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Home My WebLink AboutLaney-Walker Conceptual Plan Augl,lsta Richmond GA DOCUMENT NAME: Lo ne.L\ -. \;JQ \ lZev . LO'hCc:rtu.ct I 17hn DOCUMENT TYPE: YEAR: , C)~ DJ BOX NUMBER:O} , FILE NUMBER: \ ~Lp3 'j NUMBER OF PAGES: 1!L . ~ ,~ . ,~- ., ,"1 LANEY- WALKER Conceptual Plan Prepared for The Augusta-Richmond County Housing & Neighborhood Development Department by the Central Savannah River Area Regional Development Center March 1999 LANEY - WALKER Conceptual Plan Prepared for The Augusta-Richmond County Housing & Neighborhood Development Department by the Central Savannah River Area Regional Development Center March 1999 Acknowledgements: Augusta-Richmond County Housing and Neighborhood Development Department, Augusta-Richmond County Health Department, Georgia Power, Medical College of Georgia, University Medical Hospital and the Augusta-Richmond Trees and Landscape Department. Preface This conceptual plan was initiated in response to the construction of the new Augusta-Richmond County ,Health Department on Laney- Walker Boulevard. The new Health Department will make a considerable impact on the neighborhood and encourage development or re-development of the surrounding area; This plan makes suggestions and identifies opportunities for such development. The Laney- Walker Neighborhood Plan presents a very good analysis of the surrounding area. Demographics and other facts and figures are available from this document, including a history of the area and interpretation of neighborhood characteristics. For this reason, neither a historic or demographic background study are included in this plan. This plan focuses on development concepts and provides descriptions of the possibilities for area redevelopment. In addition, Tulane University from New Orleans is currently visiting and will be preparing a housing and design study. Therefore, this plan will focus more on commercial development and less on housing and streetscapes. " LANEY-WALKER Conceptual Plan Table of Contents I ntroductio n............... ............................................................................................... 1 In ve ntory................................................................ ...... ..... ...... ........ .......................... 2 Inventory Map................................................................... ...... ..................... 3 . Develop me nt Proposal.................................. ............. .............................................. 4 Co mbinatio n Con ve nie nc e Store............ .......................................... .......... 4 Pro Jess io nal Building............................................. ........................ ............ 5 Anns tro ng Galleria II................................................................. ................ 5 Penny Bank Building.................................................................... ......... ..... 6 Grants, Loans and Tax Incentives.............................................................. 6 Peripheral Businesses- Existing and Proposed.......................................... 7 Playground F aciIities..............;................... ....... .................. ..'..................... 7 Residential Rehab iIitatio n................................................................ .......... 8 Residential In fill.............................................. ........................................... 9 Residential to Commercial Conversion..................................................... 10 Primary Health Care Center...................................................................... 11 Neighborhood Community Center............................................................. 12 Pic nic Park... ................................................................................ ............... 13 Budget Jor Pie nie Park................................................................... 14 Pie nic Park Map.....................................................:.........;............. 15 Development Proposal Map........................................................................ 16 So ure es............................................................. ................... ................ ......... 17 Co ne Ius ion............................................................................... ................................ 18 ~ LANEY - WALKER Conceptual Plan Introduction This plan is written with the intent to suggest and encourage the development and redevelopment of the portion of the Laney-Walker neighborhood surrounding the new Augusta-Richmond County Health Department. The new Health pepartment will be a sizable investment into the neighborhood and will create automobile and pedestrian traffic resulting from new employees and visitors to the facility. Increased activity in the area will encourage commercial development of Laney- Walker Boulevard. Thus, proper care must be taken to ensure that appropriate, useful and supportive commercial development occurs. In addition, residential renovation and construction will not occur without encouragement. This plan will address the possibilities of developing vacant parcels of land for commercial and residential development. This plan will also address underutilized and undermaintained commercial and residential property in the area surrounding the new Health Department. ' This plan will consist of two components: an inventory and a development proposal. The inventory will include a map of the area with descriptions and photographs of the area as well as current land use. The development component will provide descriptions, photographs and financing alternatives to meet the needs identified in the inventory. The development proposal will include ideas for corporate as well as small business development and will also suggest ideas for improving the quality of life for local residents in terms of services available to them and their neighborhood experience. Planning the development of this area will help ensure that current residents, new employees and visitors of the new, Health Department are all served by the development that should occur. The realities of commercial development demand that a certain approach is taken to create infill development, however, current development approaches can still provide for useful shops and services. In particular, the new Health Department will allow for the placement of businesses which supply products related to the health industry and the needs of persons visiting the facility. Additionally, both visitors and local neighborhood residents will require services which may not occur with typical current commercial development. These services could address the family, recreation and living needs of local residents. Finally, development in this area could benefit existing businesses as well. Existing business should profit from an increased customer base and additional foot traffic. LANEY-WALKER Conceptual Plan Inventory The project area for this plan extends along Laney-Walker Boulevard and Spruce Street, from 11th Street to 8th Street. The project area is located in a low to moderate income area and contains a variety of land uses. An inventory of the project area revealed four different land uses: commercial, public/institutional, residential and vacant. More detailed classifications could have been used, however, these four' capture the character of the area sufficiently. Land. uses along Laney-Walker are mixed. Commercial and public/institutional dominate the street. A few residential lots can be found and a few vacant lots exist amongst the buildings. The area north of Laney-Walker is almost completely residential, with commercial concentrated along Laney-Walker. Along Spruce Street, residential, vacant and public/institutional lots can be found. The , public/institutional lots consist of schools and churches. A residential suburb can be found along and east of Summer Street. South of the project area, the land use is almost entirely residential. A variety of business and organizations can be found within the project area as well. Along the north side of Laney-Walker, commercial businesses such as auto cleaning and repair shops can be found, along with a few local and fast-food restaurants. The block between 9th and Summer Streets, along Laney-Walker, contains the Armstrong Galleria shopping center which includes a supermarket, Laney-Walker Development Corporation and local shops. Presently, the shopping center is almost entirely occupied. Vacant lots can be fou,rid north of Laney- "Valker, presenting infill and development options. The south side of Laney- Walker is dominated by the site for the new Health Department. The Immaculate Conception School, a food service organization and local restaurant are also located on the south side of'Laney-Walker. Spruce Street consists of the Immaculate Conception School to the north and the Floyd Head Start Program to the south. Residential units and vacant lots line this street as well. The residences vary in condition; some appear to be poorly maintained and some are abandoned. An analysis of this inventory reveals opportunities for infill development and re- development of the area. The promise of a new Health Department will bring new employees and additional visitors to the area. The businesses along Laney-Walker will benefit from a larger customer base and vacant lots could be commercially developed to meet these new circumstances. Local schools also bring busy activity to the neighborhood and school children disperse from local schools to walk or ri~e home during weekday afternoons. Foot traffic is moderate throughout the neighborhoods and the commercial areas. 