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Special Called Meeting Commission Chamber- 6/13/2017- 11:00 AM
1. Motion to adopt a resolution designating the former Golf Hall
of Fame and Gardens located at 1 Eleventh Street an urban
redevelopment area and to accept the proposed Cyber Initiative
Urban Redevelopment Plan as information and to authorize a
public hearing on the plan to be held on June 20, 2017.
(Requested by the Administrator)
Attachments
2. Motion to authorize the Administrator to execute a Letter of
Intent with the Georgia Technology Authority and to negotiate
the documents contemplated by the agreement.(Requested by
the Administrator)
Attachments
3. LEGAL MEETING
A. Pending and potential litigation
B. Real estate
C. Personnel
Attachments
4. Motion to authorize execution by the Mayor of the affidavit of
compliance with Georgia's Open Meeting Act.
Attachments
Legal Administration Committee Meeting
6/13/2017 11:00 AM
Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment Plan
Department:
Presenter:Administrator Jackson
Caption:Motion to adopt a resolution designating the former Golf Hall of
Fame and Gardens located at 1 Eleventh Street an urban
redevelopment area and to accept the proposed Cyber Initiative
Urban Redevelopment Plan as information and to authorize a
public hearing on the plan to be held on June 20, 2017.
(Requested by the Administrator)
Background:See attachments.
Analysis:
Financial Impact:
Alternatives:
Recommendation:
Funds are Available
in the Following
Accounts:
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
Cover Memo
Item # 1
101208015\V-1
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON URBAN REDEVELOPMENT
PLAN ENTITLED “CYBER INITIATIVE URBAN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN”
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 20th day of June, 2017, at ________
__.m., at the Commission Chambers located at 535 Telfair Street, Augusta, Georgia, the Mayor
and the Augusta-Richmond County Commission will hold a public hearing on an urban
redevelopment plan entitled “Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment Plan” (the “Plan”). The
Plan sets forth an urban redevelopment project for the urban redevelopment area consisting of
the approximately 16.12 acre parcel of land located in Augusta, Georgia, 1 Eleventh Street. The
general scope of the urban redevelopment project set forth in the Plan consists of the acquisition,
construction, and installation of a public parking deck on a portion of the site. Any interested
person may submit oral or written comments on the Plan at the hearing. The Plan is on file with
Clerk of Commission, Suite 220, 535 Telfair Street, Augusta, Georgia 30901, and a copy may be
obtained from the Clerk’s Office.
Clerk of Commission
Augusta, Georgia
Attachment number 1 \nPage 1 of 1
Item # 1
RESOLUTION
AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY COMMISSION
RESOLUTION APPROVING
AUGUSTA CYBER INITIATIVE URBAN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN
WHEREAS, pursuant to Chapter 61 of Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated
entitled the “Urban Redevelopment Law,” as amended (the “Urban Redevelopment Law”), the
Augusta-Richmond County Commission (the “Commission”), which is the governing body of
Augusta, Georgia (“Augusta”), held a public hearing on June __, 2017 on a proposed urban
redevelopment plan entitled “August Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment Plan (the “Plan”), a
copy of which was accepted by the Commission for consideration on June ___, 2017 and is on file
with Augusta administrative offices; and
WHEREAS, public notice of such public hearing was published in the Augusta Chronicle,
a newspaper having a general circulation in the area of operation of Augusta, Georgia on June
____, 2017, and proof of such publication is on file with Augusta administrative offices; and
WHEREAS, Augusta previously has prepared and adopted a general plan for the physical
development of Augusta as a whole (giving due regard to the environs and metropolitan
surroundings) (the “General Plan”) pursuant to the Urban Redevelopment Law; and
WHEREAS, the Plan conforms to the General Plan as a whole; and
WHEREAS, the Plan will afford maximum opportunity, consistent with the sound needs
of Augusta as a whole, for the rehabilitation or redevelopment of the urban redevelopment area
described in the Plan by private enterprise; and
WHEREAS, the Plan constitutes an appropriate part of Augusta’s workable program for
utilizing appropriate private and public resources to eliminate and prevent the development or
spread of pockets of blight, to encourage needed urban rehabilitation, and to provide for the
redevelopment of pockets of blight, all as set forth in the Urban Redevelopment Law; and
WHEREAS, there will be no families displaced and in need of relocation from the urban
redevelopment area described in the Plan, and therefore no methjod for relocation of such families
need be provided; and
WHEREAS, the Commission on June____, 2017 designated the Cyber Initiative Urban
Redevelopment Area described in the Plan as an urban redevelopment area in need of
redevelopment under the Urban Redevelopment Law and, after careful study and investigation,
now desires to approve the Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Augusta-Richmond County
Commission that all statements, findings and recitations set forth in the above and foregoing
preambles are hereby determined and declared to be true and correct.
Attachment number 2 \nPage 1 of 3
Item # 1
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that, taking into account the results of the public
hearing, the Plan and the urban redevelopment project set forth therein are hereby approved; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the appropriate officials be authorized to take all
appropriate action required to accomplish and give full effect to this Resolution; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that any and all resolutions in conflict with this
Resolution be and the same are hereby repealed; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution shall be effective immediately upon
its adoption by the Augusta-Richmond County Commission.
