N. Quarter Corridor Improvement Authority Regular Meeting

North Quarter Corridor Improvement Authority 1419 Coit Ave NE Minutes Packet Grand Rapids, MI 49505 August 18, 2022 @ 4:00 PM Culver CPA Group PRESENT: Brianna Forbes, Alan Hartline, Duane Culver. ABSENT: Kim Bode, Commissioner Milinda Ysasi, Karen Kloostra. OTHERS: Verah Narh Kamara, Jono Klooster, Gregg Hampshire (CNA), Jeff Baker, Craig Schroeder (First Companies) I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 4:00 PM by Chair Brianna Forbes II. Public Comment on Agenda Items None. III. Minutes Approval Approval of Minutes from June 16, 2022 Some changes were noted, and the minutes were approved with the amendments. Motion to approve the minutes from June 16, 2022 with the amendments. RESULT: ACCEPTED AS AMENDED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Duane Culver, Member SECONDER: Alan Hartline, Secretary YEAS: Brianna Forbes, Alan Hartline, Duane Culver ABSENT: Kim Bode, Milinda Ysasi, Karen Kloostra IV. Action Items 1. Corridor Management Proposal - Creston Neighborhood Association Ms. Forbes presented this item and noted that the Design Committee discussed this partnership and made this recommendation. Duane Culver asked why this role is not being contracted to the Creston Neighborhood Association (CNA). Ms. Forbes noted that an MOU has been drafted for the partnership. Ms. Kamara added that a contract is an option, and the board can decide on which option works best for their needs. Mr. Culver asked how the work hours will be distributed between North Quarter CIA and Generated 9/6/2022 02:09 PM North Quarter Corridor Improvement Authority Meeting Full Page 2 August 18, 2022 CNA. Mr. Hampshire answered that the individual for this role currently works part-time with CNA for 20 hours so the additional 20 hours will be going towards the CIA. However, there are some overlaps and redundancies in both jobs. Mr. Hartline asked about the duration of the partnership. Ms. Kamara noted that the MOU has been submitted to the legal team for review, but it has no term. She added that it will be efficient for the board to include a term in the MOU. Motion to approve the corridor management partnership proposal with the Creston Neighborhood Association. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Duane Culver, Member SECONDER: Alan Hartline, Secretary YEAS: Brianna Forbes, Alan Hartline, Duane Culver ABSENT: Kim Bode, Milinda Ysasi, Karen Kloostra 2. Creston After Dark Sponsorship Ms. Forbes presented this item and noted that the Design Committee recommended this amount for the sponsorship due to the Corridor Management Partnership with CAN. This year’s event has already been completed and this sponsorship is only going towards supporting art in the business district. She also noted that this year’s proposal does not include any language regarding the sales of alcohol and money back from After Dark. Ms. Forbes added that the CIA has not defined its return on investments for sponsorships so there are currently no guidelines for reviewing such requests. Mr. Hartline noted that sponsorship opportunities like this can be a great avenue for the CIA board to create a brand presence. Ms. Kamara noted that there is room in the budget and the board can make changes to the recommendation. Leticia introduced herself as a resident of Creston and expressed her support for the After Dark event. She loves the culture it brings to the community. Gregg Hampshire also noted the After Dark event has been a great way for the CAN to engage with neighbors. Motion to approve the Creston After Dark sponsorship request for a not to exceed amount of $3,500. Generated 9/6/2022 02:09 PM North Quarter Corridor Improvement Authority Meeting Full Page 3 August 18, 2022 RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Alan Hartline, Secretary SECONDER: Duane Culver, Member YEAS: Brianna Forbes, Alan Hartline, Duane Culver ABSENT: Kim Bode, Milinda Ysasi, Karen Kloostra V. Presentations 1. Lofts on Grove Mixed-use Redevelopment Project Presentation Jono Klooster with the Economic Development Department introduced himself and provided an overview of the project and noted that this is a property that has had several proposals in the past. Mr. Klooster added that the department is presenting this project to the board because First Companies has applied to the department for the Local Brownfield Redevelopment Program and the Neighborhood Enterprises Zone (NEZ) tax abatement incentive programs. He added that ground-floor residential was a new addition by the Planning Department to address housing needs. He noted that First Companies has engaged with the community and the Creston Neighborhood Association (can) in several ways and has been very inclusive of the community’s input in the project so far. Mr. Hampshire added that the Land Use Committee’s vote on this project was unanimous. Craig Schroeder and Jeff Baker with First Companies introduced themselves and provided details on the project as well as answered questions from the board about the project. Ms. Forbes asked if the board is required to vote in support of the project. Mr. Klooster replied that the presentation is only informational and does not require a vote in support of the project. However, the board is free to vote if it wishes to do so. Mr. Culver asked if this project would affect the North Quarter CIA's tax capture. Mr. Klooster answered yes and noted that this project will not generate much revenue for the CIA board in the beginning as it will be interacting with 3 separate entities. He, however, noted that it will be very beneficial in the long run. Ms. Forbes asked what will happen if the project gets sold. Mr. Klooster noted that nothing will change in that scenario for the CIA board because the taxes will be paid by the new owner. Ms. Forbes made a motion to support the project. Mr. Culver seconded the motion. Motion to approve the Lofts on Groove project as presented by the Economic Development Department and First Companies. Generated 9/6/2022 02:09 PM North Quarter Corridor Improvement Authority Meeting Full Page 4 August 18, 2022 RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Brianna Forbes, Chair SECONDER: Duane Culver, Member YEAS: Brianna Forbes, Alan Hartline, Duane Culver ABSENT: Kim Bode, Milinda Ysasi, Karen Kloostra VI. Reports 1. Design Committee 1. Corridor Manager and Committee Updates The reports were discussed. RESULT: DISCUSSED VII. Other Business Ms. Kamara informed the board she sent out a survey for the CIA/BID round event and encouraged the board members to respond to the survey. VIII. Public Comment None. IX. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 4:45 pm by Chair, Brianna Forbes. Generated 9/6/2022 02:09 PM