2 !- V:" ,,' , '.'\ . ,- \~,\,. ... 5F Iii 'I' llll 'I' II ~ 7 7 ~ It / 7 III 71 <l<l.J1 S,A1 J T III Iii V:JL IJ. I / hi, 1/ !'.,II t7 1lm~b' Iii !!Ilili:l,:; JlI ill~ I ;.; 1!j I I r,: llj~ / ~ ro .--1 ~ .--1 Cd ;j -+-J ~ Q) U Ol Ol ~+.l Ol ~ o i=: ... 4J U~ .... I:: S III C/J U ~ C/J .... Q) ~ I'l QI ~C/J e p., .--1< 0 ro~ w :> ~~ III Q I :>.. ca I:: :>-or.. 0 Q).3 '60 III ~ @ ~ Cd :> ~ HE C/J u ~~ " il .) 'I 11 '1/ ' Jlt H ' f. II' jlc' !I, Ill:o- lh. _ Ii 't' !1I ' '1l1 'II ...., jll hll fh r r:-:" HI . !lI1 " jiJI 'il II o ;l :;l 'il ~ 'il .~ II ;l ~ " 5 ] ~ ~ ~ u 8 .e ~ -: Or--JD o L_ LANEY - WALKER Conceptual Plan Development Proposal The project area contains a variety of opportunities for development of vacant lots and the redevelopment of existing buildings. Vacant lots along Laney-Walker will most likely face commercial development pressure because of present commercial land uses and the increased customer base from the new Health Department. The area along Laney-Walker is zoned General Business (B-2). Vacant lots and buildings for sale that can easily be removed can be developed into either commercial or professional businesses. Housing along Laney-Walker can be converted to commercial use, should the owners wish to sell their houses or start a business. Vacant buildings that are for sale can be bought and renovated or removed. Occupied buildings with additional space can be renovated and leased. The presence of the new Health Department building will also create opportunities which support the health industry. Businesses related to the Health Department might not require a prime commercial space along Laney-Walker and would be able to develop in the vacant lots east of the new Health Department. The Armstrong Galleria and the possibility of an Armstrong Galleria II also provide potential locations for businesses related to the Health Department. In addition, increased foot traffic along with the establishment of new restaurants provides the opportunity for an outdoor eating or recreation area near the Health Department. A smaller lot could be developed for this purpose. Finally, residential areas could be renovated and new residences could be constructed. Combination Convenience Store Increased traffic should create a need for a combination convenience store and fast-food restaurant. However, only a few vacant lots are available. A good opportunity for such a business can be found at a vacant lot on the corner of Carrie Street and Laney-Walker. The site is large enough and has a good location. A small auto repair business is located on an adjacent site, at the corner of 10th Street and Laney-Walker. This business should enjoy the customers,a convenience store might bring. The following table shows what a combination convenience store and fast-food restaurant might cost: Estimated Cost Bank Financing (Over 15 years) CSRA SBA-504 Program Borrowers Equity $2,500,000 $1,250,000 $1,000,000 $ 250,000 4 LANEY - WALKER Conceptual Plan Development Proposal continued... Professional Building An opportunity for the development of a professional building can be found at the corner of Cecelia Bennett Lane and Laney-Walker. This location curre~t1y contains a church building of modern construction which is for sale. The building does not appear to be architecturally significant and could easily be removed. A professional building could be developed on this site and occupied by such professionals as an attorney, doctor, dentist or an accounting office. Another tenant for this building could also be a recording studio. The presence of musical celebrities such as James Brown and Jesse Norman might allow for such a studio to be developed. An ideal building would require 9,000 sq. feet of leaseable space. The cost of developing this professional office building is listed as follows: Estimated Cost Bank Financing (lst mortgage) CSRA SBA-S04 Loan (2nd mortgage) Borrower's Equity $600,000 $300,000 $240,000 $ 60,000 Armstrong Galleria II A significant opportunity for the development of an additional shopping center exists along Summer Street and Laney-Walker, across frorti the Armstrong Galleria. Such a shopping center, is currently being consideI:.ed as the Armstrong Galleria II by a local development authority. The advantage to the community of developing a new shopping center would be to increase commercial foot traffic near the .original Galleria and support local businesses currently occupying the Galleria. The Galleria II should be occupied by businesses beneficial to neighborhood residents and attractive to Health Department employees and visitors. The new shopping center could include a discount store, a pharmacy, restaurants, a shoe store, a uniform store and other small retail shops. To accomplish this, an arrangement could be made where Augusta-Richmond County buys the property and donates the land to a potential private commercial developer. Such a gift would be contingent upon the development of preferred retail shops to ensure the center benefits the community as well as visitors. Financing would be as follows: Estimated Cost Augusta-Richmond County Community Development Grant Funds Private Commercial Developer $3,000,000 $ 200,000 $2,800,000 5 LANEY. WALKER Conceptual Plan Development Proposal continued... Penny Bank Buildinl! An additional commercial opportunity can be found through the renovation of the Penny Bank Building on the corner of 9th Street and Laney-Walker. This attractive building has both architectural and historical significance. The building was home to the first chartered African-American bank in the nation. Current tenants include a retail clothing store and a local deli on the first floor. The second floor, however, remains vacant. The second floor could be renovated and leased in the following manner: Estimated Cost CSRA SBA 7(a) Prgrm, 75% Guarnty Borrower's Equity $250,000 $225,000 $ 25,000 Grants. Loans. and Tax Incentives Owners of commercial, income-producing buildings may use the Fa~ade , Rehabilitation Program designed to improve the appearance of historic structures in several different areas in Augusta-Richmond County. One of the eligible areas is the Laney-Walker Multiple Resource Area. The program makes funds available to rehabilitate or restore the facades of qualifying structures. The property must be 40 years old to participate. In return, property owners are required to spend a matching amount on such items as correcting code deficiencies and making interior renovations. Other programs available involve the historic preservation tax incentives. If a property is listed in the National ,Register of Historic Places, substantial rehabilitation work is needed, and the proposed work meets the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation, then the owner may qualify for tax incentives. There is a federal tax credit of 20 percent for historic income- producing properties that meet the above criteria. The State of Georgia has a rehabilitated historic property tax assessment freeze for those properties that meet the above criteria for residential, mixed-use, and commerciaVprofessional uses. For loans, there is an Economic Development Loan Fund available to for-profit businesses to finance development projects, establish new businesses and/or expand an existing business. Some of major program goals are to create new permanent jobs (at least one job) for low and moderate income persons by providing low interest loans to small and minority-owned businesses, and to 6 LANEY - WALKER Conceptual Plan Development Proposal continued... redevelop vacant land and facilities. Eligible loan recipients must be credit worthy and able to provide 20% or more cash equity. Religious institutions are excluded. To apply for these programs, contact the Housing and Neighborhood Development Department, #1 Tenth Street, Suite 430, Augusta, Georgia 30901, Telephone (706) 821-1797. Peripheral Businesses- Existine and Proposed The success of existing businesses and proposed developments located outside of the project area should be encouraged