PASSED, ADOPTED, SIGNED, APPROVED AND EFFECTIVE this ___ day of June,
2017.
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA
By:
Mayor of Augusta, Georgia
ATTEST:
Clerk of Commission
Attachment number 2 \nPage 2 of 3
Item # 1
CLERK OF COMMISSION’S CERTIFICATE
I, Lena J. Bonner, the duly appointed and qualified Clerk of Commission of Augusta,
Georgia (“Augusta”), DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing pages of typewritten matter
constitute a true and correct copy of a resolution adopted on June __, 2017 by the Augusta-
Richmond County Commission (the “Commission”) in a meeting duly called and assembled in
accordance with applicable laws and with the procedures of Augusta, by a vote of _____ Yea and
_____ Nay, which meeting was open to the public and at which a quorum was present and acting
throughout, and that the original of the foregoing resolution appears of public record in the Minute
Book of the Commission, which Minute Book is in my custody and control.
GIVEN under my hand and the Augusta seal, this _____ day of June, 2017.
Clerk of Commission,
Augusta, Georgia
Attachment number 2 \nPage 3 of 3
Item # 1
RESOLUTION
AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY COMMISSION
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING
CYBER INITIATIVE URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AREA
WHEREAS, Chapter 61 of Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, entitled
the “Urban Redevelopment Law,” as amended (the “Urban Redevelopment Law”), authorizes
Augusta, Georgia (sometimes referred to herein as “Augusta”) to designate an “urban
redevelopment area,” which is defined to mean a “pocket of blight” which the Augusta-Richmond
County Commission designates as appropriate for an urban redevelopment project; and
WHEREAS, the Urban Redevelopment Law defines “pocket of blight” to mean an
area which by reason of the presence of a substantial number of deteriorated or deteriorating
structures; predominance of defective or inadequate street layout; faulty lot layout in relation to
size, adequacy, accessibility, or usefulness; unsanitary or unsafe conditions; deterioration of site
or other improvements; tax or special assessment delinquency exceeding the fair value of the land;
the existence of conditions which endanger life or property by fire and other causes; having
development impaired by airport or transportation noise or other environmental hazards; or any
combination of such factors, substantially impairs or arrests the sound growth of the City, retards
the provisions of housing accommodations, or constitutes an economic or social liability and is a
menace to the public health, safety, morals, or welfare in its present condition and use; and
WHEREAS, after careful study and investigation, Augusta desires to designate the area
described in Exhibit A attached to this Resolution as an urban redevelopment area to be known as
the “Augusta Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment Area” and appropriate for one or more urban
redevelopment project or projects;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Augusta-Richmond County
Commission that the area described in Exhibit A attached to this resolution is hereby found,
determined and declared to be an area that falls within the definition of “pocket of blight” and that
such area is therefore designated as appropriate for one or more urban redevelopment projects.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that any and all resolutions in conflict with this
resolution be, and the same are, hereby repealed.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution shall be effective immediately upon
its adoption by the Augusta-Richmond County Commission.
PASSED, ADOPTED, SIGNED, APPROVED AND EFFECTIVE this ____ day of
June, 2017.
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA
By:
Mayor
Attachment number 3 \nPage 1 of 4
Item # 1
Attest:
Clerk of Commission
Attachment number 3 \nPage 2 of 4
Item # 1
EXHIBIT A
The Augusta Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment Area is generally described as:
All that lot, tract or parcel of land, with improvements thereon, containing 16.12 acres, more or
less, and being known as 1 Eleventh Street, Augusta, Georgia and Map/Parcel 036-4-001-03-0.
Attachment number 3 \nPage 3 of 4
Item # 1
CLERK OF COMMISSION’S CERTIFICATE
I, Lena J. Bonner, the duly appointed and qualified Clerk of Commission of Augusta,
Georgia (“Augusta”) do hereby certify that the foregoing pages of typewritten matter constitute a
true and correct copy of a resolution adopted on June ___, 2017, by the Augusta-Richmond County
Commission (the “Commission”) in a meeting duly called and assembled in accordance with
applicable laws and with the procedures of Augusta, by a vote of ________ Yea and _______ Nay,
which meeting was open to the public and at which a quorum was present and acting throughout,
and that the original of the foregoing resolution appears of public record in the Minute Book of
the Commission, which Minute Book is in my custody and control.
GIVEN under my hand and seal of Augusta this _____ day of June, 2017.
Clerk of Commission, Augusta, Georgia
(SEAL)
Attachment number 3 \nPage 4 of 4
Item # 1
Augusta Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment Plan
Prepared for the Augusta-Richmond County Commission
June 2017
Attachment number 4 \nPage 1 of 14
Item # 1
Augusta’s Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment Plan Page 1
_____________________________________________________________
AUTHORITY FOR THE EXERCISE OF
URBAN REDEVELOPMENT POWERS IN AUGUSTA
Georgia’s local governments have the authority to create urban redevelopment areas in the
exercise of their urban redevelopment powers as set forth in the Urban Redevelopment
Law (Official Code of Georgia Annotated (“O.C.G.A.”) § 36-61-1, et seq.), which was
initially adopted by the Georgia General Assembly in 1955 and has been amended from
time to time.
