Annual report (1999)

              Division of Community and Economic Development 1999 Annual Report
~ REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (Continued)
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ECONOMIC DISTRICT IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS - Star Financial Bank
leased the space to Star Financial Bank for its new downtown headquarters. Renovations included
extensive interior and exterior improvements, including a new drive-up area. The Commission made
streetscape improvements costing about $50,000, inch~ding sidewalk replacement and street trees.
Status - Star Financial Bank moved into its new offices in August 1999. The area was
incorporated into the Civic Center Urban Renewal Area with Amendment X in 1999.
STAND ALONE PROJECTS
Baker-Fairfield-Ewing Realignment And Southeast Corner of Baker and Fairfield Streets
Summary - The project required demolition of an old dairy at Baker and Fairfield. Future
funding is to allow likewise at the corner of Baker and Ewing and construction of an "s" curve to
improve northbound traffic flow from Fairfield to Ewing. Sidewalk improvements will be included.
Background - With City encouragement, the owner of Mission Industries/Component
Engineering and Sales constructed a new building on land he owns east of his former facility at the
comer of Baker and Fairfield. After negotiations he donated the property to the Commission on the
condition that the Redevelopment Commission would demolish the building and complete
environmental remediation. This allows future construction of an "s" curve roadway improvement.
Status - Mission Industries/Component Sales & Engineering moved into its new building in
the late summer/early fall 1998. In December, the Commission took title to lots 37-42 of Ewing's
Grove Addition and received demolition bids. In the spring of 1999, demolition of the old building,
environmental remediation and restoration of the corner were completed at a cost of about $100,000.
An underground fuel oil storage tank was removed along with small amounts of contaminated soil.
Flood Mitigation
Summary - Commission provided staff assistance to acquire structures in the flood plain or
floodway - that will never be fully protected by the Army Corps of Engineers dike project.
Background - Since the early 1990's, the Commission has worked to acquire structures in
flood plains and floodways using CDBG funds. The City provided match funds of $85,000 that
enabled the State and the Maumee River Basin Commission to fund up to $362,000 to also purchase
structures in the flood plain and floodways .
Status - In 1999, six structures were acquired, five of which were demolished. All six were
located in the RosslMichaels area, northwest of downtown. Once all the structures are demolished,
the sites can be used only as "green space". No construction may now occur, although recreational
and related uses are permitted. Redevelopment staff assisted the City to prepare a new funding
request to the Maumee River Basin Commission and the State for further flood plain acquisition,
relocation, and denlolition. Response is expected in Spring of2000 .
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