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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009 01 09 DCA Evaluation Ltr STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS "Dedicated to making Florida a better place to call home" CHARLIE CRIST THOMAS G.PELHAM Governor Secretary January 9, 2009 I.ya�Prr Ms. Rebecca Grohall JAN 12 2009 City of Sebastian PZ(3=: >.4 ^ Growth Management 1225 Main Street Sebastian, Florida 32958 RE: SMWW Project Number: 08-003-WW1 Sebastian Working Waterfront Collaberative City of Sebastian Dear Ms. Grohall: The Florida Communities Trust (FCT) Staff Evaluation Report for the above-referenced application is enclosed. The report contains an analysis and preliminary score for each of the project ranking criterion. The FCT Governing Board Ranking Meeting will be held on January 29th in the Cabinet Meeting Room in the Lower Level of the Capitol, 400 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Florida. The Ranking Meeting will begin at 9:00 AM and will continue as long as necessary. For details regarding proceedings at the Governing Board meeting, please review the enclosed Public Hearing Information. Evaluation Report In preparing your evaluation report, FCT staff considered the following: • Your project application, as submitted by the November 26, 2008 deadline. • Clarifying information requested by FCT staff during the application review. Questions about your Evaluation Report Should you have any questions or comments regarding the FCT Staff Evaluation Report, please call your lead evaluator as soon as possible. If you are unable to resolve the issue with FCT staff regarding the scoring of your evaluation report, 2555 SHUMARD OAK BOULEVARD • TALLAHASSEE , FL 32399-2100 850-488-8466 (p) • 850-921-0781 (f) • Website: www.dca.state.fl.us • COMMUNITY PLANNING 850-488-2356(p) 850-488-3309(f) • FLORIDA COMMUNITIES TRUST 850-922-2207(p) 850-921-1747(f) • HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 850-488-7956(p) 850-922-5623(f) Ms. Rebecca Grohall January 9, 2009 Page 2 pursuant to Rule 9K-9.007 (3)(a), F.A.C., you must submit your objections in writing to FCT staff. Written objection must be received at least 48 hours prior to the Board Ranking Meeting. The FCT Governing Board will settle all unresolved issues arising from written objections at the Ranking Meeting. Please note that the Board will not consider objections to staff recommended scores that are not received in written form by the above-mentioned deadline. A Total Score Report includes staff recommended evaluation scores for all evaluated Stan Mayfield Working Waterfronts Program applications and will be available on FCT's website. http://www.floridacommunitiestrust.orq/ It is important p rtant to note that site visits conducted rior to the Governing Wing Board Meeting could result in changes to the scores shown in this report. Visitors Information for Tallahassee We have also enclosed information for those of you planning to be in Tallahassee for the Ranking Meeting regarding local accommodations, maps and parking. If you have any further questions, or need additional information, please contact your lead evaluator or Grant Gelhardt at (850) 922-1704. Thank you for your participation in the Stan Mayfield Working Waterfronts Program. Sincerely, /C4.414%. Ken Reecy Community Program Manager KR/pk Enclosures: Evaluation Report Public Hearing Information Staff Evaluation Report Stan Mayfield Working Waterfront Program Florida Communities Trust— Department of Community Affairs Project Name: Sebastian Working Waterfront Collaborative Project Number: 08-003-WW1 Applicant: City of Sebastian Acreage: 2.01 acres FCT Grant Award: $3,136,250.00 Match: $378,750.00 Total Project Cost: $3,515,000.00 Project Scores by Evaluation Category: (1) Location 35 (2) Economic Consideration 25 (3) Site Suitability/Readiness 28 (4) Financial Contribution 0 (5) Community Planning 10 (6) Public Education 6 Total Project Score: 104 Note: Staff may conduct site visits for the top ranked projects to verify site conditions and to check the accuracy of the information provided in the Grant Application. Based on information obtained during the site visits, staff scoring recommendations may be modified prior to the FCT Governing Board Meeting. Project Overview: The project site is located on the Indian River Lagoon in the City of Sebastian. The applicant is proposing to develop the site as an educational venue to educate the public about the economic, cultural, and historic heritage of Florida's traditional working waterfronts, including the marketing of the seafood and aquaculture industries. The site has two existing buildings and docking facilities. The