The Augusta-Richmond County Commission (the “Commission”) voted to exercise the
powers conferred upon it by the Urban Redevelopment Law by resolution adopted on
March 16, 2010. The Commission also designated its first redevelopment area, the Laney-
Walker Bethlehem Urban Redevelopment Area, and approved the redevelopment plan for
the Laney-Walker Bethlehem Urban Redevelopment Area that same day. In November
2013, the Commission designated six additional areas in downtown Augusta as urban
redevelopment areas.
AUGUSTA’S CYBER INITIATIVE URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AREA
In support of the community vision for Augusta and in an effort to expand the economic
base of downtown Augusta as proposed by the Augusta community and numerous vision
and planning efforts, the Commission proposes the adoption of the Cyber Initiative Urban
Redevelopment Plan.
The former Georgia Golf Hall of Fame and Gardens (Tax/Map 036-4-001-03-0)
containing approximately 16.12 acres (the “Property”), is located at 1 Eleventh Street and
is approximately two blocks from the Augusta Convention Center. Originally designed
as the permanent home of the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame and Gardens, the Property was
significantly landscaped including botanical gardens that were open to the public. The
facility was closed in June, 2007 due to lack of funding and has sat fallow with the
improvements deteriorating since the closure. The property was transferred to the Board
of Regents of the University System of Georgia in 2013 and subsequently to the Georgia
Technology Authority in March, 2017. Because of its location, the Property is key to
widespread redevelopment in downtown Augusta.
Due to the continued deterioration of the Property and the potential detrimental effect on
other buildings located in the general vicinity as well as potential harm to the general
Attachment number 4 \nPage 2 of 14
Item # 1
Augusta’s Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment Plan Page 2
Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment
Plan
public welfare, the Commission, by resolution adopted June 13, 2017, designated the
Property as an urban redevelopment area in need of redevelopment under the Urban
Redevelopment Law, to be known as the “Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment Area.”
The Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment Area is located within Augusta’s Downtown
Historic District and is currently exempt from ad valorem property taxation. For tax map
designation and a map of the Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment Area, see Appendix
A.
The redevelopment of the Property will include an urban redevelopment project consisting
of the construction of a parking garage by the Urban Redevelopment Agency of Augusta,
known as the Cyber Initiative Parking Deck. The Cyber Initiative Parking Deck is
described in this Urban Redevelopment Plan under the heading “Cyber Initiative Parking
Deck Urban Redevelopment Project”. This project will provide a significant economic
boost to downtown Augusta by supporting the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training
Center to be constructed in the Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment Area by the Georgia
Technology Authority as described in this Urban Redevelopment Plan, as well as other
economic impacts as described herein.
DESIGNATED SITE QUALIFIES AS URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AREA
As resolved by the Commission, the Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment Area
possesses features that qualify it as an urban redevelopment area under the Urban
Redevelopment Law, including buildings or improvements which by reason of:
Dilapidation, deterioration, age, or obsolescence;
Inadequate provision for ventilation, light, air, sanitation, or open spaces; or
Existence of conditions which endanger life or property by fire and other
causes;
are conducive to ill health, transmission of disease, infant mortality, juvenile delinquency
or crime, and are detrimental to the public health, safety, morals or welfare.
Further, the Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment Area substantially impairs the sound
growth of Augusta, retards the provision of housing accommodations, or constitutes an
economic or social liability and are a menace, by reason of:
The presence of deteriorated, or deteriorating structures;
Faulty lot layout in relation to size, adequacy, accessibility, or
usefulness;
Unsanitary or unsafe conditions;
Deterioration of site or other improvements;
Attachment number 4 \nPage 3 of 14
Item # 1
Augusta’s Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment Plan Page 3
Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment
Plan
Tax or special assessment delinquency exceeding the fair value of the
land;
The existence of conditions which endanger life or property by fire and
other causes; or
Impairment of development by transportation noise or by other
environmental hazards;
substantially impair the sound growth of Augusta, constitute an economic or social
liability and are a menace.
In addition, Downtown Augusta hosts a number of unique conditions that are constraints
to redevelopment and negatively impact the Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment Area,
including:
A levee prevents direct access from the metro area to Downtown Augusta.
Rail lines bisect Downtown Augusta and run through the Downtown Historic
District.
An expressway and busy thoroughfares carrying heavy traffic volumes
create psychological barriers between Downtown Augusta and adjacent
neighborhoods and prevent expansion.
Numerous underutilized and abandoned commercial and residential
properties and vacant storefronts cover a significant area.
Multiple ownership serves as a barrier to assembling larger parcels for
redevelopment.
Large area of empty surface parking.
Underused land is a constraint to pedestrian-oriented development.