in order to enhance the quality of life in the Laney-Walker Neighborhood. Presently, established businesses exist at such locations as lzth Street and Laney Walker, as well as Twiggs Street and Laney- ""Valker. Interest has also been expressed in the development of properties near the project area. Support of commercial interests throughout the Laney-Walker neighborhood will bolster the area's economy, contributing to the revitalization of the Laney-Walker neighborhood. Plaveround Facilities 'A recreational addition to the neighborhood could be the, expansion or establishment of new playground facilities. The Immaculate,Conception Church at the corner of 10th Street and Laney-Walker is located adjacent to under- maintained houses along 10th Street. These houses could be bought and the property used as an expansion to the current playground for the following cost: Estimated Cost Augusta-Richmond County Private sector bank donations $75,000 $15,000 $60,000 7 LANEY. WALKER Conceptuall?lan Development Proposal continued... Residential Rehabilitation Residential property within the project area consists of detached single-family units. These properties consist of a mixture of well-maintained structures, deteriorating units, abandoned units and vacant lots. Residential rehabilitation, residential infill and homeownership financing options are available to improve the housing quality of the neighborhood. Within the project area, many residential properties are in need of repair. Area residents should be encouraged to rehabilitate the exterior and interior of their homes', thus improving the physical attractiveness of the neighborhood and safety of neighborhood residents. Once area homes are rehabilitated, new homebuyers will be attracted back into the neighborhood as well. The Augusta-Richmond County Housing and Neighborhood Development 'Department offers a Housing Rehabilitation Program. Funding for housing rehabilitation is derived from the HUDCommunity Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. This program provides financial assistance, such as Emergency Grants, Conditional Deferred Payment and Low Interest Loans. An eligible project involves the rehabilitation of substandard exterior and interior residential property occupied by low to moderate income persons. The Augusta-Richmond County Housing and Neighbor:hood Development Department also offers the Paint Improvement Program. This program provides free paint to eligible homeowners or owners of rental property for improvements to the appearance and for the protection of the exterior of their homes. An example of Residential Rehabilitation for a single residence could be funded in the following manner: Estimated Cost (typical) Housing Rehabilitation Program Paint Improvement Program Home Owner Labor $15,000 $13,000 $ 400 $ 1,600 8 LANEY - WALKER Conceptual Plan Development Proposal continued... Residential Infill Within the project area, several abandoned buildings and vacant lots exist. Particularly, in the southeast section of the project area, two vacant or underutilized residential properties exist. One is located at the corner of nth. Street and Spruce Street. This site contains a vacant concrete block structure. The other site is a vacant lot located at the corner of 10th. Street and Spruce Street. The construction of new housing units on these properties will enhance the neighborhood by attracting new homeowners to the neighborhood and by providing a positive example to area residents. New infill construction can enhance the quality of the neighborhood aesthetically by inspiring surrounding homeowners to rehabilitate their own homes. To attract new homeowners, the City could purchase and clear these properties. The City would then offer these lots to area builders interested in construction of affordable homes to prospective low to moderate income families. Financing options could then be used to assist low to moderate income persons. Such options could help first time or subsequent homebuyers overcome barriers to homeownership. Barriers include inadequate knowledge of financing availability, qualifying for a mortgage and insufficient funds for a down payment or closing costs or poor credit. The Augusta-Richmond County Housing and Neighborhood Development Department in cooperation with local lending institutions offers the Homeownership Assistance Program. Funding for this program is.derived from the HUD CDBG program. Assistance is available to eligible applicants purchasing a home within Augusta-Richmond County. ' Funding assistance is in the form of a deferred payment loan, up to 50 % of the required down payment, not to exceed $2,500.00. Eligible applicants must have satisfactory income, employment and credit history. Also, eligible applicants must meet certain federal income guideline and agree to participate in a pre-purchase counseling program. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs offers two loan programs to assist a prospective homebuyer achieve the goal of homeownership. Loans from each program are available through a network of participating DCA lenders located throughout the state. The first program is the Home Buyer Program which offers the first time homebuyer a low interest loan which is easier to qualify for and 9 LANEY- WALKER Conceptual Plan Development Proposal continued... which lowers monthly mortgage payments. The second program is the OwnHome Program which is a delayed repayment, second mortgage loan up to $5,000.00 to pay for down payment and closing costs. DCA encourages borrowers to participate in a homebuyer education seminar before obtaining these loans. Many local lending institutions also offer affordable home loans to assist low to moderate individuals and families become homeowners. Nationsbank Mortgage Corporation offers two home loan programs. The Zero Down and Credit Flex programs require little or no down payment. These programs also feature flexible income guidelines. Borrowers are eligible if their incomes do not exceed 80% of an area's' median income. Additionally, there are no income limits in low income census tracts. Wachovia Bank offers the Affordable Home Loans program. This program offers two loans, the Community Home Buyer's Program or the Neighborhood Revitalization Program. Each loan can help an eligible borrower purchase a home without the usual high down payment or closing costs. Financing for the clearing of a dilapidated property and construction of a new home could be accomplished in the following manner: Estimated Cost Augusta-Richmond (Purchase & Clear Property) Bank Financing Assistance program (for borrower equity) $80,000 $15,000 $ 60,000 $ 5,000 Residential to Commercial Conversion Within the project area, four residential homes line Laney Walker Boulevard between 10th. Street and nth. Street. These homes are well maintained and possibly historic. The sites on which these homes are located have over the years served residential uses well. However, the location of these properties along a busy thoroughfare and between Commercial uses gives rise to the question; has the character of the neighborhood changed to such an extent that residential use of these properties is incompatible with surrounding Commercial and Publid Institutional land uses? If the answer to this question is yes, then the concept of Residential to CommerciaV Professional conversion becomes a viable option. 10 LANEY - WALKER Conceptual Plan Development Proposal continued... Property is said to take its character from the uses which surround it, and an analysis of the adjacent uses which include, Commercial, Publid Institutional and proposed Professional, ,indicate that the character of this use along Laney Walker Boulevard now approximates Commercial or Professional use. This is reflected in the fact that this section of Laney Walker Boulevard, which runs though the project area is zoned General Business (B-2). The City's zoning ordinance is a Cumulative zoning ordinance that allows a multitude of retail uses and professional uses in the B-2 zoning district thus, making these properties ripe for Residential to CommerciaV Professional conversion. Another consideration is the location of these properties along the busy Laney Walker Boulevard. If Laney Walker Boulevard becomes an active Commercial node, traffic will become even heavier, eventually making these properties less desirable for Residential use. The conversion of these properties from Residential to attractive Commercial and Professional buildings is a concept worth pursuing. Such conversion has taken place throughout many other areas of the City. This can be seen along busy thoroughfares such as Walton Way and Wrightsboro Road where the character of the area in which the conversion has occurred has changed from Residential to Commercial or Professional use. Primary Health Care Center The site located on the northeast corner of 