HomeMy WebLinkAboutCanton Route 9 TIF Public HearingCanton Route 9 TIF Public Hearing
Tuesday, September 14th, 2010 6:30 pm
At The Historic Depot
Donald E Edwards Way
50 North 4th Avenue Canton II 61520
Mayor Meade called the meeting to order at 6:OOpm.
City Administrator Jim Snider stated we began the process of the TIF discussion and hearings to see
what the needs were in the community. The City looked at development in different areas, and 1im
made recommendations to the Council. Until we have a specific developer for the PeaBody area, the
City will not include this in the TIF district.
Steve Kline explained that the process began as an exploration, and the notices sent with the map on
the back was a study area as a whole. The area was reviewed, and would qualify, and could be re-
examined in the future. Anew area is now being revised and considered in the Route 9 TIF.
The Proposed area and purpose:
1. Portions of former Canton Industrial Park (4-A)TIF District; then,
2. Vacant and improved parcels south of and adjacent to Rt 9, narrowing to minimal distance
needed to maintain contiguity along Locust Street between Avenue F and First Avenue. Then
sufficient areas are to be included along Locust between Spruce Street and Elm Street over to
Sixth Avenue. The area then narrows to approx. one property depth on both sides of Chestnut
street eastward to Heilig Meyer/Kmart/Kroger Plazas. The final section is south of Chestnut
Street and east of Twentieth Avenue to include areas contiguous with the City's East Side
Seward Treatment Plant.
Goals of the Canton Rt 9 TIF District include:
1. Eliminate or reduce those conditions which qualify the Redevelopment Project areas as a
combination of blighted and conservation areas.
2. Facilitate the completion of necessary public infrastructure which is consistent with the City's
comprehensive plan and encourages new commercial, residential and light industrial
redevelopment within the City.
3. Extend and/or upgrade storm drainage and sanitary sewer lines throughout the redevelopment
area.
4. Improve and update antiquated and or inadequate water lines, mains and water distribution
systems.
5. Improve and update streets, street lighting, landscaping, curbs, alleys, parks, public green space,
recreational amenities, sidewalks and other pedestrian walkways throughout the
redevelopment area.
6. Enhance the tax base for the City and other taxing districts through coordinated planning efforts
by either public or private or public sectors which focus on efforts to improve infrastructure,
property reuse, and the upgrading of existing buildings.
7. Attract new commercial and light industrial development which is consistent with the City's
comprehensive plan, complies with City zoning and land use ordinance, increases assessed
valuation and enhances the real estate tax base for the City, and creates additional employment
opportunities within the community.
8. Encourage renovations and redevelopment of residential areas
9. Attract retail/commercial businesses through the use of financial incentives offered by Tax
increment financing
10. Operate in tandem with the Canton IH TIF district to further improve the overall quality of life,
health and well being of the community.
• Timeline: Draft of amendment to TIF plan should be available within the next couple of weeks.
Mayor Meade opened the meeting for comments from the audience:
Jim Tucker
Owner of property at 252 West Chestnut explained that Route 9 comes in Locust Street. Do you intend
to extend the highway down Chestnut. Steve Kline explained that they do not plan on expanding the
highway. Will properties along this route be disturbed? Steve Kline explained that it would not change
any of the property- The TIF is a tool to promote new development in the area.
Tim Gilmore stated that he understands the general concept, but is speaking on behalf of another
resident. Tim was asking for clarification on the effect to the roadway and the land in the area. Mayor
Meade explained this would not be affected.
Betty Mannock
Does this area include the area past 20`h street? Does this include the south side and the north side of
Chestnut? Will residents in this area have to pay taxes? Mayor Meade explained that taxes would have
to be paid in this area, but has no effect on the tax rate. Is the cornfield by Bradley Corner an area
considered? Jim Snider explained that this is outside the City limits, but would need to be annexed into
the City if a developer was interested. Jim Snider further explained that the TIF allows for development.
Aldermen Eric Schenck
Stated he is not convinced that part of the TIF is not a high priority at this time. If citizens in his ward
have questions, they can contact Eric at home.
Martha Strode
A future meeting needs to cover the outcome for the future, and can't imagine that the citizens would
not want the town to flourish, and is hopeful that the importance of Spoon River College, and our
schools are considered and will be discussed at future meetings.
Mayor Meade adjourned the meeting at 6:35 pm