As an urban redevelopment area offers local governments the opportunity to promote
urban redevelopment projects in areas like Downtown Augusta that would otherwise not
receive private investment and redevelopment, the Augusta Cyber Initiative Urban
Redevelopment Plan will serve as the catalyst to improve not only the property within the
Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment Area but also other property in Downtown
Augusta.
DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA TODAY – CURRENT AND FUTURE LAND USE
Downtown Augusta's mix of land uses reflects its history as an urban riverfront center, the
growth of which has fanned out to suburban and semi-rural areas. This Urban
Redevelopment Plan remains consistent with the land uses described in the 2008
Comprehensive Development Plan (July 2008). Uses include residential neighborhoods of
varying ages, a central business district, a concentration of public facilities and higher
Attachment number 4 \nPage 4 of 14
Item # 1
Augusta’s Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment Plan Page 4
Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment
Plan
education institutions, commercial buildings in shopping centers and on individual sites,
and industrial scattered sites. These properties are connected by the original street grid
pattern established by Augusta’s founder, James Oglethorpe. In many cases, residential,
commercial and industrial uses are in close proximity to one another, reflecting
development prior to adoption of zoning ordinances.
. Downtown Augusta’s place in American history is made evident in its many national and
local historic districts and properties, at last count approaching approximately 6,200
properties. The downtown central business district encompasses the rise and fall and
rebirth of the Augusta’s development history. Two of the three areas designated as Local
Historic Districts by the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission are located
within this area: Downtown and Olde Town. Additionally, several ofAugusta’s National
Register Historic Districts and properties are located partially or wholly within this area,
including the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area/Historic Augusta Canal and
Industrial District and the Augusta Downtown Historic District. As Augusta grew away
from downtown during its rampant sprawl growth period, its population followed, leaving
the central business district in distress.
Augusta’s consolidated government and several of its key departments have worked in
concert with its citizens, business and civic association in creating planning documents
and executing strategic economic development incentives and in part have been
successful in reversing this disinvestment all guided by the downtown Augusta vision set
forth in the 2008 Comprehensive Plan.
The continued unified vision and goal is to create a business-friendly downtown
environment that attracts new investment and redevelopment while preserving and
improving Augusta’s historic structures through rehabilitation and adaptive reuse.
Stabilizing the physical community, developing more open space and parks, attracting
mixed-use development and improving mobility, access and linkages – whether via
pedestrian or bikeways, waterways or roads – are also important to this downtown
Augusta’s redevelopment.
The Augusta-Richmond County government, dedicated housing and community
nonprofits, and leading business groups like Augusta Tomorrow recognize that Augusta’s
future redevelopment must include linkages to the best examples of its historic,
architectural past – with 21st century improvements – and are working together to attract
redevelopment to downtown.
Current and future redevelopment opportunities in downtown focus on a unique mix of
uses. Redevelopment policies and investments emphasize the strengths and sustainable
uses in the downtown area. They include residential, commercial, entertainment, cultural
Attachment number 4 \nPage 5 of 14
Item # 1
Augusta’s Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment Plan Page 5
Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment
Plan
and recreational development. Such mixed use supports economically vibrant live-work-
play communities connected by improved roadways and waterways.
Improved road connections, sidewalks, bike paths and greenways better connect neighbors
and businesses. This transforms a number of disconnected, difficult-to-access and
underdeveloped land uses into attractive, economically reinvigorated, pedestrian and
visitor friendly communities. Current and future residents, employees, and visitors in
Augusta’s urban core are better connected and the downtown better served for the entire
county.
The Commission has undertaken several steps to revitalize downtown, including the
development of the Augusta Convention Center on Reynolds Street, construction of the
Common, allocation of transportation sales tax funds collected pursuant to the
Transportation Improvement Act or T-SPLOST for improvements to Broad Street,
creation of a tax allocation district on lower Broad Street and the designation of several
smaller urban redevelopment areas. All of these efforts are designed to be catalysts to
revitalizing downtown.
Located in close proximity to the Cyber Iniaitive Urvan Redevelopment Area, the Augusta
Convention Center represents an approximately $50 million investment by the
Commission which in part has contributed to increased interest in downtown Augusta.
In February, 2017, the Commission approved a Downtown
Redevelopment Plan Update (the “RDP”) prepared by the Augusta Planning Department.
The RDP links together Augusta’s efforts to stimulate economic growth through both the
Redevelopment Powers Law and the Urban Redevelopment Law and provides an overall
view of the opportunities for Augusta to continue expanding its economic base. The plan
summarizes many of the proposals and numerous planning efforts made by the community
and highlights the need for a coordinated partnership between city departments, the
Downtown Development Authority and public/private stakeholders. The plan describes
recent changes in Augusta's downtown environment, including a review of its
socioeconomic profile and provides an analysis of downtown’s target/market areas,
competition, and revenue potential.
COMMUNITY VISION
The Community Agenda Component of Augusta’s 2008 Comprehensive Development
Plan (July 2008) was developed to “guide the city’s future and serve as the basis for the
policy decisions of the city’s elected and appointed leaders and staff.” Local
redevelopment decisions must be consistent with the recommendations found in the
Community Agenda document.
