Rodney Street Area into Helena Downtown Urban Renewal ......Rodney Street Area into Helena Downtown Urban Renewal District Assessment of Potential LOCAL PERCEPTIONS • Rodney Street

Assessment of Potential Rodney Street Area into Helena Downtown Urban Renewal District

171028 City of Helena

7.16.2019

1111 East Broadway, Missoula, MT 59802 I OFFICE 406.728.4611 I EMAIL [email protected]

Rodney Street Area into Helena Downtown Urban Renewal District Assessment of Potential

REPORT DATE:

7.16.2019

AUTHOR:

Anne Cossitt

Senior Planner

WGM Group, Inc.


CONTENTS

PURPOSE OF THIS ASSESSMENT ...................................................... 1

PROJECT BACKGROUND ............................................................................. 2

WHAT IS THE VISION FOR RODNEY STREET............................... 3

CONFORMANCE WITH THE HELENA DOWNTOWN URBAN

RENEWAL DISTRICT PLAN .......................................................................... 8

CONCLUSIONS ....................................................................................... 11

RECOMMENDATION ...................................................................................... 13

PROPOSED FINAL STUDY AREA FOR RODNEY STREET ........ 14

APPENDICES

A – MEETING NOTES FROM THE MAY 14, 2019,

RODNEY STREET AREA FOCUS GROUP

B – DOWNTOWN URBAN RENEWAL DISTRICT VISION

AND GOALS

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PURPOSE OF THIS ASSESSMENT

This assessment is the first step of determining if and how to move forward with amending Helena’s Downtown Urban Renewal District (URD) to include an area of Rodney Street. The initial area being considered is just east of the existing Downtown URD and encompasses Rodney Street from approximately 6th Avenue to Pine Street.

This report discusses what is envisioned for this area, conceptual project ideas, major infrastructure needs, other potential opportunities and challenges, as well as potential public support for amending the Rodney Street Area into the Downtown URD. The report provides an analysis of conformance with the Helena Downtown URD Plan and a recommendation on how to proceed.

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PROJECT BACKGROUND Just prior to adopting the Helena Downtown Urban Renewal District at the end of 2018, the Helena City Commission raised the question of including an area surrounding Rodney Street. Doing so would result in several steps backward in the adoption process. At a minimum, the amendment would have to go to the planning board, written notice to all property owners, and the City Commission would need to hold another public hearing. The Helena City Commission agreed to adopt the Downtown URD as presented and to reconsider in 2019 the addition of Rodney Street as an amendment to the URD.

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WHAT IS THE VISION FOR RODNEY STREET? Is the vision for Rodney Street congruent with the Helena Downtown Vision? This is a crucial question for determining how the Rodney Street Area would fit into the overall Downtown URD plan. The answer to the question is uncertain because there is no accepted guiding vision for Rodney Street. Unlike the recently adopted Railroad URD and Downtown URD, there are no written plans or active planning efforts for the Rodney Street Area. In the Railroad District, the “6th Ward” Citizens Council was active, there were several planning documents, including graphics for streetscapes, and ongoing studies of the five-point intersection (Lyndale, Helena, and Montana avenues). Downtown, the City of Helena recently completed the Downtown Master Plan as an amendment to the Helena Growth Policy. URD plans for both the Downtown and Railroad Districts were built from the foundation of these previous planning efforts, and augmented with additional analysis and public engagement. DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN

There are elements in the Downtown Master Plan that link to the future of Rodney Street. The Rodney Street neighborhood is connected in many ways to Downtown’s “Fire Tower District.” The Downtown Master Plan describes the Fire Tower District as “a hub of entertainment, recreation, history, arts, and culture.” The Downtown Master Plan also emphasized the Fire Tower District’s potential for more housing along the under-utilized right-of-way along Cruse Avenue and Cutler Street. The Downtown Master Plan proposes new bike lanes on Broadway Street through the Rodney Street Area. The Rodney Street Area is integrally connected to the Downtown Master Plan’s vision for the Fire Tower District in several ways. The Rodney Street neighborhood is a mix of single and multi-family housing interspersed with commercial and public uses. The under-utilized rights of way mentioned in the Downtown Master Plan extend into the Rodney area on Cutler Street. The Myrna Loy Center is a major theatre arts venue for the entire city. The Rodney Street Area is a gateway to outdoor recreational opportunities and trailheads in the South Hills. Historically, the Rodney Street Area is tied to the Fire Tower District. The Rodney neighborhood began developing on the hill in the late 1860s, just about the same time that the Fire Tower District was constructed. Key historic buildings include the original State Capitol (now the courthouse), Myrna Loy Center (formerly the jail), Immaculata Hall (now offices), St. John’s hospital (now offices) and the original Assay building.

