -Title: Dev. An"Mm, MA 01091 Phone: 413-786-0400 ext.8738 Email: planning@agawam.ma.us Name $Si nature of the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Elected Official (Required): Name&Title: Please Print Mayor Richard A.Cohen Signature: (REQUIRED FOR SUBMISSION)Check one box for the type of assistance being requested: ❑ Business Improvement District ❑ Housing ❑ Creative Economy ❑Design Parking ® ❑ Small Business Support ❑ Economics of Downtown ❑ Welkebility ❑ Small Business Support ❑ Way finding/Branding See attached program description for more information relating to the designated topics. Summary Statement: Please describe your request In 25 words or less: Assistance requested to advance the conceptual design plan which includeds: new parking,circulation, pedestrian and bicycle access,green Infrastructure and streetecape Improvements. t e Jlb4 . � _ •i � �'P�It1•GpuRT J1437 e r •= J14 914S74 i14i4 f A44i. r� i J1446_• '' "•°vwmAgMm Mbmd Uae DevejQMnt. Buaineal G.Diahiet aaop Sb. Wainut Street Extension Advisory Committee (Appointed by Mayor Richard A. Cohen August 2414) Michelle Chase Agawam Town Engineer Christopher Curtis Pioneer Valley Planning Commission Deborah Dachos, Director Agawam Department of Planning and Community Development Chris Golba Agawam Superintendent of Public Works Joan Linehan,Director Agawam Senior Center Tricia O'Grady-Howard Agawam Planning Board Dillon Sussman Pioneer Valley Planning Commission Larry White Walnut Street Extension Property Owner fliaaaachueefft Downtown lnNettva Program Project Narrudve The Town of Agawam is unique due to the fact that, though settled in the 1700's it has no downtown. There are three historic town centers, none of which is a commercial hub. In the 1950's, the Walnut Street Shopping Center was constructed. It consists of a series on small strip buildings along a central corridor. Up to the 1970's, this area was a thriving commercial center, however today, for a number of reasons the area is dated, contaminated and in need of redevelopment. Agawam has initiated a multi-phase effort to provide incentives and assistance to return the Walnut Street Extension Shopping Area to its former glory. The Town is in the process of successfully completing activities funded under Agawam's 2014 District Local Technical Assistance (DLTA) project through the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission. The project is the second phase of this multi-phase project to redevelop Agawam's Priority Development Site, the Walnut Street Extension Shopping Area. The 2014 DLTA project consists of compiling information through surveys, site investigations and public forums regarding parking, circulation, safety improvements and streetscape design. When this phase of the project is completed, a conceptual plan addressing these components will be designed. In 2013, Agawam received a DLTA grant which resulted in the entire area being zoned Business C, a mixed use district. The Mixed-Use District allows diversity of uses, primarily commercial and housing, in the Walnut Street Extension Shopping Area. The goal is sustainabillty, consistency of design and pedestrian friendly development. The district does this by relaxing dimension requirements, allowing mixed use within buildings by right, encouraging green infrastructure and incorporating housing bonuses. Phase III of the Walnut Street Extension Redevelopment Project will consist of meeting with the stakeholders to gain acceptance of the plans and discuss property ownership issues. Also during this third phase, work will commence on preparation of the construction plans and other supporting documentation in anticipation of applying for MassWorks grant funds in the late summer/early fall of 2015. The receipt of .MassWorks Infrastructure funding to undertake the proposed Infrastructure improvements will revitalize this once vibrant Central Business District, create jobs, remove blight and increase affordable housing. This DLTA project will augment a $50,000 MassDevelopment Brownfields Assessment Grant and a $69,000 Chapter 43D Economic Development Grant used to prepare an Economic Development Plan for this area. The Town is seeking Downtown Technical Assistance to further develop the conceptual plan currently being prepared by the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission. The Town requests $10,000, to commence preliminary engineering plans incorporating the new parking and circulation design, improved pedestrian and bicycle access, green infrastructure, and streetscape improvements. These preliminary plans will allow the Town to prepare a more competitive application for the 2015 MassWorks grant funds. Scope of Work The $10,000 will allow for approximately 100 hours of engineering design work. These hours will concentrate on such items as green infrastructure, shared ,greenspace, streetscapes, landscaping, lighting and public outdoor art. The PVPC conceptual plan will serve as a framework upon which these additional elements can be applied. Additionally, all existing plans and data will be available to the consultant. Evidence of Soong Public/Private Partnership The Walnut Street Extension Shopping Center Advisory Committee members were chosen to represent residents, property owners and the Town's professional