9th Street and Spruce, adjacent to the new Augusta-Richmond County Health Department is a prime location for a Primary Health Care Center. The center would serve area residents by providing additional services to those provided by the Health Department. The center would not compete with, but enhance the services offered by the Health Department. The Primary Health Care Center could possibly be developed as a collaboration between the community, churches, area hospitals and other participants. The center would provide such services as a primary care center, Alcoholics Anonymous counseling, Alzheimer's support groups, diabetes support group and general mentalJ physical health workshops. Estimated Cost Area Hospitals Churches & Community Groups $400,000 $200,000 $200,000 J 1 LANEY - WALKER' ConceptuallPlan Development Proposal continued... Neil!hborhood Community' Center The Neighborhood Community Center could host public meetings, social events, continuing education and could be utilized as an intergenerational center such as the Shiloh Community Center. An intergenerational center addresses the needs of both senior citizens and children alike. The interaction of adult and youth is beneficial to all. The Community Center could offer various adult, youth and after school educational programs. The facility could also offer many preschool, youth, adult as well as senior adult activities. Additionally, the Community Center, in conjunction with the Health Care Center, could provide wellness programs such as a variety of aerobic and fitness classes. A community garden could also be established on this site. The Augusta- Richmond County Housing and Neighborhood Development Department has established a Neighborhood Matching Grants fund to provide funding of$5,000.00 to $15,000.00 to established neighborhood associations to implement projects such as a community garden that will make the neighborhood a better place to live. The Laney Walker neighborhood is eligible and to participate the neighborhood association must submit requisite documentation as established by the program. The neighborhood association must then match the funds requested. Financing for this project could require Augusta-Richmond ,County to purchase the land, build a building and then lease part of the space to a private day-care provider. The remainder of the space would be available for day and evening community events. Landscaping of grounds would be left to community gardeners: Estimated Cost Augusta-Richmond County Day-Care Provider lease Community Labor (gardens) $125,000 $100,000 $ 20,000 $ 5,000 12 LANEY- WALKER Conceptuall?lan Development Proposal continued... Picnic Park Another opportunity for increasing the quality of the neighborhood is to provide recreation or outdoor areas. A park could be developed on a small lot between Cecelia Bennett Lane and 9th Street, along Laney- Walker Boulevard. This lot is between two fast food restaurants and is not large enough for commercial development. The proximity of a recording studio in a new professional office building might lend a musical theme to the park. The park could be financed as follows: $34,969 $15,984.50 $15,984.50 $ 3,000 13 Budget for Picnic Park Irrigation $1800 Trees 2 Yoshino Cherry @ $100 ea. $200 4 Crepe Myrtle @ $45 ea. $180 1 Weeping Mulberry @ $50 ea. $50 Shrubs 6 Spirea Van Houtteii @ $8 ea. $48 10 Azalia Indica Formosa @ $7 ea. $70 14 New Gold Lantana @ $4 ea. $56 60 Daylily @ $3 ea. $180 70 Boxwood @ $3 ea. $210 8 Firepower Nandina $40 20 Tall Mondo Grass @ 3ea. $60 Sod 2 pallets @ $100 ea. $200 Mulch 5 @ $50 ea. $250 Soil (includes amendments) $450 $9000 $1600 $2000 Sculptures (Hand Prints) Signage Picnic Tables 4 @ $500 ea. Bricks 7500 @ $.12 ea. (includes installation) $15,575 Labor $3000 Total $34.969 Financing: Labor (donated by Trees & Landsca~e Dept.) $3000 Augusta-Richmond County $15,984.50 Brick Sponsorship Program (450 @ $35 ea.) $15,984.50 Total $34.969 14 :1 r { ~ , ~ 1 I r J t ~ 1 I . J ~ ~ I ~ ~ u u f r r '0 ~ ~ t l o p J I I ~ ~ p ~ r ~ II ~f ~ ~ ~ ~ ; .,...=..=d- r . I ! i i-" I f i 1--- L r ~ I fr I~ r ~ t J I ~~If, ~ ~ 1d J: p F , r P , . p '{'- ~, r I /, PI ~, ~ f ~ I r z J . p . r o ~~ -0 P J ... P -1 r r ~ I I' i ~ ~ Q 1 r , f p , ~ 1 J jt~ ~ 'l f ~ - - -<>, ~t ~r J I I 8 ~ i-__u__j I - f !~ S;il1 li'O 'tI~ ~[ g&, "s 4 -j T - ~ I - - 1111111,1,'( "11 r, lhllll,! lH'f'II,'i l'II'.ll 11,,1,', II/I i r' i"f."il 11I.!I,lI 00000 ~ b' b' ~ l[ ~G~~t: l:' 111 l1l ~ ~ r: "';j ~ e. E [ ,g g ;' 0 :0 fi tf 0 l1l t:: o t:f t1 t'Il ~ a : ~ ff ~ c: = tf g g (") t"""f ~ OJ :ll ::1 : CD g' ~ E. I :? ~ ~ CD o f---' ] ~ ~ CD .... "1 (") 11I ~ 0 '1 0 ;;; ::1 <0 <0 () (!) "'d c-+- ~ CD f---' ~ f---' OJ ::1 % I' ~. *Sources: (1) DCA Home Buyer/ OwnHome program (2) Augusta-Richmond County Housing and Neighborhood Development Department Homeownership Assistance Program guidelines/ Housing Rehabilitation Program guidelines (3) Nationsbank Mortgage Corp. Ref. Guide To Affordable Lending Programs (4) The Wachovia Bank Affordable Home Loans program' (5) The Laney Walker Neighborhood Plan (6) Augusta-Richmond County Housing and Neighborhood Development Department Neighborhood Matching Grants Program (7) Georgia Power Community Development (8) Augusta-Richmond County Housing and Neighborhood Development Department Economic Development Loan Fund (9) Augusta-Richmond County Housing and Neighborhood Development Department Historic Preservation Tax Incentives (10) Augusta-Richmond County Housing and Neighborhood Development Department Fa~ade Rehabilitation Program 17 LANEY-WALKER Conceptual Plan Conclusion The new Augusta-Richmond County Health Department will be a very positive addition to the Laney-Walker neighborhood. This major investment will create interest in the area and encourage development and redevelopment of the project area and the neighborhood. The addition of employees and visitors to the Health Center will make more commercial investment options viable. These investments, in turn, will help current businesses realize their full potential and create a busier atmosphere along Laney-Walker. Additional commercial options and increased activity will make the area more attractive and usable, therefore increasing the quality of life to be found in the Laney-Walker neighborhood. Beyond increased commercial investment, new investment in housing renovation and infill should follow. This plan outlines funding options which current and prospective home owners could use to explore housing options in the neighborhood. A more extensive study is currently being performed by Tulane University from New Orleans. This study should also address urban design issues such as a new streetscape and, landscaping. Improved residential and neighborhood conditions should also improve the quality of the neighborhood and the quality of life for local residents. Improved neighborhood quality is important for many reasons. The increase in commercial and business investment in the area will bring more people in the area, many from different neighborhoods. A variety of people and, options could combine to increase the provision of transit along Laney~Walker. A busy commercial center could further housing investment and create an exciting place with a greater range of income levels and neighborhood assets, making this portion of downtown a more viable place for anyone to live and work. However, a more important reason for improving the quality of life in the neighborhood can be found. Many of the residents are unable to move to a more expensive or simply different neighborhood of their choice. Therefore, the neighborhood must change to meet their needs. Older persons on fixed incomes and persons at the poverty level live in this neighborhood and cannot afford to move, they should be able to expect their neighborhood to improve, not worsen. Also, families and other valuable assets to the neighborhood should not feel the need to move. The addition of the new County Health Department is an important step in helping these residents. Hopefully, investment encouraged by this plan will also make positive additions to the Laney-Walker neighborhood. 