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FIGURE 1: CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR DOWNTOWN

Source: Downtown Helena Master Plan, pages 30-31

The Downtown Master Plan’s primary goal (Appendix B) is to encourage downtown housing. The Rodney Street neighborhood is prime for residential redevelopment that is within walking distance of downtown. Careful planning will be important to prevent gentrification of the eclectic neighborhood. The existing Rodney Street mixed use neighborhood center is unique as a distinctive neighborhood commercial area that is connected to, but separate from, downtown. Carefully planned residential redevelopment in the area will support these businesses and strengthen their viability.

OPPORTUNITY ZONE

The designation this year of Opportunity Zones by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will be an important consideration for future Urban Renewal District planning and designation. These zones are already significant drivers of investment in real estate redevelopment across the country. One of 25 Opportunity Zones established in 2019 in Montana, Helena’s designated Opportunity Zone (Census Tract 30049000800) overlaps with the Downtown URD and the Rodney Street Area. The purpose of URDs and Opportunity Zones also overlap; both are intended to boost economically distressed areas.

Supportive Element

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Public outreach was conducted to determine local perceptions and desired future for the Rodney Street Area. WGM Group worked with the Helena Citizens Council District 1 (which includes the Rodney Street Area but has no members from the area) and Sharon Haugen, Helena Community Development Director, to identify initial key stakeholders in the Rodney Street Area. Eventually the list grew to approximately 12-18 individuals, of which about 10 agreed to participate in a focus group. These persons represented local landowners, Montessori School, Myrna Loy Center, business owners, apartment owners, and residents. Most residents had lived there for a long-time; one person had been born at St. John’s hospital; another grew up in the neighborhood. The focus group was held on May 14 to explore local perceptions and desired future for the Rodney Street Area.

INITIAL FINDINGS REGARDING LOCAL PERCEPTIONS AND DESIRED FUTURE FOR RODNEY STREET AREA

It will be strategically important to evaluate the current URD Plan and boundary in light of the new zone and to potentially modify the URD boundary to better align with the Opportunity Zone Boundary. This allows the City to be a partner in redevelopment efforts within the zone. Without an accepted plan for the future, and given the range of interests in the focus group participants, the Focus Group comments provide a good starting point for further exploring desired future and vision. These comments will be used in the analysis of potential conformance with the Downtown URD plan.

Helena’s Opportunity Zone Designation encompasses the Rodney Street area

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LOCAL PERCEPTIONS

• Rodney Street Area is funky in a spirited, positive way, with a very diverse set of residents, where many have strong roots, and it is uniquely different from any other place in Helena. Residents are passionate about this area.

• The area is in transition to something better and has done so in way described as “organic change” by one participant. Without formal coordination the improvements made by a few appear to trigger other improvements such as, fixing and painting building exteriors in the commercial area.

• The history of the area is very important and should be highlighted. • The area is central, close to downtown, the capital, south hills trails, churches,

schools – its “walkability” is evident by the numerous people who walk to and through the area.

• Rodney Street is mostly accessed by locals who live in the area, it does have some visitors for the Myrna Loy Center, offices, businesses, and the court house/law enforcement complex.

FUTURE DESIRES

• Breathe life back into Rodney Street with more people and commerce while retaining its identity (“flavor” as described by one participant). Keep it diverse, funky, not too polished or gentrified. Examples included the Hawthorne district in Portland.1

• Bring back some of the history of the area with historic lighting, retain/restore ghost art, provide street art, and information that emphasizes history.

• Improve streets; provide permanent fixes for infrastructure issues such as worn-out water, sewer, and drainage.