Attachment number 4 \nPage 6 of 14
Item # 1
Augusta’s Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment Plan Page 6
Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment
Plan
These recommendations include the community’s vision for downtown Augusta.
Vision for Downtown: Downtown Augusta will maintain and enhance its
historic character and unique mix of land uses. Downtown will continue to
reflect the predominant characteristics of a historic central business district,
while at the same time adapting to the changing environment around it.
Underutilized parcels will be redeveloped in a manner consistent with the
overall vision for downtown and with respect for existing development
patterns and the historic architecture in the area. Redevelopment will
include new medium- and high-density housing, additional commercial and
office development, new civic and institutional facilities and shopping and
entertainment facilities. Adaptive reuse of historic buildings will be a key
component. New development will respect the scale, massing, architecture
and other design elements of the existing historic structures.
As noted in the RDP, “as new businesses are attracted to these available properties, income
levels in these market areas will continue to increase. The RDP suggests that efforts to
redevelop downtown include:
1. New residential, commercial and institutional development built in
accordance with established design guidelines and with respect for
the historic character and traditional development pattern of
downtown.
2. Medium- and high-density housing in both new structures and
existing buildings.
3. Office, retail, service and entertainment development in both new
and existing structures.
4. Enhanced arts, entertainment and sports facilities.
5. Stronger physical connections between the riverfront and downtown.
6. Public infrastructure (public buildings, streets, landscaping, parks,
sidewalks, etc.) that support and complement other development.
7. Attractive gateways to the city supplemented by a coordinated way -finding
signage.
8. Transportation system that accommodates all modes of travel and is
accessible to all.
Public and private development projects that have been undertaken in line with the
downtown vision and recommended development patterns are listed below.
Private Projects
Sutherland Mill – medical condos/offices
Attachment number 4 \nPage 7 of 14
Item # 1
Augusta’s Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment Plan Page 7
Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment
Plan
J.B White’s Building – residential and retail.
Rehabilitation of an defunct hotel into a Holiday Inn Express
Rehabilitation of the Port Royal as office space for
Unisys
Public Projects
St. Sebastian/Greene Street Extension Project road
improvement/extension.
Augusta Convention Center (TEE Center).
Laney-Walker/Bethlehem Redevelopment.
Augusta Judicial Center & John H. Ruffin, Jr. Courthouse.
Headquarters Library for the East Central Georgia Regional
Library System.
Augusta University expansion of its medical campus including
the new College of Dental Medicine building and the J. Harold
Harrison, M.D. Education Commons Building.
PLANNING THE COMMUNITY VISION FOR AUGUSTA
As summarized in the RDP, since the adoption of the 2008 Comprehensive Development
Plan, a number of other plans have been crafted advancing their vision, goals and
objectives. These plans include:
Augusta-Richmond County Target Area Master Plan.
The Westobou Vision: Augusta/North Augusta 2009 Master Plan.
Revitalizing the Garden City: Augusta Sustainable Development Agenda
2010.
Walkability and Age-Friendly Streets: Opportunities to Transform Augusta's
Built Environment.
Augusta Regional Transportation Study Long Range Transportation Plan 2040.
Zoning & Land Use Compatibility
The 2008 Comprehensive Development Plan allows for the following uses in or near the
Augusta Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment Area:
Low-Density Urban Residential
High-Density Urban Residential
Professional Office
Commercial
Industrial
Attachment number 4 \nPage 8 of 14
Item # 1
Augusta’s Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment Plan Page 8
Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment
Plan
Public / Institutional
Transportation / Communications / Utilities
Parks / Recreation / Conservation
Mixed Use (limited – commercial and institutional predominate in CBD)
Downtown Augusta’s physical characteristics are also governed by Downtown Design
Guidelines. It subjects properties in the local historic district to design review when
changes are proposed to the building exterior. The Downtown Design Guidelines provide
variety of design options. The Downtown Design Guidelines are used to help preserve
Downtown’s physical attributes.
The downtown district is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. This allows
property owners to apply for federal tax credits for rehabilitation and local tax abatement.
The Levee
The levee serves as a critical natural barrier for the Savannah River and is an integral part
of downtown. It extends from 10th Street in downtown Augusta to Lock and Dam Park,
south of Phinizy Swamp Natural Park. The levee height ranges from 20' at Lock and Dam
Park to 35’ in downtown Augusta. Buildings range from mid to high rise.
The U.S. Army Core of Engineers constructed the levee to protect the Savannah River
from flooding Downtown. It has become a scenic Riverwalk connecting people and
buildings to the river. This man-made environmental barrier is an asset to downtown
redevelopment.
The Augusta Engineering Department strongly recommends new buildings be constructed
15' minimum setback away from the levee and is supported by independent foundations.
This is required for emergency response, flood management, utility service and erosion
control. All buildings must be built three (3') above base flood elevation and in accordance
with the Flood Damage Ordinance. Retaining walls are permitted; they must allow
sufficient drainage through weep holes and meet soil erosion and sediment control
regulations. Parking decks are permitted and can rise to the height of the levee (35' or 3
decks) prior to other uses built atop it. There is currently no maximum building height.