18 c,-.. . . . LANEY - WALKER Conceptual Plan Prepared! for The Augusta-Richmond County Housing & Neighborhood Development Department by the Central Savannah River Area Regional Development Center March 1999 . . . LANEY - WALKER Conceptual Plan Prepared for The Augusta-Richmond County Housing & Neighborhood Development Department by the Central Savannah River Area Regional Development Center March 1999 Acknowledgements: Augusta-Richmond County Housing and Neighborhood Development Department, -. . - Augusta-Richmond County Health Department, Georgia Power, Medical College of Georgia, University Medical Hospital and the Augusta-Richmond Trees and Landscape Department. Preface This conceptual plan was initiated in response to the construction of the new Augusta-Richmond County Health Department on Laney- Walker Boulevard. The , new Health Department will make a considerable impact on the nei'ghborhood and encourage development or re-development of the surrounding area. This plan makes suggestions and identifies opportunities for such development. The Laney- Walker Neighborhood Plan presents a very good analysis of the surrounding area. Demographics and other facts and figures ar:e available from this document, including a history of the area and interpretation of neighborhood characteristics. For this reason, neither a historic or,demographic background study are included in this plan. This plan focuses o~ development concepts and provides descriptions of the possibilities for area redevelopment. In addition, Tulane University from New Orleans is currently visiting and will be preparing a housing and design study. Therefore, this plan will focus more on commercial development aizd less on housing and streetscapes. -, . LANEY - WALKER' Conceptual Plan Table oj Contents I ntroductio n.............................................................................................................. 1 In ve ntory............................................................................................... .................... 2 Inventory Map.............................................................................................. 3 . Develop me nt Proposal...~...........! .-............................................................................ 4 Comb inatio n Con ve nie nc e Store................................................................ 4 Pro Jess io nal Building................................................................................. 5 Armstro n g Galleria 11..........:....... 'u............................................................ 5 Penny Bank Building.................................................................................. 6 Grants, Loans and Tax Incentives.............................................................. 6 Peripheral Businesses- Existing and Proposed.......................................... 7 Play ground Facilities..............................................................~................... 7 Reside ntial R ehabilitatio n.......................................................................... 8 Residential I nfill....................... .'.;............................................................... 9 Residential to Commercial Conversion..................................................... 10 Primary Health Care Ceri.ter......................................................~............... 11 Neighborhood Community C enter.......................................................... .... 12 Picnic Park.....................................................;............................................ 13 Budget Jor Picnic Park.... ............................................................... 14 Picnic Park Map........~.................................; .................... ............... 15 Development Proposal Map........................................................................ 16 Sourc es......................................................................................................... 17 Conclusion.................~.................'...~....~......... .......................................... ................ 18 . . . . LANEY - WALKER Conceptual Plan Introduction This plan is written with the intent to suggest and encourage the development and redevelopment of the portion of the Laney-Walker neighborhood' surrounding the new Augusta-Richmond County Health Department. The new Health Department will be a sizable investment into the neighborhood and will create automobile and ,pedestrian traffic resulting from new, employees and visitors to the facility. Increased activity in the area will encourage commercial development of Laney- Walker Boulevard. Thus, proper care must be taken to ensure that appropriate, useful and supportive commercial development occurs. In addition, residential renovation and construction will not occur without encouragement. This plan will address the possibilities of developing vacant parcels of land for commercial and residential development. This plan will also address underutilized and undermaintained commercial and residential property hi the area surrounding the new Health Department. This plan will consist of two components: an inventory and a development proposal. The inventory will include a map of the area with descriptions and photographs of the area as well as current land use. The development component will provide descriptions, photographs and financing alternatives to meet the needs identified in the inventory. The development proposal will include ideas for corporate as well as small business development and will also suggest ideas for improving the quality of life for local residents in terms of services available to them and their neighborhood experience. Planning the development of this area will help ensure that current residents, new employees and visitors of the' new Health Department are all served by the development that should occur. The realities of commercial development demand that a certain approach is taken to create infill development, however, current development approaches can still provide for useful shops and services. In particular, the new Health Department will allow for the placement of businesses which supply products related to the health industry and the needs of persons visiting the facility. Additionally, both visitors and local neighborhood residents will require services which may not occur with typical current commercial development. These services could address the family, recreation and living needs of local residents., Finally, development in this area could ,benefit existing businesses as well. Existing business should profit from an increased customer base and additional foot traffic. . . . LANEY - WALKER Conceptual Plan Inventory The project area for this plan extends along Laney-Walker Boulevard and Spruce Street, from 11th Street to 8th Street. The project area is located in a low to moderate income area and contains a variety of land uses. An inventory of the project area revealed four different land uses: commercial, public/institutional, residential and vacant. More detailed classifications could have been used, however, these four capture the character of the area sufficiently. Land uses along Laney-Walker are mixed. Commercial and public/institutional dominate the street. A few residential lots can be found and a few vacant lots exist amongst the buildings. The area north" of Laney-Walker is almost completely r~sidential, with commercial concentrated along Laney-Walker. Along Spruce Street, residential, vacant and public/institutional lots can be found. The public/institutional lots consist of schools and churches. A residential suburb can be found along and east of Summer Street. South of the project area, the land use is almost entirely residential. A variety of business and organizations can' be found within the project area as well. Along the north side of Laney-Walker, commercial businesses such as auto cleaning and repair shops can be found, along with a few local and fast-food restaurants. The block between 9th and Summer Streets, along Laney-Walker, contains the Armstrong Galleria shopping center which includes a supermarket, Laney-Walker Development Corporation and local shops. Presently, the shopping center is almost entirely occupied. Vacant lots can be found north of Laney- Walker, presenting infill and development options. The south side of Laney- Walker is dominated by the site for the new Health Department. The Immaculate Conception School, a food service organization and local restaurant are also located on the south side of L~ney- Walker. Spruce Street consists of the Immaculate Conception School to the north and the Floyd Head Start Program to the south. Residential units and vacant lots line this street as well. The residences vary in condition; some app~ar to be poorly maintained and some are abandoned. An analysis of this inventory reveals opportunities for infill development and re- development of the area; The promise of a new Health Department will bring new employees and additional visitors to the area. The businesses along Laney-Walker will benefit from a larger customer base and vacant lots could be commercially developed to meet these new circumstances. Local schools also bring busy activity to the neighborhood and school children d~sperse from local schools to walk or ride home during weekday afternoons. Foot traffic is moderate throughout the neighborhoods and the commercial areas. 2 - .il' 1- ~ 'il !, J liJ tJ} L Jh I f~l ,p' f]i I, ( 1] . 11 .1i ~A~ ;j;;; 11.,1 'ifit Hr il(U H !' it11t <1!Air Hltri jU - lH - ~]f - l' ,h ~f' q- ~1~1 fur '~ " ,~ ~ ~ f P -U i. '-- IWIIl ~ 'l) Q) III as 1] 'I orf !