• Create a more aesthetic environment, well kept up, with interesting features emphasize the art community.

• Use branding and way-finding to emphasize the area’s unique niche in Helena

THOUGHTS REGARDING POTENTIAL AMENDMENT INTO THE DOWNTOWN HELENA URD

• If Rodney Street is amended into the entire downtown URD, will Rodney residents and landowners have a voice in how tax increment financing (TIF) funds are used? How to avoid all of the increment from this area going to some other location?

• How does the City of Helena (City) make decisions fund allocation to specific projects?

• Why is this needed? The City is already taxing for infrastructure; why is this needed too? Why doesn’t the street get fixed?

1 The Hawthorne district is known for its bohemian vibe and an eclectic mix of quirky gift shops, bookstores and resale boutiques along Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard. Low-key eateries include classic diners, taco spots and vegetarian restaurants, while pubs, music clubs and beer bars make for lively nightlife.

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• If Rodney Street is amended into the Downtown URD, can there be specific reference about why it is being included now? Can the amendment include goals and objectives specific to Rodney Street?

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CONFORMANCE WITH THE HELENA DOWNTOWN URBAN RENEWAL DISTRICT PLAN The following analysis considers each chapter of the URD Plan and examines potential similarities and differences with the Rodney Street Area.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Downtown URD Rodney Street Area Meets an objective of Downtown Master Plan to establish Tax Increment Financing

Not specifically included in the Downtown Master Plan, but is included in the Plan’s conceptual approach (See Figure 1) and some specific proposals (e.g. bike lanes) spill into the Rodney Street Area

Includes three distinct areas: 1) Fire Tower 2) Last Chance Retail 3) Great Northern

A separate neighborhood that overlaps with key features of the Downtown Master Plan’s Fire Tower district.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DOWNTOWN URD

Rodney Street Area Brief history Rodney Street has a slightly different

history than downtown – that history includes the moniker “Catholic Hill,” a strong multi-racial influence – particularly Jewish and Chinese, St. John’s Hospital, Court House (previously the state capitol), and Myrna Loy (previously the City jail)

URD Boundary Criteria 1) Importance of gateways and

connections Rodney Street Area is different from but connected to downtown; residents use downtown, people from all over town come to Rodney Street for the Myrna Loy and Courthouse

2) Topography – Downtown Plan says “Rodney Street “does not fit the topography of the gulch”

Does not fit Downtown “gulch” topography, but it is on the same hill area as the Fire Tower and relates to Downtown topography in that way

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3) Sense of Downtown The Rodney Street Area is more of a mixed use neighborhood, with a distinct commercial center

4) Sized right to avoid stretching resources – the Downtown Master Plan specifically states that the Rodney Area is large and “could stress the resources of the Downtown District”

Rodney area as currently conceived is much smaller than the Downtown URD. The area has many needs and could stress resources of the Downtown District. Its small size makes it questionable as to whether the Rodney area could succeed as a separate URD.

5) Advances Downtown Master Plan objectives

Only peripherally included in Downtown Master Plan, still its density and mixed use align in many ways with Downtown Master Plan objectives

6) Potential for new investment Rodney Area has potential for new investment

7) No overlap with Railroad URD No overlap with Railroad URD 8) Boundary should not “split”

parcels Final boundary not yet determined – this criteria can be achieved

9) Avoid using alleys as boundary

Final boundary not yet determined – this criteria can be achieved

10) Straight boundary lines wherever possible

Final boundary not yet determined – this criteria can be achieved

Existing Land Use and Zoning … The Downtown Area zoning was recently updated to comply with the Downtown Master Plan

Existing land use generally follows existing zoning and is different from the Downtown updated zoning.