These regulations are reflected in the Zoning Ordinance.
Parking
In a 2005 Parking Study authorized by the Downtown Development Authority and
conducted by Carl Walker Parking Consultants, there are a total of 13,942 parking spaces
in downtown, east of 13th Street. This analysis was based on a block-by-block inventory
of on-street and off-street parking. The study also states that only 51% of total on-street
parking was occupied while 37% total off-street parking was occupied. On-street parking
is heavily used because it provides the most convenience and is not strictly regulated.
Attachment number 4 \nPage 9 of 14
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Augusta’s Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment Plan Page 9
Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment
Plan
In 2014, the Downtown Development Authority hired Robinson Management Consulting
to conduct another study of downtown parking. They also concluded downtown parking
is not strictly regulated, as appropriate resources are not allocated to do so. In response,
the Downtown Development Authority proposed a parking management plan for
downtown.
FUTURE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
AND INVESTMENT WITHIN THE
CYBER INITIATVE URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AREA
Downtown Augusta has the potential for a sustainable transformation in the future, given
the newly merged Augusta University campuses, the State's support for economic
development that expands home-grown businesses, and a metro population that
increasingly supports the arts, history and culture of Augusta.
The State of Georgia has provided $50 million for construction by the Georgia Technology
Authority (“GTA”) of the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center (the “Center”)
to be located in the Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment Area. The facility will be
constructed near the levee and will serve as an access point to the levee and the Riverwalk
walking paths. The 150,000 square foot facility is designed to promote modernization in
cybersecurity technology for private and public industries through unique education,
training, research, and practical applications and serve as an incubator for start-up
cybersecurity companies. It will also focus on research and development, tapping into the
assets of Georgia's research institutions. The center will provide on-site and virtual
training, and include classroom space and a 320-seat auditorium.
In addition, the Center will provide space for testing new cybersecurity products. By
supporting research and development of leading-edge technologies, it will enhance
Georgia's ability to attract cybersecurity companies and help maintain Georgia's ranking
as the top state for business in the nation.
Further, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's new Cyber Crime Unit will be
headquartered at the Center, thereby ensuring a closer alliance among state, federal, and
local law enforcement agencies working to address cyber-crime.
The Center will also include a Sensitive Compartment Information Facility (SCIF) to meet
the high-security needs of government and related contractors. It will house one of the few
state-owned cyber ranges in the nation. The cyber range will ensure a safe, protected
environment for training and testing skills, cyber defenses, and cyber weapons. Its
Attachment number 4 \nPage 10 of 14
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Augusta’s Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment Plan Page 10
Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment
Plan
capabilities will include interactive, simulated representations of networks, systems, tools,
and applications.
The ground breaking is scheduled for 2017 with the opening to follow in July 2018.
CYBER INITIATIVE PARKING DECK URBAN REDEVELOPMENT
PROJECT
To facilitate the construction of the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center, the
Urban Redevelopment Agency of Augusta (“URA”) will undertake an urban
redevelopment project consisting of the construction of an approximately 515 space
parking deck to provide both public (hourly) parking and licensed parking for occupants,
visitors and tenants of the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center (the “Project”).
In addition, the Project will provide parking for downtown visitors and convenient parking
for visitors to the Riverwalk area. The Project is to be designed and constructed in a
manner to enhance the investment made by Augusta in the Augusta Convention Center.
The URA will contract with GTA or its designee to construct the Project for the URA.
The URA will issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $12,000,000 to fund construction
and costs of issuance. Any costs in excess of these amounts will be funded by GTA or
the State of Georgia. Subsequent to the construction of the Project, the Project will be
acquired by Augusta pursuant to an installment purchase agreement. The Commission,
through its various departments, will perform other duties as necessary to implement
the Project.
As currently foreseen, no relocation activity will be necessary for the implementation
of the Project.
The Project will be constructed in accordance with the Public Works Law and provides for the
participation of private enterprise to the extent feasible.
The Project will not require any zoning change and shall be accomplished in accordance with
Augusta’s zoning ordinances, as applicable, unless exceptions are made in accordance with the
law. The Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment Plan conforms to the general plan of Augusta
as a whole. The Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment Project will constitute an appropriate
land use.
The Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment Area will evidence the support of the
Commissioners and Augustans in their downtown which should spark future development.
Attachment number 4 \nPage 11 of 14
Item # 1
Augusta’s Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment Plan Page 11
Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment
Plan
APPROVAL OF THE AUGUSTA CYBER INITIATIVE URBAN REDEVELOPMENT
PLAN IS A GOOD POLICY DECISION. IT WILL STRATEGICALLY SUPPORT THE
ECONOMIC FUTURE OF AUGUSTA.
The proposal to adopt the Urban Redevelopment Plan complements efforts to attract the Georgia
Cyber Innovation and Training Center as well as other significant investment and highly valued
jobs into Augusta’s downtown, while curtailing any further blight in the general vicinity of
Augusta’s investment in downtown. Adoption of the Plan will mark another important action
towards ensuring higher value jobs and the economic benefits they provide, which will further
improve the quality of life for all residents of Augusta and Richmond County.