~ If I ,1 -H-R ~H 1 - J d [~l !I, ill 1{i ]~1 141 .0 l' ~n ~IL I~n i~i ~ti- JJ~ f Ld, !t~.1 ~.1,1 ~h In ill i j lIt i4: uS HI .... 10 = o :;] .E .... :;] ,~ lfJ 'ia (,) .a :;] t ....... = ~ s ~ :8 ~ e ,Cl fi.l (,) o ::I Q) 10 t,) l1. ~ > DODD ':~:~r: ~- lee.I1~ ~'t JH f.... " ~fi IT lee.I".C"I ~'-... JI, h' '.If UI f~; ~l )': A! r L~ .. iib:Ad 1~~JUII mdi~i h~Un1J' 1U1h[ {lt1lJ1J1 ~MJ~.f J -r- 'n- iYI ~1'i J,', ...1...... HiL LIJ g"} i 11 ~UJ ~ illlC l~S tI16 ~ ...., , .~ Q1 01 ll= H- XH_ W- ." 'Jl !.j- ~h z: iTI l ][ Q) ..... ....... ;j o a:l lee.I~" Soil Uins (-re. / I :K r--,; I fl' i'!l W. "JH tu ~j,'1 J' 1 161 "{Q{ !1J!.a h~ Alt !1'1, 'H1 ~ , . -' 'II)' H .i'~l 0) 0) 0) - J.. Q) -tJ I:: Q) C,) ~ I:: Q) E! Cl. o - Q) > Q) Cl - <<S I:: o .~ QO Q) ~ ~ rn C,) .. I. r' T>,,,,, r./''': J h l~ ~f ~t I" it " .;1 b tIt * H iI' ~4l .. ~ ro r"""'"'"l ~ .---4 ro ~ +J ~ cu U ~+J o ~ UQ) S ~ ~ cu ~ ~f/l .---4< ror-o ~a I ~ ~~ cuB ~ ~ ro > ~B f ) \ j r~ Iii lJ, "/ ta, 1ft '1 "J " , j' , hJ1 H,j f2h Bu' 'Ai 11 ./ 11 1. ~. II! ~rl ill ;JI 1,1 1ft I ~', II, ] li~ i~1 JIlt . . . LANEY-WALKER Conceptual Plan Development Proposal The project area contains a variety of opportunities for development of vacant lots , and the redevelopment of existing buildings. Vacant lots along Laney-Walker will most likely face commercial development pressure because of present commercial land uses and the increased customer base from the new Health Department. The area along Laney-Walker is zoned General Business (B-2). Vacant 'lots and buildings for sale that can easily be removed can be developed into either commercial or professional businesses. Housing along Laney-Walker can be converted to commercial use, should the owners wish to sell their houses or start a business. Vacant buildings. that are, for sale can be bought and renovated or removed. Occupied buildings with additional space can be renovated and leased. The presence of the new Health Department building will also create opportunities which support the health industry. Businesses related to the Health Department might not require a prime commercial space along Laney-Walker and would be able to develop in the vacant lots east of the new Health Department. The Armstrong Galleria and the possibility of an Armstrong Galleria II also provide potential locations for businesses related to the Health Department. In addition, increased foot traffic along with the establishment of new restaurants provides 'the opportunity for an outdoor eating or recreation area near the Health Department. A smaller lot could be developed for this purpose. Finally, residential areas could be renovated and new residences could be constructed. Combination Convenience Store Increased traffic should create a need for a combination convenience store and fast-food restaurant. However, only a few vacant lots are available. A good opportunity for such a business, can be found at a vacant lot on the corner of Carrie Street and Laney-Walker. The site is large enough and has a good location. A small auto repair business is located on an adjacent site, at the corner of 10th Street and Laney-Walker. This business should enjoy the customers a convenience store might bring. The following table shows what a combination convenience store and fast-food restaurant might cost: Estimated Cost Bank Financing (Over 15 years) , , CSRA SBA-504 Program Borrowers Equity $2,500,000 $1,250,000 $1,000,000 $ 250,000 4 . . . LANEY - WALKER Conceptual Plan 'Development Proposal continued... Professional Buildine: An opportunity for the development of a professional building can be found at the corner of Cecelia Bennett Lane and Laney-Walker. This location currently contains a church building of modern cQnstruction which is for sale. The building does not appear to be architecturally significant and could easily be removed., A professional building could be developed on this site and occupied by such professionals as an attorney, doctor, dentist or an accounting office. Another tenant for this building could also be a recording studio. The presence of musical celebrities such as James Brown and Jesse Norman might allow for such a studio to be developed. An ideal building would require 9,000 sq. feet of leaseable space. The cost of developing this professional office building is listed as follows: Estimated Cost Bank Financing (1 st mortgage) CSRA SBA-504 Loan (2nd mortgage) Borrower's Equity Armstrone: Galleria II $600,000 $300,000 $240,000 $ 60,000 A significant opportunity for the development of an additional shopping center exists along Summer Street and Laney-Walker, across from the Armstrong Galleria. Such a shopping center, is currently being considered as the Armstrong Galleria II by a local development authority. The advantage to the community of developing a new shopping center would be to increase commercial foot traffic near the original Galleria and support local businesses currently occupying the Galleria. The Galleria II should' be occupied by businesses beneficial to neighborhood residents and attractive to Health Department employees and visitors. The new shopping center could include a discount store, a pharmacy, restaurants, a shoe store, a uniform store and other sma)) retail shops. To accomplish this, an arrangementcould be made where Augusta-Richmond County buys the property and donates the land to a potential private commercial developer. Such a gift would be contingent upon the development of preferred retail shops' to ensure the center benefits the community as well as visitors. Financing would be as follows: Estimated Cost Augusta-Richmond County Community Development Grant Funds Private Commercial Developer $3,000,000 $. 200,000 $2,800,000 5 . . . LANEY - WALKER, Conceptual Plan Development Proposal continued;.. Penny Bank Buildinl!: An additional commercial 'opportunity can be found through the renovation of the Penny Bank auilding on the corner of 9th Street and Laney-Walker. This attractive building has both architectural and historical significance. The building was home to the first chartered African-American bank in the nation. Current tenants include a retail clothing store and a local deli on the first floor. The second floor, however, remains vacant. Thesecond floor could be renovated and leased in the following manner: Estimated Cost CSRA SBA 7(a) Prgrm, 75% Guamty , Borrower's Equity $250,000 $225,000 $ 25,000 Grants. Loans. and Tax Incentives Owners of commercial, income-producing buildings may use the Fa~ade Rehabilitation Program designed to improve the appearance of historic structures in several different areas in Augusta-Richmond County. One of the eligible areas is the Laney-Walker Multiple Resource Area. The program makes funds available to rehabilitate or restore the facades of qualifying structures. The property must be 40 years old to participate. In return, property owners are required to spend a matching amount on such items as correcting code deficiencies and making interior renovations. Other programs available, involve the historic preservation tax incentives. If a ,property is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, substantial rehabilitation work is needed, and the proposed work meets the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitatio~, then the owner may qualify for tax incentives. There is a federal tax' credit of 20 percent for historic income- producing properties that meet the above criteria. The State of Georgia has a rehabilitated historic property tax assessment freeze for those properties that meet the above criteria for residential, mixed-use, and commercial/professional uses. For loans, there is an Economic Development Loan Fund available to for-profit businesses to finance development projects, establish new businesses and/or expand an existing business. Sonie - of major program goals are to create new permanent jobs '(at least one job) for low and moderate income persons by providing low interest loans to small and minority-owned businesses, and to 6 . LANEY - WALKER Conceptual Plan Development Proposal continued... redevelop vacant land and facilities. Eligible loan recipients must be credit worthy and able to provide 20 % or more cash equity. Religious institutions are excluded. To apply for these programs, contact the Housing and Neighborhood Development Department, #1 Tenth Street, Suite 430, Augusta, Georgia 30901, Telephone (706) 821-1797. Peripheral Businesses- Existing'and Proposed . The success of existing businesses and proposed developments located outside of the project area should be encouraged in order to enhance the quality of life in the Laney-Walker Neighborhood. Presently, established businesses exist at such locations as 1zth Street and Laney Walker, as well as Twiggs Street and Laney- Walker. Interest has also been expressed in the development of properties near the project area. Support of commercial interests throughout the Laney-Walker neighborhood will bolster the area's economy, contributing to the revitalization of the Laney-Walker neighborhood. Plavground Facilities A recreational addition to - the neighborhood could be ,the expansion or establishment of new playground facilities. The Immaculate Conception Church at the corner of 10th Street and Laney-Walker is located adjacent to under- maintained houses along 10th Street. These houses could be bought and the property used as an expansion to the,.current playground for the following cost: Estimated Cost Augusta-Richmond County Private sector bank donations $75,000 $15,000 $60,000 . 