Issues Seven key issues from Downtown Master Plan (p.12 of URD Plan)

Rodney Street Area not part of Downtown Master Plan, however many of the seven downtown Master Plan issues could generally apply to Rodney

Blight – Downtown includes blight, as defined by Montana statute

Rodney Street Area has blight, as defined in Montana statute – examples include physical dilapidation, defective street layout (e.g. Cutler), unsafe sidewalks and potholed streets

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DOWNTOWN URD PLAN: VISION AND GOALS Downtown Urban Renewal District Vision Statement: “To advance Downtown revitalization and the Downtown Helena Master Plan vision by incentivizing private investment and funding public infrastructure that improves the quality and value of downtown properties.” Downtown URD Rodney Street Area Vision for URD is grounded in the Downtown Helena Master Plan

The area is not included in the Downtown Master Plan. The URD vision of “advancing revitalization” by incentivizing private investment and funding public infrastructure is applicable to Rodney Street. The view of Rodney Street Area as a separate place could be a barrier for locals to consider themselves part of “Downtown.”

Goals Most of the goals and objectives could apply to the Rodney Street Area, but more local-specific items will be needed to address the distinct Rodney Neighborhood.

DOWNTOWN URD PLAN: IMPLEMENTATION Downtown URD Rodney Street Area Tax Increment Financing (TIF) has been established

• The area could benefit from TIF – locals need some background and understanding of how it works.

• The focus group was concerned about how decisions to fund projects are made and how they could have a voice in assuring some benefit to their area.

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CONCLUSIONS

Rodney Street can meet blight criteria for inclusion in a URD with TIF provisions. It conforms in many respects to the Downtown Helena URD Plan. Issues for amendment include the following.

CHALLENGES FOR AMENDMENT 1. Downtown URD excluded Rodney Street Area: The Downtown URD Plan

specifically describes the Rodney Street Area and why it was not included in the Downtown District.

Response: If the amendment moves forward, there would need to be an explanation of why this area is now being included.

2. URD vision was based upon the Downtown Master Plan: The Downtown Master Plan did not include the Rodney Street Area.

Response: Other areas in the Downtown URD, such as the residential area west of Great Northern, Centennial Park, and areas east of Cruse Avenue were also not included in the Downtown Master Plan. Many aspects of the Downtown URD Plan’s vision, goals, and objectives apply in some way to the Rodney Street Area.

3. Single identify focus for Downtown URD: The URD promotes downtown with a single over-arching identity and does not emphasize the Fire Tower District or other areas of Downtown. Focus Group participants were very clear that they see Rodney Street as a separate location, with a separate identity even though it is connected to downtown in many ways.

Response: Rodney Street is different from the other downtown areas such as, the fire tower, Last Chance Retail, and Great Northern. It has a neighborhood center and is surrounded by lower density housing than downtown. The challenge will be to provide some level of separate identity under the umbrella of a “Downtown District.”

4. Concern about Rodney Street Area voice in TIF priorities: Focus Group participants were leery of being included in the Downtown District. The main concern was rooted in the TIF revenues from their area will be used in other downtown locations. This made participants concerned that they will not have a voice in how funds are distributed.

Response: More clarification will be needed to describe how this amended area will have a voice in setting district priorities and how funding is allocated.

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5. Desire to keep the Downtown District Boundary “as is:” Stakeholders who participated in the development of the Downtown District may not want to see it expanded, fearing the Rodney Street Area could shift TIF project focus away from the current district.

Response: TIF project involvement should be relative to the amount of tax increment created with each project, resulting in a more self-sustaining URD. E.G. a $10M apartment project will create $1M in tax increment, the tax revenue stream can be bonded, and the developer can agree to purchase the bonds as part of their project financing package.

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RECOMMENDATION WGM recommends moving forward with amending the Downtown URD to include the Rodney Street Area. The Rodney Street Area has significant potential and could provide potential to the Downtown URD; separately Rodney Street Area faces major challenges for success. Specifically, we recommend the following: 1. Finalize the study area. WGM recommends extending the study area to the

alignment of Spencer Street between 6th Street and Broadway Street so that both sides of Rodney Street commercial can be included.2

2. Begin Blight Study to document compliance with statutory criteria for a URD. 3. Use public meetings to inform Rodney area stakeholders of the project, process,

generate discussion of vision and goals, to build support for the concept. 4. Consider how to involve any existing Downtown stakeholders in the process of

amendment. 5. Include Rodney in the Downtown URD as a separate sub-area, a “Neighborhood

Center” to assure retention of the identity which Focus Group participants are passionate about.

