05-04-2006 $1,000,000 For Commercial Corridor Improvements

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Mayor Luecke outlined the overall corridor approach for 2006. He emphasized three key points: 1. Corridor Fundamentals Building alliances and partnerships. Providing excellent public services from police patrols to pot hole repair. Citizen driven planning and decision-making. Business growth. Innovative projects and visible results. These are some of the core elements of the corridor program's success. Since its inception,the program has required that each corridor group work closely with the City and other community partners to prioritize their goals. Adhering to these fundamentals is the key to expanding the private market response we've seen and the positive attitude we've achieved. 2. Strategic Planning and Investment Making sure that the projects selected are well planned and coordinated to maximize private investment is critical to ensuring that we are good stewards of the corridor funding. Through specific planning, each corridor group is currently working to redevelop priority properties that are essential to creating opportunities for impact. 3. Commitment All of the corridor groups remain committed to their efforts to increase the participation of existing businesses. It is a continual challenge to keep marketing and promotion efforts fresh. Local business owners are busy growing their operations and it's often difficult to remain involved in corridor planning. Special events and activities are planned to recruit new businesses and give each corridor a unique identity. Funding for the improvement plan is generated through COIT(County Option Income Tax). Mayor Luecke's initiative demonstrates the importance of COIT dollars to the community. These funds are directly invested along commercial corridors and in neighborhoods for important capital improvement projects. Corridor funded projects include streetscape improvements, building enhancements, and site development. Councilman Rouse said, "I'm sure that this year's efforts will bring about more improved facades, inviting streetscapes and business attraction. On behalf of the City Council,we are proud to be a partner in this good work." "At times, it can be challenging to remain patient with the pace that progress occurs, yet I am encouraged by all that we've completed. The confidence of business owners along corridors throughout the city, like Ms. Brazier here on Miami, is wonderful. We are especially excited about the new vision of the Portage Avenue Corridor Group and we are proud of the momentum we've gained across the City,"Mayor Luecke continued. "Good ideas are being generated and resources are being used effectively to accomplish our goals. The planning and coordination that occurs between our Planners and Corridors Leaders to make the programs and projects a reality is a critical component. As we welcome people to our growing downtown and vibrant neighborhoods,the rewarding work of our corridor partnership is evident everyday,"Mayor Luecke concluded.