7 . LANEY - WALKER Conceptual Plan Development Proposal continued.... Residential Rehabilitation Residential property within the project area consists of detached single-family units. These properties consist of a mixture of well-maintained structures, deteriorating units, abandoned units and vacant lots. Residential rehabilitation, residential in fill and homeownership financing options are available to improve the housing quality of the neighborhood. Within the project area, many residential properties are in need of repair. Area residents should be encouraged to rehabilitate the exterior and interior of their homes, thus improving the physical attractiveness of the neighborhood and safety of neighborhood residents. Once area homes are rehabilitated, new homebuyers will be attracted back into the neighborhood as well. . The Augusta-Richmond County Housing and Neighborhood Development Department offers a Housing Rehabilitation Program. Funding for housing rehabilitation is derived from the HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. This program provides financial assistance, such as Emergency Grants, Conditional Deferred Payment and Low Interest Loans. An eligible project involves the rehabilitation of substandard e~terior and interior residential property occupied by low to moderate income persons. The Augusta-Richmond County Housing and Neighborhood Development Department also offers the Paint Improvement Program. This program provides free paint to eligible homeowners or owners of rental property for improvements to the appearance and for the protection of the exterior of their homes. An example of Residential Rehabilitation for a single residence could be funded in the following manner: Estimated Cost (typical) Housing Rehabilitation Program" , Paint Improvement Program Home Owner Labor $15,000 $13,000 $ 400 $ 1,600 . 8 . . . LANEY - WALKER Conceptual Plan Development Proposal continued... Residential Infill Within the project area, several abandoned buildings and vacant lots exist. Particularly, in the southeast section of the project area, two vacant or underutilized residential properties exist. One is located at the corner of nth. Street and Spruce Street. This site contains a vacant concrete block structure. The other site is a vacant lot located at the corner of 10th. Street and Spruce Street. The construction of new housing units on these properties will enhance the neighborhood by attracting new homeowners to the neighborhood and by providing a positive example to area residents. New infill construction can enhance the quality of the neighborhood aesthetically by inspiring surrounding homeowners to rehabilitate their own homes. To attract new homeowners, the City could purchase and clear these properties. The City would then offer these lots to area builders interested in construction of affordable homes to prospective low to moderate income families. Financing options could then be used to assist.low to moderate income persons. Such options could help first time or subsequent homebuyers overcome barriers to homeownership. Barriers include inadequate knowledge. of financing availability, qualifying for a mortgage and, insufficient funds for a down payment or closing costs or poor credit. The Augusta-Richmond County Housing and Neighborhood Development Department in cooperation with local lending institutions offers the Homeownership Assistance Program. Funding for this program is derived from the HUD CDBG program. Assistance is available to eligible applicants purchasing a home within Augusta-Richmond County. Funding assistance is in the forin of a deferred payment loan, up to 5.0% of the required down payment, not to exc:eed $2,500.00. Eligible applicants must have satisfactory income, employment and credit history. Also, eligible applicants must 'meet certain federal income guideline and agree to participate in a pre-purchase counseling program. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs offers two loan programs to assist a prospective homebuyer achieve the goal of homeownership. Loans from each program are available through a network of participating DCA lenders located throughout the state. The first program is the Home Buyer Program which offers the first time home buyer a low interest loan which is easier to qualify for and 9 . LANEY - WALKER Conceptual Plan Development Prl!posal continued... which lowers monthly mortgage payments. The second program is the Own Home Program which is a delayed repayment, second mortgage loan up to $5,000.00 to pay for down payment and closing costs. DCA encourages borrowers to participate in a homebuyer education seminar before obtaining these loans. Many local lending institutions also offer affordable home loans to assist low to moderate individuals and families become homeowners. Nationsbank Mortgage Corporation offers two home loan programs. The Zero Down and Credit Flex programs require little or no down payment. These programs also feature flexible income guidelines. Borrowers are eligible if their incomes do not exceed 80% of an area's median income. Additionally, there are no income limits in low income census tracts. . Wachovia Bank offers the Affordable Home Loans program. This program offers 'two loans, the Community Home Buyer's Program or the Neighborhood Revitalization Program. Each loan can help an eligible borrower purchase a home without the usual high down payment or closing costs. Financing for the clearing of a dilapidated property and construction of a new home could be accomplished in the following manner: Estimated Cost Augusta-Richmond (Purchase & Clear Pro eft ) Bank Financing Assistance ro ram (for borrower e uit ) $80,000 $15,000 $ 60,000 $ 5,000 Residential to Commercial Conversion Within the project area, four residential homes line Laney Walker Boulevard between 10th. Street and 11th;, Street. These homes are well maintained and possibly historic. The sites on which these homes are located have over'the years served residential uses well. However, the location of these properties along a'busy thoroughfare and between Commercial uses gives rise to the question; has the charact~r of the neighborhood changed to such an extent that residential use of these properties is incompatible with surrounding Commercial and Publid Institutional land uses? If the answer to this question is yes, then the concept of Residential to CommerciaV Protessional conversion becomes a viable option. . 10 . , LANEY - WALKER, Conceptual Plan Dev.elopment Proposal continued... Property is said to take its character from the uses which surround it, and an analysis of the adjacent uses which include, Commercial, Publid Institutional and proposed Professional, indicate that the character of this use along Laney Walker Boulevard now approximates Commercial or Professional use. This is reflected in the fact that this section of Laney Walker Boulevard, which runs though the project area is zoned General Business (B-2). The City's zoning ordinance is a Cumulative zoning' ordinance that allows a multitude, of retail uses and ()rofessional uses in the B-2 zoning district thus, making these properties ripe for Residential to CommerciaV Professional conversion. Another consideration is the location of these "properties along the busy Laney Walker Boulevard. If Laney Walker Boulevard becomes an active Commercial node, traffic will become even heavier, eventually making these properties less desirable for Residential use. . The conversion of these properties from Residential to attractive Commercial and Professional buildings is a concept worth pursuing. Such conversion has taken place throughout many other areas of the City. This can be seen along busy thoroughfares such as Walton Way and Wrightsboro Road where the character of the area in which the conversion has occurred' has changed from Residential to Commercial or Professional use. Primary Health Care Center The site located on the northeast corner of 9th Street and Spruce, adjacent to the new Augusta-Richmond County Health Department is a prime location for a Primary Health Care Center. The ~enter would serve area residents by providing additional services to those provided by the Health Department. The