6. Develop the amendment as a separate stand-alone document, building on what is already in the Downtown URD, highlighting what is new. This would include the following:

a. Background and Purpose of Amendment b. District Description

i. Map of entire district with amendment ii. Highlight amendment area on a map iii. Rodney Street Area: narrative description, including history iv. Boundary criteria: needs adjustments to clarify how Rodney Street

complies v. Rodney Street Area: land use, zoning, and growth policy (note the

Growth Policy is being updated) vi. Issues: summarize the issues facing Rodney Street, including a summary

of the Study of Blight c. Vision and Goals: Incorporate Rodney Street as a neighborhood center with

its own goals and objectives in addition to those in the entire district. d. Implementation: Identify process steps and measures to ensure Rodney

Street Area has a voice in setting priorities for TIF funded projects. Implementation steps may include a zoning code overlay that achieves the goals of the neighborhood plan and facilitates potential redevelopment.

2 This may be a good time to consider the new Opportunity Zone Boundary and how the Downtown URD might better align with it.

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PROPOSED FINAL STUDY AREA FOR RODNEY STREET (in purple)


APPENDIX A

MEETING NOTES FROM THE MAY 14, 2019, RODNEY STREET AREA FOCUS GROUP

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RODNEY STREET AREA FOCUS GROUP Old St. John’s Hospital Law Library, 32 S. Ewing Street

May 14, 2019 6:30-8:30 pm

Meeting Summary ATTENDEES Jim Carney Charlie Carson Bill Darcy Kirby Lambert Tami O’Brien Wayne O O’Brien

Carol Ogle Dennis Ogle Rock Ringling Annie Tague Zachary Warden

FOCUS GROUP PARTICIPANTS Meeting participants were invited to represent a range of interests as property owners, business owners, and residents. The group was intended for about six to ten people to generate meaningful discussion and greater insight into differing perspectives. The invitation list was developed through contact with the Helena Citizens Council District #1 that includes this area, city staff, and a walk-through of the area by the consultant, Anne Cossitt of WGM Group, and referrals from the initial list of about five persons. MEETING SUMMARY Purpose of the meeting was to:

1) Find out what individuals with diverse interests want for this Rodney Street area (loosely described for now as east of Warren Street to Davis between 6th and Broadway and mid-line of Rodney from Broadway to Pine)

2) Provide background on Urban Renewal Districts (URD) and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and potential amendment for Rodney Street Area to the Downtown URD

Key thoughts from participants about the Rodney Area:

1) Rodney Street area is funky in a spirited, positive way, with a very diverse set of residents, where many have strong roots, and uniquely different from any other place in Helena. Residents have a passion about this place.

2) The area is in transition to something better and has done so in way described as “organic change” by one participant - without formal coordination, with improvements made by a few appear to trigger other improvements such as fixing and painting building exteriors in the commercial area.

3) The history of the area is very important and should be highlighted. 4) The area is central, close to downtown, the capital, south hills trails, churches,

schools – its “walkability” is evident by all the people who walk to and through the area.

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5) While mostly used by locals who live within the area, there are visitors to the Myrna Loy Center, offices, businesses, and the court house/law enforcement complex.

What participants desire for the future:

1) Breathe life back into Rodney Street with more people and more commerce while retaining its identity (its “flavor” as described by one participant) – keep it diverse, funky, not too polished or gentrified. Examples included the Hawthorne district in Portland.1

2) Bring back some of the history of the area with historic lighting, retain ghost art, provide street art and information that emphasizes the history. Participants included very specific memories such as Dutch Maid ice cream store and cranky Jerry Krysak, a WWI vet and Devils Brigade member who dished it out (in his demeanor and the ice cream).

3) Improve streets, provide permanent fixes for infrastructure issues such as worn-out water, sewer, and drainage.

4) Create an aesthetic environment, well kept, with interesting features that could emphasize the arts community in the area.

5) Use branding and way-finding to emphasize the area’s unique niche in Helena Thoughts regarding potential amendment into Downtown Helena URD:

1. If Rodney Street is amended into the entire downtown URD, will citizens have a voice in how tax increment financing (TIF) funds are used? How to avoid all of the increment from this area going to some other location?