docking facilities will be used to moor boats that will conduct educational tours that will highlight environment of the lagoon and the heritage of the commercial fishing industry. One of the buildings will be developed as an education site and will highlight the cultural and historic heritage of Florida's traditional working waterfronts. The other building will be developed as a retail/wholesale fish market. Business Summary: A Business Summary is not required by Rule 9K-9.004(7) in the case of a local government proposal to acquire fee simple acquisition of a parcel or parcels of land used for exhibitions, demonstrations, educational venues, civic events, and other purposes that promote and educate the public about economic, cultural, and historic heritage of Florida's traditional working waterfronts, including the marketing of the seafood and aquaculture industries. 08-003-WW1 Page 1 PROJECT EVALUATION AND SCORING (1) Location 10 (a) The Project Site is located within the boundary of a locally designated Community Redevelopment Area as defined in s. 163.340, F.S. and furthers the adopted community redevelopment plan (10 points). The project site is located within the boundary of a locally designated Community Redevelopment Area and furthers an adopted community redevelopment plan. 10 (b) The Project Site is adjacent to state-owned submerged lands designated as an aquatic preserve identified in s. 258.39, F.S. (10 points). The project site is adjacent to state-owned submerged lands designated as an aquatic preserve. 10 (c) The Project Site is located within a municipality with a population less than 30,000 (10 points). The project site is located within a municipality with a population less than 30,000. 0 (d) The Project Site is within an area designated as an active "Waterfronts Florida Partnership Community" (9 points). Applicant answered "no" to this criterion. 5 (e) The Project Site provides services and is located within 15 miles of a state designated aquaculture "High Density Lease Area" (5 points). The project site is located within 15 miles of a state designated aquaculture "High Density Lease Area." 0 (f) The Project Site is within an area designated as a "Rural Area of Critical Economic Concern" (4 points). Applicant answered "no" to this criterion. (2) Economic Consideration 10 (a) The proposed project provides an economic benefit to the community (10 points); 08-003-WW1 Page 2 The applicant provided documentation that the project site provides an economic benefit to the community. 10 (b) The Project Site is located in a municipality or in the unincorporated county with a growth rate that exceeds the average growth rate for the state, as shown by population increase since the last census (10 points); The project site is located in a municipality with a growth rate that exceeds the average growth rate for the state, as shown by population increase since the last census. 5 (c) The Project Site has sustained hurricane damage in the past 5 years such that operating capacity was reduced or normal operations were interrupted for a period of not less than two weeks (5 points). The applicant provided documentation that the project site has sustained hurricane damage in the past 5 years such that operating capacity was reduced or normal operations were interrupted for a period of not less than two weeks. (3) Site Suitability/Readiness (a) The Project Site contains existing structures that can be used or require only minor improvements, for use as commercial saltwater fisheries or aquaculture operations (points may be awarded based on the following criteria): 0 (1) Docking facility for commercial fishing vessels (12 points); The project site will be used for exhibitions, demonstrations, educational venues, civic events, and other purposes that promote and educate the public about economic, cultural, and historic heritage of Florida's traditional working waterfronts, including the marketing of the seafood and aquaculture industries. The applicant stated that the docking facilities will be used to moor boats that will conduct educational tours that will highlight environment of the lagoon and the heritage of the commercial fishing industry. The applicant did not provide documentation that the site will provide docking facility for commercial fishing vessels, as specified by this criterion. 10 (2) A Seafood House or other buildings to be used for Working Waterfronts Business (10 points); The applicant will use one of the existing structures for a retail and wholesale Seafood House. 0 (3) Boat ramp for commercial fishing vessels (8 points); Applicant answered "no" to this criterion. 