Attachment number 4 \nPage 12 of 14
Item # 1
Augusta’s Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment Plan Page 12
Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment
Plan
Appendix
Appendix A.
1. Cyber Initiative Urban Redevelopment Area Plan Boundary Map
Attachment number 4 \nPage 13 of 14
Item # 1
Attachment number 4 \nPage 14 of 14
Item # 1
Legal Administration Committee Meeting
6/13/2017 11:00 AM
Letter of Intent GTA
Department:
Presenter:Administrator Jackson
Caption:Motion to authorize the Administrator to execute a Letter of
Intent with the Georgia Technology Authority and to negotiate the
documents contemplated by the agreement.(Requested by the
Administrator)
Background:See attachment.
Analysis:
Financial Impact:
Alternatives:
Recommendation:
Funds are Available
in the Following
Accounts:
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
Cover Memo
Item # 2
1
________ ________
Letter of Intent
Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center
Augusta Parking Deck
By this Letter of Intent (“LOI”), the Georgia Technology Authority (“GTA”) and the
City of Augusta, Georgia (“City”), confirm their intention to enter into a binding
definitive agreement (the “Definitive Agreement”) pursuant to which GTA will
construct a parking deck (the “Deck”) for the Georgia Cyber Innovation and
Training Center (the “Center”) on a portion of the property (the “Parcel”)
currently owned by GTA in the City.
The parties agree that they shall negotiate in good faith toward execution of the
Definitive Agreement without any obligation of either party with respect to the
terms of such agreement or the execution of such agreement, except as provided
herein.
The parties acknowledge and agree that the City may utilize the Urban
Redevelopment Agency of Augusta (the “URA”) to facilitate the borrowing of
funds to construct the deck and in such event, the URA may be substituted for
City as a party to the Definitive Agreement.
The Definitive Agreement will include, but not be limited to the following specific
terms and conditions:
1. Parties to the Definitive Agreement will be the City and GTA. The interest of
the City in the Definitive Agreement may be assigned to the URA or URA
may be a party to the Definitive Agreement; GTA reserves the right to assign
the Definitive Agreement to another state entity.
2. GTA will cooperate with the City in the designation of the property and/or
the Parcel as an urban redevelopment area.
3. The City agrees to enter into an installment purchase agreement with the
URA for the acquisition of a parking deck (described below) by which the
City will make interest and/or interest and principal payments sufficient to
Attachment number 1 \nPage 1 of 6
Item # 2
Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center: Augusta Parking Deck Letter of Intent
2
________ ________
cover the debt service on $12 million in bonds to be issued by the URA. The
net proceeds from the bonds is estimated to be approximately $11.5 million
and will fund in whole or in part the construction of a three story parking
facility with approximately 575 parking spaces (the “Deck”). The Deck will be
designed (including façade design) and constructed in a manner consistent
and/or complementary with the other City funded improvements located
near the Parcel.
4. GTA will convey an estate for years (not to exceed twenty (20) years) in the
Parcel to the URA prior to the issuance of the bonds to allow for the timely
issuance of the bonds and construction of the Deck. Following the expiration
or termination of the estate for years, title in the Parcel will revert to GTA.
5. The City agrees it will work in good faith to make funds available for the
construction of the Deck on or about August 1, 2017.
6. GTA will construct the Deck on the Parcel. It is anticipated that construction
of the Deck will be completed on or before July 10, 2018.
7. The City acknowledges that the Deck is a key component in the successful
accomplishment of the several missions that will be conducted in the
Center.
8. After satisfaction of the bonds, the URA will convey the Parcel and
improvements to the City and the City will subsequently convey its estate
for years in the Parcel, together with the Deck constructed thereon, back to
GTA no later than two (2) years following the retirement of the bonds issued
to fund the construction cost. The parties acknowledge that it is anticipated
that the purchase agreement obligation (and subsequent satisfaction of the
bonds) will be satisfied from a future SPLOST and at this point the parties
cannot determine when such a SPLOST will be approved.
9. GTA, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to retire the City’s or URA’s
indebtedness associated with the construction of the Deck early to facilitate
termination of the estate for years prior to its normal expiration date. In
addition, GTA would pay to the City the present value of the two years of
revenue, as described in number eight above, in the event it exercises this
option. The City and URA agree to work in good faith to facilitate such a
Attachment number 1 \nPage 2 of 6
Item # 2
Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center: Augusta Parking Deck Letter of Intent
3
________ ________
transaction. In the event that GTA elects to retire the debt early, GTA will
pay all costs and fees associated with the early retirement, including but not
limited to any redemption premiums, attorney fees, costs associated with
establishing a sinking fund, any negative arbitrage costs, and any and all
other costs and/or expenses related to the retiring of the debt before any
call date.
10. GTA will manage the construction and procurement of the Deck and agrees
that it will be responsible for any and all cost for such exceeding $11.5
million funding provided by the URA/City. GTA will include in any contracts
for the construction of the Deck provisions encouraging the use of local
contractors, local small businesses, and the local purchase of goods and
services.