2. How does the City of Helena (City) make decisions about where the funds go? 3. Why is this needed? The City is already taxing for infrastructure; why is this

needed too? Why the street cannot just get fixed? 4. If Rodney Street is amended into Downtown URD, can there be specific

reference about why it is being included now? Can the amendment include goals and objectives that may be specific to Rodney Street?

DETAILED NOTES ON FOCUS GROUP QUESTIONS Topic Exploration

1. Describe what this area is like today. • Funky, unique • Diverse group – lawyers to street people • Nothing quite like it • History is important – Helena grew here first (Cannon House, Sanders B&B,

jail, courthouse (original state capitol) • Transformed from being identified as a “ghetto”

1 The Hawthorne district is known for its bohemian vibe and an eclectic mix of quirky gift shops, bookstores and resale boutiques along Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard. Low-key eateries include classic diners, taco spots and vegetarian restaurants, while pubs, music clubs and beer bars make for lively nightlife. https://www.google.com/search?q=hawthorne+district+portland&rlz=1C1ZCEB_enUS838US838&oq=Hawthorne+distri&aqs=chrome.0.0j69i57j0l4.9106j0j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

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• Red Meadow bar closing was a good thing – one bar is good, but don’t want a string of bars and rowdy night life

• Central to everything- downtown, walkability, walk to school, church, dinner

• Issues- snow removal needed on all sidewalks, dog poop problems • Kids are safe here – walk/ride bike to school

2. How does that differ from what it was in the past?

• It was scary before • Got better when pawn shops and Red Meadow bar closed down • The Weinstein Building was boarded; roof was collapsing and was

remodeled in the 1990s. (This building is quite old, the art deco finishing was an addition in the 1940s – this was a grocery store.)

• Hooker district until 1960s-70s. • Same family has run jesters for five generations – the bar may have

changed some but continuity in ownership. • Cleaning up the neighborhood has grown “organically” – people do it on

their own • One bar is good. Two bars are trouble. • MT Historical Society historic signage in front of buildings made a big

difference – people really read those signs; we see tourists coming and reading one after-the-other.

• There was no urban renewal in this area – not like downtown in the 1970s. • Dennis McGann used to provide historic walking tours of the area. • People are really working on beautifying the area – several buildings on

Rodney commercial area. Chessman Apartments on Ewing – they’ve really been cleaned up in the past few years.

3. Share a memorable experience in the area. • People knew where they were when the Unabomber was brought to

Helena. National reporters came around the area asking people what they thought. Several participants had very vivid memories of that.

• One person remembered that it was a hot summer night and they opened the front door for air before heading to bed. They woke up to people whispering, “this is a cool place.” Appears that revelers from the Red Meadow entered the place and were surprised by the awakened owners and quickly left.

• High school teenager shooting – now in prison for life • The sounds of the neighborhood– cathedral bells ringing and then dogs

barking. • Going to the ice cream store and playing checkers. • Getting a club sandwich at the jailhouse restaurant (where Chili O’Brien

was started). • Sledding all the way to Haps Bar where a resident would pick up kids and

take them back to Rodney Street. • My night in the jail as a teenager in what is now the Myrna Loy and little

sympathy from my dad.

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• Long board skateboarders flying down Rodney Street. • Dutch Maid Ice cream and Jerry Krysik – WWI vet and Devils Brigade – we

should make a historical marker for him --- he was a cranky character and unique – we all knew him.

• When the Weinstein Building was remodeled and the plastic sheeting came down, people were driving past and honking their horns – I get emotional thinking about that positive reinforcement of improvement in the neighborhood.

4. Who uses the Rodney Street area and how do they get there? • People come for the jail and courthouse to pay fines and file papers. • Different people – low and high income • Myrna Loy, tour train, and Governors’ mansion attract tourists and non-

locals. • Vanilla Bean Bakery is a draw to the neighborhood. • Generally, it mostly locals who use the neighborhood. • People walk around here. • Trail system is a draw to the area, and intercontinental bikers stop by in this

area. • Nearby bed and breakfasts, and the cathedral attract folks to Rodney area. • There are businesses in the area that are not commercial/retail.