staff. Also as a lead up to this current phase of the redevelopment plan, a public forum was held and attended by property owners, business owners and the Advisory Committee.. The PVPC conceptual plan is based upon input received during this forum. The conceptual plan will be presented to all property owners on December 2, 2014. It is the intent of the Town to involve business owners and property owners through all phases of the project. Long-farm Tangible Oufcorngs Though no significant investment in the infrastructure of the Walnut Street Extension Shopping Area has been made since the early 1980's, Agawam is committed to securing the funding to revitalize this important commercial area. The Town is committed to work with the property owners and make the revitalization of the Shopping Center a priority as commenced In 2010 when it was Identified as the Town's "Priority Development Site" in the Agawam Economic Development Plan. Since that time, $50,000 of MassDevelopment monies have been used to conduct a brownfields assessment and two District Local Technical Assistance grants have been received to develop the new zoning district and the infrastructure conceptual plans. Countless hours of Agawam professional staff time have been committed to make the redevelopment of the Walnut Street Extension Shopping Area a reality. Assistance from the Downtown Initiatives Program to make Agawam competitive In applying for MassWorks funds would provide a much needed next step in the redevelopment process. implementation of Recommended Actions Since refinement of the current conceptual plan is part of a multi-phase program to revitalize the Walnut Street Extension Shopping Area, the Town is committed to submitting an application to the MassWorks Program in the Fall of 2015. The Town anticipates beginning to compile the necessary components of the MassWorks Grant application during the first three quarters of 2015. I J TR-2014-50 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A GRANT FROM MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PURSUANT TO MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL LAWS CHAPTER 44, SECTION 53A TO TOWN OF AGAWAM (Sponsored by Richard A. Cohen) WHEREAS, on November 28, 2014, the Town of Agawam applied for a grant under the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development 2015 Downtown Initiative Program and that these applications are due on December 4, 2014; and WHEREAS, the Town of Agawam seeks the amount of ten thousand and 001100 ($10,000.00) dollars; and WHEREAS, the Town of Agawam will use the funds to further develop the conceptual plan currently being prepared by the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission; and WHEREAS, the Town of Agawam desires to accept said grant; if awarded; and WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the Town of Agawam to accept the grant from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community - Development. NOW THEREFORE, the Agawam City Council hereby resolves pursuant to M.G.L. c.44, §53A to accept this grant, if awarded to the Town of Agawam, from Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development; and The AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL hereby further resolves that the Mayor is authorized to expend said funds, as permitted by law, and to do all things necessary for the purposes so stated. DATED THIS DAY OF , 2014. ' PER ORDER OF THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL Christophhnson, President nOVE-jDAO FORM AND LEGALITY r � Vincent F. ia, Solicitor 2015 Downtown Technical Assistance Application Cover Sheet Massachusetts Downtown Initiative Program Application Deadline: 5:00 p.m. on December 4 2014 Community Name: Town of Agawam Date of Application: November 28, 2014 Title of Project: Walnut Street Extension Shopping Center Revelopment Project Principal Contact: Please print clearly. Name: Deborah S. Dachos . Address: 36 Main Street Dir., Planning and Comm. Title: Dev. Agawam,MA 01001 Phone: 413-786-0400, ext. 8738 Email: planning@agawam.ma.us Name & Signature of the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Elected Official (Required): Name&Title: Please Print Mayor Richard A. Cohen Signature: 12,e /L GL (REQUIRED FOR SUBMISSION) Check one box for the type of assistance being requested: ❑ Business Improvement District ❑ Housing ❑ Creative Economy ❑ Parking ® Design ❑ Small Business Support ❑ Economics of Downtown ❑ Walkability ❑ Small Business Support ❑ Way finding/Branding See attached program description for more information relating to the designated topics. Summary Statement: Please describe your request in 25 words or less: Assistance requested to advance the conceptual design plan which includeds: new parking, circulation, pedestrian and bicycle access, green infrastructure and streetscape improvements. 