center would not compete with, but enhance the services offered by the Health Department. The Primary Health Care Center could possibly be developed as a collaboration between the community, churches, area hospitals and other participants. The center would provide such services as a primary care center, Alcoholics Anonymous counseling, Alzheimer's support groups, diabetes support group and general mentaV physical health. workshops. . Estimated Cost Area Hospitals Churches & Community Groups $400,000 $200,000 $200,000 II . LANEY-WALKER Conceptual Plan 'Development Proposal continued... Neighborhood Community Center The Neighborhood Community Center could host public meetings, social events, continuing education and could be utilized as an intergenerational center such as the Shiloh Community Center. An intergenerational center addresses the needs of both senior citizens and children alike. The interaction of adult and youth is beneficial to all. The Commun!ty Center could offer various adult, youth and after school educational programs. The facility could also offer many preschool, youth, adult as well as senior adult activities. Additionally, the Community Center, in conjunction with the Health Care Center, could provide wellness programs such as a variety of aerobic and fitness classes. . A community garden could also be established on this site. The Augusta- Richmond County Housing and Neighborhood Development Department has established a Neighborhood Matching Grants fund to provide funding of $5,000.00 to $15,000.00 to established neighborhood associations to implement projects such as a community garden that will make the neighborhood a better place to live. The Laney Walker neighborhood is eligible and to participate the neighborhood association must submit requisite documentation as established by the program. The neighborhood association must then match the funds requested. Financing for this project could require Augusta-Richmond County to purchase the land, build a building and then lease part of the space to a private day-care provider. The rema,inde,r of the space would be available for day and evening community events. Landscaping of grounds would be left to community gardeners: Estimated Cost Augusta-Richmond County Day-Care Provider lease Community Labor (gardens) $125,000 $100,000 $ 20,000 $ 5,000 . 12 . LANEY - WALKER Conceptual Plan Development Proposal continued... Picnic Park Another opportunity for increasing the quality of the neighborhood is to provide recreation or outdoor areas." A park could be developed on a small lot between Cecelia Bennett Lane and 9th Street, along Laney-Walker Boulevard. This lot is between two fast food ,restaurants and is not large enough for commercial development. The proximity of a recording studio in a new professional office building might lend a musical theme to the park. The park could be financed as follows: $34,969 $15,984.50 $15,984.50 '$ 3,000 . . 13 . Budget for Picnic Park Irrigation $1800 Trees 2 Yoshino Cherry @$100 ea. $200 4 Crepe Myrtle @ $45 ea. $180 1 Weeping Mulberry @ $50 ea. $50 Shrubs 6 Spirea Van Houtteii @ $8 ea. $48 10 Azalia Indica Formosa @ $7 ea. $70 14 New Gold Lantana ,@ $4 ea. $56 60 Daylily @ $3 ea. $180 70 Boxwood @ $3 ea. $210 8 Firepower Naildina $40 20 Tall Mondo Grass @ 3ea. $60 Sod 2 pallets @ $100 ea. $200 Mulch 5 @ $50 ea. $250 . Soil (includes amendments) $450 Sculptures (Hand Prints) $9000 Signage $1600 Picnic Tables 4 @ $500 ea. $2000 Bricks 7500 @ $.12 ea. (includes installation) $15,575 Labor $3000 Total $34.969 Financing: Labor (donated by Trees & Landscape Dept.) $3000 Augusta-Richmond County $15,984.50 Brick Sponsorship Program (450 @ $35 ea.) $15,984.50 . Total $34.969 14 . ~J 1: 1 ~I } ) J ~ ,~ ~ ! o I o 1 I ~' 41 ) [ J 4 ~ JI {I ~ ,~ ~ t ~ i J o -J j 1 1 t j ) ~ ~ i ! ~ J ~,' If j ~ ~ 1 -<I - 11 j J ~ (l 11 1 j J\ ~ J ) 1 4 11 ~ S\ 1. .' ~ '~ J, l J ~ 1 ~ . -() l1" \II ~ ~ Jl j !II o I 1 't : J. \ -. j -=----4 ( 1 t ~ . J 4 J o 1 -ll Q r ~ ~ ~ ~ /l ~ ) <l 1 H 6 1 ~ 4 1 J II 1. ; c~ :. " ..~. . :..: ~ Ii ~~ tl ' rl-' r ~ ~ J ~1 0$' ~~ " ~ ~ J 1 ~ II ~ ~ d~ 1 Q ~~ t 4 (i. ( 1 \ .-. , { "'j C1.<=:><;; :.;I_? .,/':,"~). _ ~ ~ ~ ~ d ~~ d 3 :1 ~ Q f \ { ! : , , i~w, ! i I o i o I z I o ~. c r~! J <f I j 1iI I f~ ; t ~ i 1 .,.,.__.'lo I , ! I I i l '1 I -..,,-,J r \ I 1 ~ ..,"U~ .~ - 0- o ~ I , J: ~j ) o 1 'J{ ,r . 1 itif Ii) . ~iH pi .Hi ;116 I !~ ii',IJ ~il Illi! 1~lll J'!sJll HUl iJjH IUs fl JSH_ ~fil~ e. . : J i Un I~tj 111~ Pf Hsi i,gl !llt !lui 1M iJ If:; iii, ~Bll !h) f{$rl a 'Ii lIl11 01 l~~.qS ~l.I.re:J . -lIS/ , I I ____ \ LI / 1 1 ...... ~J 'II !---< \. I i' - - , '2llI" ~ f"'-- , .---~~~---- >. .... 1:1 ::S... 01:1 UQ) ~8 .L 1:It: ---- 010 ~ ~~ - (,)A - ~:9 - ~a; - Q)Q) i\ Z:Z: - - ~ Tl I r- I h ;/ .~ " \ / io"'1.... ::.>i":' ~>;~~'" V ,', " (' V to- L..... ./ L.- 1.-1..... ,..-- l ~rt ~ '~ h I 1 - I JIll II I \ . Ill! ill]] \ I "I" _I " " '. .i!K '1<' , f~~I, . ' jmg , ::-: ' , , ~ Jl1 I-- \ J.: ~ ~ M.s ~" rill ',-;i,' ihp I f~' 11111 I 1 \ \ .. !w1 I ,! ..I I >. Q) f:l cO ~ "0 ~ cO :> Q) f'""1 ::3 o r::o ~ Q) ~ f'""1 cO ~ . 1"'"""""4 cO ~ -+-J ~ Q) CJ 0) ~ ~ o s.. U .s 1:1 Q) u ~ ~ Q) ~ ~ e .--t ~ ro 'i ~ ~ I <<i ~ .~ (]) ~ ~ ~, cO ~ ~ ~ 1:1 1:1 ... 00" = :::3 'fi) ,2 as 10 ,.. 1ii 'C ~ ~ > Q) 1:1 1:1 0 - Q) 0 = a; ~ U ~ CJ _ _ fn 10 IO~ 10 tlIl .... .... II) 1:1 (,) (,) ...,. ~ 0 ,.. ,.. 1;; '<b Q) Q) Q) 3~fn m m~ ";:l 0 0 Q) .t:I U U ~ 00000 ~ ro 1"'"""""4 ~ . *Sources: . . (1) DCA Home Buyer/ OwnHome program (2) Augusta-Richmond County Housing and Neighborhood Development Department Homeownership Assistance Program guidelines/ H~using Rehabilitation Program guidelines (3) Nationsbank Mortgage Corp. Ref. Guide To Affordable Lending Programs (4) The Wachovia Bank Affordable Home Loans program (5) The Laney Walker Neighborhood Plan (6) Augusta-Richmond County Housing and Neighborhood Development Department Neighborhood Matching Grants Program (7) Georgia Power Community Development (8) Augusta-Richmond County Housing and Neighborhood Development Department Economic Development Loan Fund (9) Augusta~Richmond County Housing and Neighborhood Development Department Historic Preservation Tax Incentives (10) Augusta-Richmond County Housing and Neighborhood , Development Department Faf;ade Rehabilitation Program ' 17 . . . LANEY-WALKER Conceptual Plan Conclusion The new Augusta-Richmond County Health Department will be a very positive addition to the Laney-Walker neighborhood. This major investment will create interest in the area and encourage development and redevelopment of the project area and the neighborhood. The addition of employees and visitors to the Health Center will make more commercial investment options viable. These investments, in turn, will help current businesses realize their full potential and create a busier atmosphere along L~ney-Walker. Additional commercial options and increased activity will make the area more attractive and usable, therefore increasing the quality of life to be found in the Laney-Walker neighborhood. Beyond increased commercial investment, new investment in housing renovation and infill should follow. This plan outlines funding options which current and prospective home owners could use to explore housing options in the neighborhood. A more extensive study is currently being performed by Tulane University from New Orleans. This study should also address urban design issues such as a new streetscape and landscaping. Improved residential and neighborhood conditions should also improve the quality of the neighborhood and the quality of life for local residents. Improved neighborhood quality is important for many reasons. The increase in commercial and business investment in the area will bring more people in the area, many from different neighborhoods. A variety of people and options could combine to increase the provision of transit along Laney-Walker. ,A busy cOI!1mercial center could further housing investment and create an exciting place with a greater range of income levels and neighborhood assets, making this portion of downtown a more viable place for anyone to live and work. However, a more important reason for improving the quality of life in the neighborhood can be found. Many of the resi~ents are unable to move to a more expensive or simply different neighborhood of their choice. Therefore, the neighborhood must change to meet their needs. Older persons on fixed incomes and persons at the poverty level live in this neighborhood 'and cannot afford to ~move, they should be able to expect their neighborhood to improve, not worsen. Also, families and other valuable assets to the neighborhood should not feel the need to move. The addition of the new County Health Department is an important step in helping these residents. Hopefully, investment encouraged by this plan will also make positive additions to the Laney-Walker neighborhood. 18