0 (4) Storage area for traps, nets, and other gear needed for commercial fishing or aquaculture operations (4 points); 08-003-WW1 Page 3 The project site will be used for exhibitions, demonstrations, educational venues, civic events, and other purposes that promote and educate the public about economic, cultural, and historic heritage of Florida's traditional working waterfronts, including the marketing of the seafood and aquaculture industries. The applicant did not provide documentation that the site will provide storage area for traps, nets, and other gear needed for commercial fishing or aquaculture operations, as specified by this criterion. 7 (b) The Project Site has a submerged land lease from the Board of Trustees, Environmental Resource Permit, or Wetland Resource Permit for the existing or proposed docking facility (7 points); The applicant provided documentation that they have obtained a submerged land lease for the project site's existing docking facility. 7 (c) The Project Site has obtained all necessary permits from the local government for existing or proposed uses on the uplands (7 points); The City Planning Department stated that the project site has obtained all necessary permits from the local government for existing and proposed uses on the uplands. 0 (d) The proposed project will be acquired using a less-than-fee Working Waterfront Covenant for all of the land to be acquired (5 points). Applicant answered "no" to this criterion. 4 (e) The Project Site will participate in Florida's Clean Marina Program (4 points). The applicant has committed to participate in Florida's Clean Marina Program. (4) Financial Contribution (a) Providing a share of the eligible Match. The Applicant is committed to: 0 (1) Provide a Match between 25 percent to 34 percent of the Project Costs, or, for Small Local Governments as defined in 9K-9.002(21) and Nonprofit Working Waterfront Organizations, a Match between 10 percent and 19 percent of the Project Costs (5 points); or Applicant answered "no" to this criterion. 0 (2) Provide a Match of 35 percent or more of the Project Costs, or, for Small Local Governments as defined in 9K-9.002(21) and Nonprofit Working Waterfront Organizations, a Match of 20 percent or more of the Project Costs (10 points). 08-003-WW1 Paae 4 Applicant answered "no" to this criterion. 0 (b) The applicant has committed to major restoration of an existing docking facility for commercial fishing vessels or to construct a new docking facility for commercial fishing vessels (8 points); The existing docking facilities on the project site are in good condition and can be used and require only minor improvements. The project site will be used for exhibitions, demonstrations, educational venues, civic events, and other purposes that promote and educate the public about economic, cultural, and historic heritage of Florida's traditional working waterfronts, including the marketing of the seafood and aquaculture industries. The applicant stated that the docking facilities will be used to moor boats that will conduct educational tours that will highlight environment of the lagoon and the heritage of the commercial fishing industry. The applicant did not provide documentation that the site will provide docking facilities for commercial fishing vessels, as specified by this criterion. 0 (c) The applicant has committed to major restoration of an existing Seafood House or other building(s) used for Working Waterfront Business or to construct a new Seafood House or other buildings of at least 1,000 square feet to be used for Working Waterfront Business (6 points); The two existing buildings are in good condition and do not require major restoration, as specified by this criterion. Points for the existing buildings were awarded under criterion (3)(a)2. 0 (d) The applicant has committed to major restoration of an existing boat ramp for commercial fishing vessels or to construct a new boat ramp for commercial fishing vessels (4 points). Applicant answered "no" to this criterion. (5) Community Planning 5 (a) The project is located in a Future Land Use category, zoning district, or overlay district that has been identified for the protection and preservation of Working Waterfronts (5 points); The City's adopted zoning map includes a Commercial Waterfront Residential category. The project site is located in this zoning category. Commercial Waterfront Residential category is a mixed use district designed to further the goals of a working waterfronts. Acquisition of the project site will assist in protecting and preserving working waterfronts. 