5. What other places in town do residents and Rodney area employees use most

often? • Downtown and Capital area

6. What would you like to see for the Rodney Street area’s future? • Be considered an entity, with identity, branding • Signage and way-finding • Historic lighting • More small businesses • Keep it simple and laid back • Arts – support local art and outdoor sculpture • Meat store – 203 Rodney used to be a meat store • Improve the streets • Beer garden and restaurants • More parking • After-theater venues for drinks and dessert • Less rowdy Jesters bar • Regular spot for food trucks – like Portland’s2 • Alive at Five location in this area (use the lawn at the courthouse?) • Ice cream store again • Block parties (used to have them) • A market with more groceries

2 Unlike other cities’ mobile food trucks, most Portland carts are in groups, referred to as “pods” that stay in place in one location.

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• Expand and fill office space – tech firms like down at the Great Northern? • Farmer’s market – maybe start with temporary? Maybe alternative location

from the capitol?

7. Of all the things we have discussed, what to you is most important? • That this group agreed on so many things about this area • Is there potential for the county-owned building behind the bed and

breakfast with the great ghost art to be something vibrant for the area (a restaurant or other)?

• Breath life back into Rodney Street – bring commerce and people to the neighborhood

• No blight, lawns mowed, properties kept neat • Improve streets and add historic lighting • Love for the neighborhood • Passion for the history of the area • Perception about the area as unsafe is not accurate • Do not lose the “flavor” of this area – do not get too polished or gentrified,

consider a model like Portland’s Hawthorne District, not the Pearl


APPENDIX B DOWNTOWN URD VISION AND GOALS

19HELENA DOWNTOWN URBAN RENEWAL DISTRICT PLAN

Downtown URD Plan:Vision and Goals 3OverviewThis chapter identifies the vision, goals, and objectives of the plan for the Urban Renewal District. Chapter 4 identifies how the Plan will be implemented.

Helena’s Planning Framework for DowntownThis plan is guided by the Helena Growth Policy and the Downtown Helena Master Plan. The Helena Growth Policy is the City’s long-range comprehensive planning document, adopted by the City Commission in 2011. The Downtown Master Plan was adopted by the City Commission as an amendment to the Growth Policy in 2016. The creation of the Urban Renewal District was one of the implementation strategies of the Downtown Master Plan.

Downtown Master Plan Vision Statement:

Future Land Use Framework for the Downtown URDThe plan for the Downtown URD is based on a vision and conceptual land use framework.

Downtown Urban Renewal District Vision Statement:

“With a rich history and spectacular 19th century architecture, Downtown Helena is the economic, cultural, and social center of Montana’s capital city. A stable economy, active lifestyles, independent retail, and a strong connection to trails, parks, and outdoor activities make Downtown Helena a year-round destination for businesses, residents, and tourists.”

“To advance Downtown revitalization and the Downtown Helena Master Plan vision by incentivizing private investment and funding public infrastructure that improves the quality and value of downtown properties.”

HELENA DOWNTOWN URBAN RENEWAL DISTRICT PLAN20

Figure 3.1 shows the future land use framework identified in the Master Plan. It uses categories for all areas that were in the Downtown Master Plan schematic (p.43 of the Master Plan). Centennial Park was not included in that Downtown Master Plan; however, it is part of the Urban Renewal District. Centennial Park is shown with the future land use designations of the 2011 Growth Policy.

Figure 3.1 URD Future Land Use Framework

Last

Chanc

e Gulc

h

Lyndale

±

URD Future Land Use Framework

F

0 300 1,200600

eet

Mixed Use

Parks/ Open Space

Residential

Civic/ Institutional

Retail

Key Focal Points

Walking Trail

URD Boundary


Downtown Urban Renewal District Goals and ObjectivesThe following goals were developed by considering the goals and implementation measures of the Downtown Master Plan, issues raised in the Statement of Blight, and the intent of urban renewal statute to provide maximum opportunity for private enterprise to improve the district.

Goal #1: Build a Cohesive Downtown Identity1. Brand and market downtown to stimulate investment2. Assemble baseline information and update to monitor change and make available to

public and prospective investors. Information would include commercial and residential real estate data, occupancy rates, broadband availability, historic building inventory, building condition, resident population numbers, etc.

