Overview:
The Community Development Authority (CDA) of Racine will discuss two significant resolutions during their May 20, 2024 meeting. The agenda includes a public hearing on acquiring a blighted property at 516 Eleventh Street and considering a lease agreement for a parking lot at 1402 State Street. These initiatives aim to eliminate blight, support local business development, and enhance neighborhood conditions.
RACINE — The Community Development Authority (CDA) of the City of Racine will convene on May 20, 2024, to discuss two significant resolutions to address blight and support local business development. The meeting will focus on acquiring a blighted property at 516 Eleventh Street and a lease agreement for a parking lot at 1402 State Street.
CDA agenda items
Acquisition of blighted property at 516 11th St.
The CDA will hold a public hearing to discuss Resolution 24-12, proposing acquiring the property at 516 Eleventh Street, which JPMorgan Chase Bank owns. Over the past two years, this property has been a source of numerous issues for the city, including 78 code enforcement responses, 29 police calls for service, and 124 citations totaling over $70,000 in fines.
According to the staff memo prepared by Kelly Reed, Neighborhood Enhancement Division Manager, and Jeff Hintz, Assistant Director of City Development, the property consists of two structures built in 1886, currently used as single-unit dwellings. The CDA intends to demolish these structures and redevelop the site as a single-unit owner-occupied dwelling, which will help eliminate blight and improve neighborhood conditions.
The resolution will be presented to the Common Council for consideration on June 4, 2024. If approved, the CDA will negotiate the purchase and execute the necessary documents by July 15, 2024.
Lease agreement for parking lot at 1402 State St.
In addition to discussing the acquisition of the blighted property, the CDA will also consider Resolution 24-13, which proposes a lease agreement for a CDA-owned property at 1402 State Street. Local business owner Saul Vivero, who operates a retail store at 1336 State St., has expressed interest in leasing this lot for customer parking.
The lease agreement stipulates that Vivero will pay $100 monthly and be responsible for maintaining the lot, including snow removal and grass mowing. This arrangement will provide Vivero with needed parking while generating modest revenue for the CDA and reducing maintenance costs. The lease includes a provision allowing the CDA to terminate the agreement with 30 days written notice if the property is needed for redevelopment.
Meeting agenda and public participation
The CDA meeting, scheduled for 6 p.m. on May 20, 2024, at City Hall, Room 303, will address both resolutions. The agenda includes:
- Call to Order
- Approval of Minutes for the April 22, 2024, Meeting
- Public Hearing on Resolution 24-12 regarding the property at 516 Eleventh Street
- Consideration of Resolution 24-13 regarding the lease of property at 1402 State Street to Saul Vivero
- Adjournment.
Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to attend the meeting or contact the Department of City Development for accessibility needs or interpretation services.
Financial and community impact
Both resolutions represent strategic moves by the CDA to manage city-owned properties effectively and support local economic development. The acquisition of the blighted property at 516 Eleventh Street aims to address public health and safety concerns while setting the stage for neighborhood revitalization. The lease agreement with Saul Vivero provides necessary support for a local business, enhancing its operations and contributing to the area’s economic vitality.
“These actions demonstrate our commitment to improving the quality of life in Racine and supporting local businesses,” said Cathy Anderson, Manager of Economic Development and Housing. “By addressing blight and providing practical solutions for property use, we can foster a more vibrant and prosperous community.”
Next steps
Following the public hearing and meeting, the CDA will make recommendations to the Common Council regarding acquiring 516 Eleventh Street. The Council’s decision on June 4 will determine the next steps for this property. For the lease agreement, the CDA’s approval will allow Vivero to begin utilizing the parking lot, benefiting his business and the surrounding community.
Stay tuned to the Racine County Eye for further details and updates on these resolutions and other local government matters.
Editor’s note: Elements of this article were generated by ChatGPT.
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