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Home My WebLink AboutMOU FOR WALKER GROUP AND AUGUSTA, GA REGARDING LANEY WALKER/BETHLEHEM REVITALIZATION- ARMSTRON GALLERIA COMMERCIAL BAYS Memorandum of Understanding Laney Walker / Bethlehem (LW/B) Revitalization- "Armstrong Galleria Commercial Bays" ThisMemorandum of Understanding ("MOU") is entered into on the f i day of 2019 by and between the Augusta,GA's Housing and Community Development Departme t(HCD)and The Walker Group. HCD serves as Augusta, GA's manager for the Laney Walker/Bethlehem Bond Revitalization Project. The Walker Group serves as an investor/commercial developer. The above named parties to this Memorandum of Understanding recognize the importance of facilitating developments within the LW/B neighborhoods to include increasing small business opportunities and economic diversification as a joint, coordinated effort. This MOU and the accompanying program descriptions set forth the terms and conditions under which the parties express their intent to present and execute a comprehensive approach to achieving the goals of this economic redevelopment initiative. It is expected that a signed Development Agreement will evolve from this MOU. Part I. Structure and Purpose of Initiative This local initiative will be known as the Laney Walker/Bethlehem Redevelopment Project Initiative (the"Initiative"). The greater Initiative is designed to facilitate the development of residential housing, small business opportunities and diversification and mixed-use development located on property currently owned by the Augusta,Georgia Land Bank Authority(AGLBA).Augusta,GA has concluded that it is beneficial to act as a team for the purpose of increasing homeownership, rental housing opportunities and economic growth as well as retaining the cultural and historic context that defines the Laney Walker&Bethlehem communities. Part II. Partnership Goals The goals of the Initiative are as follows: • Foster revitalization, in partnership, and the promotion of small business opportunities and economic diversification within the LW/B communities. • Foster the use of architectural building design that captures the character and histo of the LW/B communities. Part III. Responsibilities of the Parties The parties will have the following responsibilities: HCD will: • Transfer (via sale), the ownership of properties located at 857 Laney Walker Boulevard and 869 Laney Walker Boulevard, in the Armstrong Galleria, to The Walker Group for the purpose of small business enhancement and economic diversification. The sales price, Augusta Housing and Community Development Department The Walker Group MOU based on the land value set forth by a third party appraisal company, shall be $32,000.00 for both units; • Work towards a timely closing on the properties and remove all items from the properties prior to closing date; • Upon The Walker Group's Plan/Spec submission to Augusta, GA's Planning and Development Department,HCD will provide information and assist The Walker Group with Augusta Richmond County interdepartmental coordination as necessary for property development; • Actively participate in all joint marketing and outreach elements of the program; • Assist with the development and preparation of effective marketing strategies and material for community organizational meetings,mailings and newsletters; • Work in conjunction with approved Initiative participants and maintain open channels of communication with these participants; • Provide opportunities for joint development of initiatives sponsored by Augusta, GA and members of the Initiative; • Actively support the marketing of the Initiative and opportunities it provides; and • Upon identification of various funding sources,by The Walker Group,HCD will assist by providing vital revitalization/construction information. *HCD shall not(as Augusta, GA representative) serve as lead on any 3rd party led funding application. The Walker Group will: • Provide Plans and Specifications(approved and stamped)by Augusta, GA's Planning and Development Department for the selected properties; • Provide a Development Budget in accordance with the approved Plans and Specifications; • Provide evidence of Financial Commitment in accordance with 100%of the Developmental Budget; • Provide a Timetable of Complete Project Delivery; • Work with the Armstrong Galleria Merchant's Association to address and present any collective exterior building remedies—including overall façade changes or stormwater issues. • Provide documentation, when requested,in a timely manner that confirms proof on all insurances required to provide construction services in the LW/13 Redevelopment Area; • Assist with the development and preparation of effective marketing strategies and material for community organizational meetings,mailings and newsletters; and • Assign a local representative of The Walker Group that will be able to make decisions regarding field work, etc. Part IV. Performance Objectives The overall performance of the Initiative will be evaluated on the commitment of resources necessary for active business opportunities within the selected properties of the Armstrong Galleria as listed herein. To date, HCD has undertaken an extensive effort to ensure the success of this revitalization. Public meetings were initially held to receive stakeholder input, and on-going meeting are being held to keep the public informed. Land acquisition activities have resulted in significant and meaningful site control. Master plans have been designed to reflect the activity to date, while guiding future endeavors. A Pattern Book has been designed to guide the production of architecturally compatible designs. Finally, Augusta Housing and Community Development Department The Walker Group MOU a complete array of professionals has been procured to assist in the continued design, planning, construction, and marketing of the LW/B project as a whole. Part V. Public Relations The parties agree that initially, and throughout the term of this MOU, marketing and public announcements relative to Initiative activities be coordinated with HCD prior to public release. Part VI. Relationship of Parties Nothing in this MOU shall be deemed to constitute or create an association, partnership or joint venture among the participating parties, or any agency or employer-employee relationship. No party is granted, nor shall it represent that it has been granted, any right or authority to assume or create any obligation or responsibility,expressed or implied,on behalf of,or in the name of another party, or bind another party in any manner. Part VII. Term; Early Termination The term of the MOU is 90 days from the date of the execution of this MOU. It is the intention of the participants to work diligently to ensure that within 90 days The Walker Group can enter into a Development Agreement (for sale) with Augusta, GA's Housing and Community Development Department. The participating parties reserve the right to terminate the MOU with 30 days notice for failure to evidence information that is determined to be critical to successfully transition for this MOU into a Development Agreement. Part VIII. Administration and Reports HCD will facilitate monitoring the Initiative and providing monthly reports to the participants, where necessary. Part IX. Acknowledgements As the authorized representative for my organization,I have read this MOU regarding the Initiative. I agree that it accurately describes the purpose, operational plan and roles of the Initiative participants.I understand that this document is not a contract and is not a legally binding agreement. I also understand the HCD must submit a formal Development Agreement to the Augusta, GA Commission for proper signature, authorization and final project approval. However, by executing this Memorandum of Understanding, I further understand that the participating parties are forming an alliance to accomplish the goals set forth herein. Augusta Housing and Community Development Department The Walker Group MOU In Witness Whereof,the parties have set their hands and seals as of the date first written above. Attest: Augusta, Georgia 441 ) By: �-tJ�✓`. lisp' Hardie Davis Date: gaji" As Mayor By: -...' Date: x/221 7 J. , is Sims s I terim Admit i rator BY: risk. — t— Date: 5 )? 176 Ha . e Welcher As Di - tor,HCD I/ 41, Eittl Approved as to Form by: LidatiglAcit � 'Date: S D'?it/7 Augusta;_GA L f li ,., merit V, 4 a f �' / . '/ 1 F �s a F 1.. f v ////i" � fP '1 Lea:; nntr tr 4 4._AAs its`Cllerk`�ot C nposio ' 4.. 't2 '#' - 4'' P. F. o The . ker Gt.' . , \ Nt4 gib By: Date: CI /3—) 1 II Name: Z.„ ,.pIX-s ti., N.N.A. ,,-, Title: \: "------, Augusta Housing and Community Development Department The Walker Group MOU