Last week, John Boone from Orchestra Partners addressed the Winslow City Council, unveiling an innovative approach to downtown redevelopment. Unlike conventional developers who secure funding and proceed with their own vision, Orchestra Partners specializes in revitalizing downtown areas based on the desires and needs of local residents. The company prides itself on creating transformative and sustainable real estate developments, and their proposal for Winslow aims to achieve just that.
One of the reasons Winslow stands out as a promising candidate for Orchestra Partners is that the city owns a significant portion of the downtown area. Boone emphasized the company’s expertise in working closely with municipalities that possess or are willing to acquire the properties they intend to develop. This collaborative approach ensures a more comprehensive and community-driven redevelopment process, with, according to Boone, little risk to the city.
The proposed timeline for the project consists of several phases. Initially, there would be six months dedicated to planning, followed by three months focused on fund formation. Subsequently, five months would be allocated to pre-development, which involves finalizing and solidifying the project’s details. The last phase encompasses the implementation and development of the plan, with the specific timeframe depending on the project’s scope and complexity.
To kickstart the process, Boone sought approval from the city council to commence a redevelopment vision plan and establish a fund. The cost for this initial phase amounts to slightly above $70,000. It is important to note that this amount is not a deposit into the fund; rather, the city would cover these expenses to create the plan and form the fund.
The city’s properties would then be sold to the fund, allowing contributors to the fund to receive returns on their investments. Orchestra Partners would undertake the management of the fund. Mayor Cano commented on the plan saying that she personally is not comfortable with allocating that amount of money on a project that is still a bit unclear, because this development deal doesn’t follow the typical development strategy it could be hard to see potential issues with a plan such as this.
Boone made it clear to the council members that the entire redevelopment plan rests in the hands of the city. The proposed start date for the project is August 2023, but the timeline can be adjusted according to the city’s preferences and requirements. This flexibility allows Winslow to tailor the redevelopment process to its specific needs, ensuring a more seamless integration with existing structures and priorities.
Furthermore, property owners in the downtown area have the opportunity to participate in the investment aspect of the plan. They can choose to sell their properties to the fund and reinvest the proceeds back into the project, thereby benefiting from the returns generated by the fund.
In addition to financial considerations, Boone highlighted the city’s role in supporting the plan. The city would sponsor the planning and fund formation processes while providing crucial approvals, such as new zoning regulations, to accommodate the development of new properties. Once the fund becomes operational, the city’s primary responsibility would be to continue selling properties to the fund, facilitating its growth and sustainability.
Orchestra Partners’ proposal presents a potentially beneficial opportunity for Winslow to transform its historic downtown area in a collaborative and community-driven manner. By aligning with the desires and needs of the residents, the redevelopment plan aims to create a vibrant and sustainable downtown core. With the potential for property owners to actively participate in the investment process, this initiative holds the promise of revitalizing Winslow’s urban landscape while offering financial benefits to those involved.
As the city council carefully considers the proposal put forth by Orchestra Partners, the future of Winslow’s downtown redevelopment hangs in the balance. The potential positive impact on the community, both socially and economically, is substantial. Should the council approve the initial phase, Winslow could embark on a journey towards revitalization and progress, guided by the shared vision of residents and Orchestra Partners and private investors.
Also, during the meeting, the council passed several proclamations that aimed to honor and acknowledge important causes and dedicated professionals. The council first declared the month of May as Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month, emphasizing the significance of promoting safe practices and raising awareness among motorists and riders alike. Additionally, they proclaimed May 7-13 as National Correctional Officers & Employee Week, expressing gratitude for the invaluable contributions and sacrifices made by those working within the correctional system. Continuing their recognition of essential workers, the council also declared May 8-14 as National Nurses Week, honoring the unwavering dedication and compassion demonstrated by nurses in providing quality healthcare. Lastly, the council acknowledged the critical role of Emergency Medical Services by proclaiming May 21-27 as Emergency Medical Services Week, paying tribute to the lifesaving efforts and selflessness displayed by EMS personnel. These proclamations serve as a testament to the council’s commitment to supporting various aspects of community well-being and expressing gratitude to those who tirelessly serve the public.
In other business, the council:
* Approved the check register and meeting minutes for council’s work and executive sessions that took play April 25 and May 9.
* Authorized a grant application to the Land and Water Conservation Fund for park improvements.
* Approved liquor license application for the Too Broke for Sturgis event.
* Approved setting of the tentative budget and established the expenditure limitation for the city for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
The next meeting of the Winslow City Council will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 13, in the meeting room located at 523 W. Second St.