5 (b) The project furthers local government comprehensive plan objectives and policies that ensure the protection and preservation of Working Waterfronts for use by commercial fishermen, aquaculturists, or business entities that support these industries (5 points); 08-003-WW1 Page 5 I Future Land Use Policy 1-3.3.4 discusses the need to further the overall theme of the Riverfront district as an "Old Florida Fishing Village." Acquisition of the project site will assist in protecting and preserving working waterfronts. 0 (c) The project furthers local government comprehensive plan objectives and policies to provide facilities that promote and educate the public about the economic, cultural and historical heritage of Florida's traditional Working Waterfronts (3 points). No comprehensive plan directives were cited that provide facilities that promote and educate the public about the economic, cultural and historic heritage of Florida's traditional Working Waterfronts, as specified by this criterion. (6) Public Education 4 (a) The Project Site provides a permanent structure containing displays of artifacts and other items open to the public that provide information about the economic, cultural or historic heritage of Florida's traditional Working Waterfronts (4 points); The applicant will install a permanent structure containing displays of artifacts or other items intended to educate visitors about the economic, cultural or historic heritage of Florida's traditional working waterfronts. 0 (b) The Project Site contains a structure(s) that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places administered by the National Park Service (3 points); Applicant answered "no" to this criterion. 2 (c) Interpretive kiosk or signs will be provided that educate the public about the economic, cultural, or historic heritage of Florida's traditional Working Waterfronts (2 points). The applicant will install an interpretive kiosk or signs intended to educate visitors about the economic, cultural or historic heritage of Florida's traditional working waterfronts. • 08-003-WW1 Page 6 rf PUBLIC HEARING INFORMATION STAN MAYFIELD WORKING WATERFRONTS GRANT APPLICATION CYCLE Tallahassee Cabinet Meeting Room Tallahassee, Florida - JANUARY 29, 2009 r Role of FCT Governing Board Every member of the Florida Communities Trust (FCT) Governing Board has received a copy of each applicant's business summary or project summary, corresponding maps, and FCT staff project evaluation report. The Board will also be provided with copies of additional information and letters of support or other public comments received for each project prior to the meeting. During the public hearing, the Governing Board reviews all project evaluation reports to determine whether scores recommended by FCT staff should be accepted. The Board will assign final scores, and after any modifications determine the ranking of projects to be submitted to the Board of Trustees. Communications with the FCT Governing Board All communications to the FCT Governing Board regarding any application under consideration shall either: 1. Be mailed or delivered to the Program Manager for distribution to all members of the Governing Board, or 2. Be presented in writing or orally to the Governing Board in the public meeting. Meeting Agenda The agenda for the public hearing, subject to approval by the Chair, will likely include the following items. 1. Review of Applications— applications will be reviewed in project number order, subject to changes in sequence at the discretion of the Governing Board. a. FCT staff presentations -will cover staff recommended scores for each project application, considering timely received applicant objections and any modifications resulting from site visits. Page 1 of 2 , '.., PUBLIC HEARING INFORMATION — CONTINUTED 11 b. Applicant presentation regarding unresolved issues (optional) - limited to a maximum of five (5) minutes, or at the Chair's discretion. Applicant comments should only `~ address any unresolved already submitted issues or objections to staff recommended scores. Pursuant to Rule 9K-9.007(3)(a), F.A.C., applicant objections to staff recommended scores must be submitted in writing to Trust staff at least 48 hours prior to the January 29th meeting, in order to be considered by the Board. c. Governing Board discussion —the Board may ask additional questions of applicants and staff, in addition to settling any unresolved issues arising from written objections from applicants pursuant to Rule 9K-9.007(3)(a). (see 1(b)above) d. Scoring consideration -the Board will make the final applicant score determination. 2. Project ranking — Ranking of projects is determined in descending score order. 3. Ranking for funding —the Board will submit the ranking list to the Board of Trustees for selection of funded projects at the first Cabinet Meeting in February. Page 2 of 2