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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 02-16-1993 - VIII-A d.. 1 O R A N G E C O U N T Y BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: February 16, 1993 Action Agenda Item # V�-A SUBJECT: Midway Development Commission DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC HEARING: Yes x No Economic Development Commission ATTACHMENT (S) : INFORMATION CONTACT: Request/Proposal Ted Abernathy - 732-8181 X2325 TELEPHONE NUMBERS : Hillsborough - 732-8181 Durham - 688-7331 Mebane - 227-2031 Chapel Hill - 967-9251/968-4501 PURPOSE: To respond to a request for funding from the Midway Development Commission BACKGROUND: In November, the Midway Development Commission submitted a request to each of the local governments for funding of an economic revitalization project for the Midway area. The proposal asked for $5, 000 from Orange County as part of a $29, 000 budget. The objectives were to establish a strategic plan for the area and to establish public private partnerships to carry out the plan. The first project of the Commission is described as a three story building with a grocery store, offices, and low-cost housing. The Economic Development Commission has been working with Town of Chapel Hill staff to coordinate responses. In January, Chapel Hill agreed to provide $6,000 of the $9, 000 request to begin the process in the form of a performance contract. RECOMMENDATION: The Manager recommends that the EDC negotiate a performance contract for $2,500 to assist with the initial implementation of this project, with funding to come from Contingency; further that the EDC and the Small Business and Technology Development Commission assist to complete the project. , October 29 , 1992 Honorable Moses Carey , Chair Orange County Board of Commissioners Mr . John Link , Manager Orange County Government Dear Mr . Car?y , Board Members and Mr . Link : Submitted herewith for your review and consideration for funding is the Midway Development Commission 's (MDC ) proposal . Funds are requested to employ an Economic Development Specialist . This person will assume oversight and coordinating functions of the MDC . We hope that our proposal will be given favorable consideration . Thank you for your immediate attention to this pressing need . We would be glad to answer any questions you may have . Sincerely , James R . Brittian , Coordinator Midway Development Commission c7,9, 44111kf Larrd Jon , President Ministerial Interdenominational Alliance JRB/LJ: ea • 3 Project Title: "Midway Economic Revitalization and Development Project" Project Sponsor: Orange-Chatham Community Development Corp. Contact Person: James R. Brittian Address: Post Office Box 27 Pittsboro, N.C. 27312 Telephone: [919] 542-4781 Service/Target Area: Southern Orange County Total Project Budget: $ 29,000 Amount Requested from Orange County: $5,000 I. Midway Development Commission' s Vision Statement October 12, 1992 A community that is self-sufficient, where residents are involved and active in decisions affecting the quality of neighborhood life; a community where those who want work can find meaningful employment; a community free of crime; a community where the youngest and oldest residents live in an environment of support, hope and opportunity for positive development. Brief Project Summary: The proposed project represents a multi-faceted, long-term Economic Revitalization and Development Plan for the Midway Area. This historical area, located on the corporate limit boundaries of Chapel Hill and Carrboro, thrived until the 1970s as the hub of social, cultural and economic activities for the African-American residents. The area housed such African-American owned businesses as The Hollywood Theater, M & M Grill , Hollywood Cab Company, Preston Weaver's Shoe Shop, and the Mason Hotel [the only accommodation for African-American visitors to the University] . - The advent of desegregation and decentralization of the Central Business Districts,, among other factors, robbed the community of its economic growth, cultural pride, and social vitality. To this end, the proposed project in its entirety is to revitalize - the Midway Area; to revitalize and develop the area's minority economic growth; and to empower the community to reclaim and to proclaim a significant part of its lost heritage. Economic and revitalization initiatives began with the 1991 establishment of the Midway Development Commission which consists of ten [10] community leaders and businessmen. The MDC has entered into an agreement with the Orange Chatham Community Development Corporation [OCCDC] that will provide technical assistance. While the OCCDC has the technical expertise, it lacks the staffing to provide. the needed hands-on technical assistance. Thus, Orange County funds are requested to employ a full-time Project Director who would work with the MDC and the OCCDC and be responsible for strategic planning activities ; assessing needs; establishing public private partnerships ; and planning project initiatives. 5 II. PROPOSED PROGRAM PLAN A. Project Description: The proposed project will focus only on strategic planning activities designed to allow the CDC to develop long-term plans; staff support - a project director, to implement the planning activities and to focus on assessing needs in the Midway Area; and planning for project initiatives. In essence, the MDC knows what the community wants; but, doesn't know how to go about achieving its goal. The project director will be provided technical assistance by the Orange Chatham Development Corporation and will work in a technical , consultant and training capacity with the Midway Development Commission. In addition, the director will be responsible for conducting community meeting; establishing public private partnerships; writing grants; and will liaison with public and private officials. B. Goals and Objectives: The goals and objectives are twofold: 1] to establish a definitive strategic plan of action for the project; and 2 ] to build the capacity of the MDC and the community to carryout the strategic planning activities. Subordinate goals includes the . establishment of public private partnerships [bankers, realtors, businessmen, historians, etc. ] ; establishment of community coalitions; gaining community support, encouragement and empowerment to bring the goals and objectives to fruition. C. Project Impact: The project will have an invaluable impact on the historical and cultural heritage of African-Americans. As previously stated, this area was the "hub" of the cultural heritage and economic activities for the African-American community. A sense of cultural pride and heritage will significantly benefit all community residents; it will serve to enhance community race relations; foster community pride, growth and development; and promote community cohesiveness. D. Target Area: The Midway Area is a blighted commercial area that is located on the corporate lines of Carrboro and Chapel Hill. 6 E. Time Line: Six Months F. Community-Based Involvement: The proposed project was borne of community leaders who share a common interest in revitalizing the area. These ten [10] leaders came together and established the Midway Development . Commission in 1991. A series of meetings are planned to inform the community and to obtain input. G. Other Resources: Grant applications have been submitted to the Town of Chapel Hill and to the North Carolina Rural Economic Development CEnter, Inc. • • • ,Ic'/6/93 NORTH CAROLINA PERFORMANCE AGREEMENT ORANGE COUNTY This Agreement, made and entered into this fi day of MA-4.64 , 1943 by and between Orange County, North Carolina, a body politic and corporate, Post Office Box 8181, Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278, hereinafter referred to as "County" ; and Midway Development Commission, Inc . , hereinafter referred to as "Commission. " WITNESSETH: WHEREAS, Commission and County desire to plan for the economic enhancement and revitalization of the "Midway" area; and WHEREAS, Commission and County desire to enter into an agreement for performance of certain services; NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above and the mutual covenants and conditions hereinafter set forth, County and Commission agree as follows: 1. County Support. For performance of the tasks described in the Work Statement, Attachment A to this Agreement (hereafter "the Work Statement" ) , County agrees to pay Commission the sum of Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($2 ,500) . County does not by this Agreement or otherwise obligate itself to provide any other support to Commission this fiscal year or in any succeeding fiscal year. 2 . Services by Commission. Commission agrees to provide the services described in the Work Statement. a /"3 3 . Payments for Services . Within seven (7) calendar days of the execution of this Agreement by County and Commission, County will pay Commission the County support described in paragraph number 1 of this Agreement. 4 . Financial Records . Commission agrees to allow County to inspect its financial books and records upon reasonable notice during normal working hours for the purpose of determining that County support is dedicated and used by Commission for accomplishing the Work Statement services . 5 . Termination for Cause. In the event that Commission shall cease to exist as an organization or shall enter bankruptcy proceedings, or be declared insolvent, or liquidate all or substantially all of its assets, or shall substantially fail to timely perform services in accord with this Agreement, or in the event that Commission shall fail to render a satisfactory accounting as provided herein, then and in that event County may terminate this Agreement and Commission shall refund to County a prorata portion of the money paid to Commission by County for those services which have not been performed or for which no satisfactory accounting has been rendered. 6 . Hold County Harmless . Commission hereby agrees to hold County harmless against any claims or actions from damages, injury, or death relating to or arising out of Commission's use of County funds or due to acts or omissions of Commission's officers, employees, contractors or agents . 7 . Non-Discrimination. In matters of employment, provision of services and contracting, Commission agrees to act without Yin -A regard to race, color, sex, religion, creed, age, national origin, affectional preference or handicapped status . 8 . Amendments . This Agreement may be amended by mutual agreement of the parties. 9 . Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement of the parties hereto and shall be amended only by written modification executed by both parties. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, County and Commission have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above. ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA MIDWAY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION, INC. 44/ ' Co/` y Mana•er President AO1,„,„,-_,( Clerk to the Board of Atte t County Commissioners Approved as to form 4 , ' Ff and authorization O / A* `44 „, County Attorney This instrument has been preaudit-: in accord with the Local Governme t Fiscal Control Act. Finance Director 4 f Attachment A to that certain Performance Agreement dated , 19 between Orange County, North Carolina and Midway Development Commission, Inc . : WORK STATEMENT For the services to be performed by Midway Development Commission, Inc . , hereinafter referred to as "Commission" : Commission shall: 1. Create a process which insures community involvement in the development planning process and which includes participation in that process of local businesses, residents, civic organizations, churches, lenders, local governments and others interested in strengthening the Midway area. 2 . Identify specific boundaries for the area currently identified as Midway. 3 . Conduct research as is necessary to document the economic, demographics and physical conditions of the Midway area, as well as the needs of the area. 4 . Complete the services to be provided under this Agreement within five months from execution of this Agreement and thereafter, scheduled by the staff of the Orange County Economic Development Commission, present a final report on the services performed by Commission to the Board of Commissioners of Orange County.