Goal #2: Add to Downtown Vibrancy with a Mix of Uses

1. Provide a range of housing types for a range of incomes, with an emphasis on a core of quality affordable housing for young professionals, workers, and older generations that is currently lacking in downtown

2. Attract new business types to downtown, such as specialty food markets, etc., that support residential uses.

3. Encourage business start-ups and incubators4. Complete process of rezoning Downtown area to encourage more mixed use and ground

floor active use5. Conduct feasibility, market, and other studies as needed prior to projects6. Encourage ground-floor use with transparency - Street-level storefront windows, doors

and entryways, courtyards, etc. that invite passersby.7. Add to and improve urban landscaping with public art, trees, and plantings for visual

interest and shaded areas.

Goal #3: Upgrade Underperforming Properties 1. Develop vacant lots and encourage upgrades to under-performing property gaps 2. Encourage the update and adaptive re-use of buildings for 21st century needs, such as

open interiors, improvements to broadband, and for safety and market competitiveness3. Encourage redevelopment of parking facilities that create gaps in downtown ground-

floor retail by allowing for non-parking uses on floor level and parking on other stories4. Facilitate façade improvements5. Inventory city properties with potential for higher use and develop criteria for

disposition 6. Provide for demolition and site preparation as needed to upgrade properities

Goal #4: Invest in the Public Infrastructure Needed to Attract Development1. Improve transportation infrastructure for better function and safety for vehicles,

pedestrians, and bicycles and include streetscape features to improve aesthetics, safety and quality of use by non-motorists

2. Rectify issues of parcels along and within streets that were not properly surveyed during 1970s urban renewal, starting with Cruse Avenue

3. Address improvements needed for fire suppression water flow requirements for higher densities; improve fire engine access; and prioritize replacement of older segments of concrete and vitrified clay pipe for water and sewer

HELENA DOWNTOWN URBAN RENEWAL DISTRICT PLAN22

4. Facilitate storm drainage, access to pipes under buildings, and continue work to address pipe capacity and alternative detention features

5. Accommodate private underground utilities within public rights-of-way6. Expand fiber capability7. Document existing parking capacity and use; and analyze projected demand and

parking alternatives including park-and-ride, mobile applications, and other approaches to parking in similar-sized communities in the nation. Manage parking for optimal efficiency and utilization, and locate parking facilities to support a mix of downtown uses without creating “gaps” in downtown, and make better use of existing parking facilities

8. Invest in capital improvements needed to improve parks, green space, and recreational facilities in URD, and continue to use parks for attractions such as, “Alive at Five” and other functions

9. Retain and address needs of existing city-owned cultural and historic facilities to improve use and function

Goal #5: Connections1. Improve bike and pedestrian connections within the District and linkages to recreational

trail systems and surrounding neighborhoods, including Carroll College2. Develop a comprehensive bike network3. Improve vehicle circulation and access to increase retail viability4. Improve gateways, wayfinding, and signage systems for downtown5. Increase transit options in downtown, inlcuding easily-identified bus stops with posted

schedules6. Improve pedestrian connections from parking facilities to destinations by making them

more easilty identified, more attractive and inviting (with trees, greenscape, viewpoints, ets. so that walking to/from parking becomes a pleasurable experience in itself

Goal #6: Promote Historic Preservation to Create a Quality and Unique Experience1. Promote historic preservation and context-sensitive design, and avoid demolition of

historic building where feasible2. Capitalize on downtown’s historic assets and unique history (Distinguish Helena

downtown from other places in Helena and from other cities)3. Emphasize the unique and historic walking mall and make improvements to attract more

businesses and activities


Figure 3.2 Downtown Master Plan - Overall Vision

Figure 3.2, from the Downtown Master Plan, presents some specific projects that also meet the goals of this URD plan. Examples of potential projects in the Centennial Park area, not included in the Downtown Master Plan, include those addressing URD Plan objectives for improving gateways, pedestrian connections, infrastructure improvements, business development, and recreational facilities.

Documents

Rodney Street Area into Helena Downtown Urban Renewal ......Rodney Street Area into Helena Downtown Urban Renewal District Assessment of Potential LOCAL PERCEPTIONS • Rodney Street