11. GTA will review with the City the design work and will provide the City
frequent updates of its construction, schedule, and detail budget reviews.
12. GTA will pay all invoices associated with the construction of the Deck and
the URA/City agrees to reimburse GTA for such cost within fifteen (15)
business days of GTA properly submitting a request for reimbursement.
13. GTA agrees that all revenues generated by the Deck will be the property of
the City until termination or expiration of the estate for years. It is
anticipated that the revenues will be used for operational expenses and
installment purchase payments (debt service payments) associated with the
bonded indebtedness incurred for the building of the Deck or for other uses
as determined by the City.
14. After the construction of the Deck, GTA agrees it will maintain the Deck and
keep it in good working condition. Furthermore, GTA will be responsible for
all expenses related to the day to day maintenance of the Deck including but
not limited to the following expenses: striping, replacement and repair of
lighting and light bulbs, periodic cleaning of the Deck, as well as the costs for
electrical, water, and grounds keeping services. GTA will not be responsible
for any: Deck management company fees; personnel costs; personnel office
space equipment such as copiers, paper, toner, office cleaning, desks,
uniforms, televisions, television cable service fees, or telecommunications
Attachment number 1 \nPage 3 of 6
Item # 2
Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center: Augusta Parking Deck Letter of Intent
4
________ ________
costs. The City/URA will be responsible for any non-wear and tear repair
including but not limited to the following causes: fire, natural disasters and
acts of God, damage from automobile accidents, and vandalism.
15. Until the estate for years is terminated or expires,, the City agrees that it will
be responsible for all expenses associated with managing and staffing the
Deck operation including the collection of all revenues.
16. GTA agrees to lease a minimum of two hundred fifty (250) parking spaces at
a cost of fifty dollars ($50) per space per month once the Deck is available
for use. GTA may require that some of these spaces have signage for
“reserved spaces” while the majority will be for open parking. Students of
the Center will come and go at various times of the day for both day and
night classes using and reusing these spaces. The City will provide GTA the
City’s then current monthly rate for a parking space, which GTA may lease
additional spaces on a monthly basis at the normal rate so it can sublease
and incorporate into a non-government tenant’s building lease agreement if
requested to do so by tenant and the City/URA agrees that it will honor the
then current rate used in tenant’s lease for the term of said lease; GTA may
lease additional “government rate” spaces at the defined rate in the
agreement. GTA and the City will work in good faith on establishing
processes and procedures for Deck usage. If the bonds for the construction
of the Deck are issued as tax-exempt, GTA to take such action as reasonably
requested regarding the use of the Deck to prevent the bonds from losing
their tax-exempt status.
17. GTA understands that the Deck will also be used for public paid parking in
addition to parking for the Center. The City shall be free to charge the
public and other non-governmental agency tenants of the Center its then
current rate for hourly, daily and/or monthly parking.
18. The City agrees that GTA will likely need to meet certain requirements for
the “secure building” of the Center and will install Deck surveillance
equipment. All costs beyond what has been included in the Deck
construction budget associated with the purchase and installation of said
equipment shall be borne by GTA. Furthermore, the maintenance, repair,
and replacement of the surveillance equipment shall be borne by GTA.
Attachment number 1 \nPage 4 of 6
Item # 2
Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center: Augusta Parking Deck Letter of Intent
5
________ ________
Monitoring of the Deck will be as determined by GTA in its sole discretion.
The City will have no obligation to monitor the Deck except in its normal
providing of police services as it would for any similar facility.
19. The City will either self-insure or provide property and liability insurance
coverage insuring the Deck and will designate GTA as a named additional
insured.
20. Naming rights for the Deck shall be retained by GTA. In addition GTA
reserves the right to approve any signage.
21. The terms outlined in this Letter of Intent express the intent of the parties
and shall be superseded by the Definitive Agreement once executed by the
parties. If the parties fail to execute the Definitive Agreement by June 15,
2017, then this Letter of Intent shall be null and void.
[Balance of page intentionally left blank]
Attachment number 1 \nPage 5 of 6
Item # 2
Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center: Augusta Parking Deck Letter of Intent
6
This ________ day of June, 2017.
Georgia Technology Authority
By: ______________________
Calvin Rhodes
Executive Director
Augusta, Georgia
By: ______________________
Its: ______________________
Attachment number 1 \nPage 6 of 6
Item # 2
Legal Administration Committee Meeting
6/13/2017 11:00 AM
Legal Meeting
Department:
Presenter:
Caption:LEGAL MEETING
A. Pending and potential litigation
B. Real estate
C. Personnel
Background:
Analysis:
Financial Impact:
Alternatives:
Recommendation:
Funds are Available
in the Following
Accounts:
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
Cover Memo
Item # 3
Legal Administration Committee Meeting
6/13/2017 11:00 AM
Legal Meeting Affidavit
Department:
Presenter:
Caption:Motion to authorize execution by the Mayor of the affidavit of
compliance with Georgia's Open Meeting Act.
Background:
Analysis:
Financial Impact:
Alternatives:
Recommendation:
Funds are Available
in the Following
Accounts:
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
Cover Memo
Item # 4