1 1 Massachusetts Downtown Initiative Program Project Narrative The Town of Agawam is unique due to the fact that, though settled in the 1700's it has no downtown. There are three historic town centers, none of which is a commercial hub. In the 1950's, the Walnut Street Shopping Center was constructed. It consists of a series on small strip buildings along a central corridor. Up to the 1970's, this area was a thriving commercial center, however today, for a number of reasons the area is dated, contaminated and in need of redevelopment. Agawam has initiated a multi-phase effort to provide incentives and assistance to return the Walnut Street Extension Shopping Area to its former glory. The Town is in the process of successfully completing activities funded under Agawam's 2014 District Local Technical Assistance (DLTA) project through the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission. The project is the second phase of this multi-phase project to redevelop Agawam's Priority Development Site, the Walnut Street Extension Shopping Area: The 2014 DLTA project consists of compiling information through surveys, site investigations and public forums regarding parking, circulation, safety improvements and streetscape design. When this phase of the project is completed, a conceptual plan addressing these components will be designed. In 2013, Agawam received a DLTA grant which resulted in the entire area being zoned Business C, a mixed use district. The Mixed-Use District allows diversity of uses, primarily commercial and housing, in the Walnut Street Extension Shopping Area. The goal is sustainability, consistency of design and pedestrian friendly development. The district does this by relaxing dimension requirements, allowing mixed use within buildings by right, encouraging green infrastructure and incorporating housing bonuses. Phase III of the Walnut Street Extension Redevelopment Project will consist of meeting with the stakeholders to gain acceptance of the plans and discuss property ownership issues. Also during this third phase, work will commence on preparation of the construction plans and other supporting documentation in anticipation of applying for MassWorks grant funds in the late summer/early fall of 2015. The receipt of MassWorks Infrastructure funding to undertake the proposed infrastructure improvements will revitalize this once vibrant Central Business District, create jobs, remove blight and increase affordable housing. This DLTA project will augment a $50,000 MassDevelopment Brownfields Assessment Grant and a $69,000 Chapter 43D Economic Development Grant used to prepare an Economic Development Plan for this area. The Town is seeking Downtown Technical Assistance to further develop the conceptual plan currently being prepared by the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission. The Town requests $10,000, to commence preliminary engineering plans incorporating the new parking and circulation design, improved pedestrian and bicycle access, green J ' infrastructure, and streetscape improvements. These preliminary plans will allow the Town to prepare a more competitive application for the 2015 MassWorks grant funds. Scope of Work The $10,000 will allow for approximately 100 hours of engineering design work. These hours will concentrate on such items as green infrastructure, shared greenspace, streetscapes, landscaping, lighting and public outdoor art. The PVPC conceptual plan will serve as a framework upon which these additional elements can be applied. Additionally, all existing plans and data will be available to the consultant. Evidence of Strong Public/Private Partnership The Walnut Street Extension Shopping Center Advisory Committee members were chosen to represent residents, property owners and the Town's professional staff. Also as a lead up to this current phase of the redevelopment plan, a public forum was held and attended by property owners, business owners and the Advisory Committee. The PVPC conceptual plan is based upon input received during this forum. The conceptual plan will be presented to all property owners on December 2, 2014. It is the intent of the Town to involve business owners and property owners through all phases of the project. Long-term Tangible Outcomes Though no significant investment in the infrastructure of the Walnut Street Extension Shopping Area has been made since the early 1980's, Agawam is committed to securing the funding to revitalize this important commercial area. The Town is committed to work with the property owners and make the revitalization of the Shopping Center a priority as commenced in 2010 when it was identified as the Town's "Priority Development Site" in the Agawam Economic Development Plan. Since that time, $50,000 of MassDevelopment monies have been used to conduct a brownfields assessment and two District Local Technical Assistance grants have been received to develop the new zoning district and the infrastructure conceptual plans. Countless hours of Agawam professional staff time have been committed to make the redevelopment of the Walnut Street Extension Shopping Area a reality. Assistance from the Downtown Initiatives Program to make Agawam competitive in- applying for MassWorks funds would provide a much needed next step in the redevelopment process. Implementation of Recommended Actions Since refinement of the current conceptual plan is part of a multi-phase program to revitalize the Walnut Street Extension Shopping Area, the Town is committed to submitting an application to the MassWorks Program in the Fall of 2015. The Town anticipates beginning to compile the necessary components of the MassWorks Grant application during the first three quarters of 2015.