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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Tax break proposed for downtown Flint's Capitol Theatre is part of $10 million needed for renovation
rint
Dominic Adams | dadams5@mlive.com By Dominic Adams | dadams5@mlive.com
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on August 26, 2013 at 8:25 PM
FLINT, MI – Troy Farah said a tax break is one piece of a funding puzzle that must come together in order for his family to embark on its $10 million renovation of the Capitol Theatre.
Farah spoke before Flint City Council on Monday, Aug. 26, during public hearings about creating an obsolete property rehabilitation district for the Capitol Theatre, 104 E. Second St.
Creating the district would allow tax breaks and a second hearing was about a tax break for the theater, which, by law, can be for up to 12 years.
“We’re still working on four to five other pieces,” Farah said following the hearings at City Hall.
Farah said his family has owned the theater since 1976 and discussed the renovation for the 2,000-seat theater and 25,000 square feet of office and retail space.
Ten people spoke during both public hearings.
“We are taking no action tonight,” said Fourth Ward Councilman Joshua Freeman. “(Emergency manager Michael Brown) just didn’t want to sit through public comment, I guess, so he made us do it.”
The theater was already awarded a $500,000 grant, which represents one-twentieth of the $10 million needed to complete the building's rehab, and its disbursement depends on the theater owner’s ability to secure the additional $9.5 million needed to complete the project.
Uptown Reinvestment Corporation applied for the grant on behalf of the Farah family – the owners of the building – and will serve as a partner in the rehab project, Troy Farah previously told MLive-Flint Journal.
“What we are trying to do is not let the property taxes double or triple,” Farah said. “We are going way out on a limb in making this investment and taking on this project.”
Resident Chris Del Morone said the Capitol doesn't need the tax abatement because it’s not like Flint is trying to lure the theater to town.
“The Capitol Theatre is already here, so there is no real need for the tax abatement,” Del Morone said.
City officials said the last similar tax abatement was on the construction of the new Michigan School for the Deaf.
In 2013, the total property taxes for the Capitol Theatre were $15, 327.13, city officials said. Farah pays taxes on the value of the building and personal property inside the building.
The tax abatement would freeze the property taxes at current levels for 12 years
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“I think it’s a forgone conclusion that the emergency manager has already made his decision,” said Sixth Ward Councilman Sheldon Neeley
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Dominic Adams is a reporter for MLive-Flint Journal. Contact him at dadams5@mlive.com or 810-241-8803. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook or Google+.
Last edited by untanglingwebs on Sun Sep 01, 2013 6:03 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Sun Sep 01, 2013 1:58 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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To my surprise one of the biggest Mott Foundation fans I know railed against this tax break. he specifically said he was tired of Tim Herman and the Uptown groups.
Could have knocked me over with a feather!
Everyone I talk to is opposed to this deal. I guess it is a case of too much being given to downtown to the detriment of the rest of the city.
Even M-Live readers were outraged. About 26 0f 27 comments were angry.
Pavjo chastised Brown stating he was angry about more tax breaks for the "elite".
Ted Jankowski made all of the connections between Uptown, Mott Foundation, Prima Civitas and Mike Brown in a satirical conspiracy piece.
One person believed the tax breaks had to come from Council.
The most interesting comment came from Terry who said few people realized that there were two uptowns-a nonprofit and a for profit. He advised readers to review the list of projects by both and compare supplier lists, such as architects, engineers, contractors, materials suppliers. Then he said we should look for family and friends of Uptown.
Wise man that Terry! |
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Sun Sep 01, 2013 2:10 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Flint River, Flint, Michigan Project Modification for Improvement ...
www.wadetrim.com/hamilton_dam/reports/flint_prp_draft_4-13-04.pdf · PDF file
... and along the Swartz-Thread ... Early Native Americans would collect lake sturgeon on the lower Flint River ... vital resource needing protection from pollution.
Last edited by untanglingwebs on Sat Sep 07, 2013 7:28 am; edited 1 time in total |
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Sat Sep 07, 2013 7:18 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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STARTING ON PAGE 11 THIS STUDY DETAILS PLANS FOR DOWNTOWN FLINT INCLUDING THE PLAZA, FARMERS MARKET MOVE AND MORE.
Flint Uptown Reinvestment Strategy
A group of downtown stakeholders (Flint Uptown Reinvestment Corporation) has recently been working to develop a strategy for the downtown area. The overall goal of the Reinvestment Strategy is to redefine Flint’s central business district in order to transform it into of the best small-city downtowns in the United States. The Reinvestment Strategy identifies the specific actions and projects that can be accomplished individually, while collectively contributing to an implementation
framework for the regeneration of downtown Flint. Specific goals for the plan include:
· A distinct image
· A central marketplace
· A reliable economic base
· A compact, dense building pattern
· A concentration of housing
· An understandable, attractive street system
· A sense of permanence
· A soul
· Community spirit and vision
Concept Goals
· Strengthen Saginaw Street Corridor
· Establish downtown residential neighborhoods
· Improve the City street system for people and cars
· Capitalize on open space resources
· Integrate centers of strength
The plan highlights priorities for the next ten years.
Section 1135: Flint River & Swartz Creek DRAFT: 13 April 2004
Flint, Michigan
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Preliminary Restoration Plan
Detroit District 12
· Saginaw Streetscape
· Conversion of Uptown Developments
buildings/ Republic Bank Building
· Continuing façade improvements
· Wayfinding/signage
· Arts & Entertainment block redevelopment
· URC staffing
· Marketing and promotion
· Begin 2-way street conversion
Downtown Priority Projects (Years 1–3)
· City Square Park/Plaza
· Relocate Farmer’s Market into
downtown
· East Side residential
neighborhood
· Riverfront improvements
· City Hall park
Downtown Priority Projects (Years 4-10)
Section 1135: Flint River & Swartz Creek DRAFT: 13 April 2004
Flint, Michigan
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Preliminary Restoration Plan
Detroit District 13
City of Flint Planning Efforts
Currently, the City of Flint is experiencing a resurgence of planning efforts and citizen involvement.
Plans have either been prepared or are in the process of completion for the downtown area, cultural center, University of Michigan campus, the Third Avenue Corridor and numerous neighborhood districts. The City of Flint Planning Commission has realized the need to consolidate ideas and form an overall vision for the continued growth and success of the entire community.
With this in mind, the Planning Commission has decided to move forward with the development of a Comprehensive Strategic Plan. They chose this type of master plan because it is comprehensive in its approach and will assist in the identification of issues and goals related to the City’s future. However, it also uses strategic planning to help the community focus on specific key issues and actions for
resolution. The master planning process will be managed by a Steering Committee that is appointed by the Planning Commission. The City is currently (March 2004) in the process of selecting Steering Committee members. Once that is complete, the Request for Proposals process will begin and selection of a Planning Consultant will take place. |
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Sat Sep 07, 2013 7:25 am |
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