R2000-67 AUTHORIZING CONTRACT OR CONTRACTS

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2. Land assembly is substantially more difficult and time consuming for multiple parcels and involving several owners — one unobtainable or overpriced parcel can threaten the entire project. The hard costs of redevelopment, in some cases, exceed the cost of building in ar- eas outside of or at the periphery of the inner city. 3. The market for developed land is influenced by its immediate neighbors and even the broader, surrounding areas. This real estate consideration gives rise to the industry maxim of "/ocation, locadon, locatfon." Hence, neighborhood considerations breed positives or negatives;thus,success breeds success and distr+ess breeds distress. It is obvious that, Decatur's city government, in order to overcome these and other impediments and challenges, has had to promote redevelopment actively, either through public development or through public assistance of private redevelopment— private enterprise has been the prime developer,with the exception of public infrastructure and buiidings. Land assembly has become more efficient through �e city's use of eminent domain and city-sponsored clearance (i.e., the "Spot Demolition Program,"etc.). Further, private development has been made more competi- tive by way of write-downs and other subsidies. Finally, city govemment is promoting redevel- opment through the "user-friendly" permitting processes and streamlining of regulations (i.e., the recent overhaul of the community developmeM department, etc.). There's a need for a new development period in Decatur. Foilowing the safe and accepted script for redevelopment, we have opted for what is prudent, what is expected of us, given the horrid market position and debilitative physical condition of our city's inner city. What we need is to stop chasing religiously redevelopment projects, with which we can demonstrate [merely] a maximized return to private investors, and take a real har9d look at other types of development entities, ones that seek to redevelop neighborhoods and pre- serve existing housing stocks simultaneousty. Here, we can realize the desires and accomplish the aspirations we have for our inner city: the renovation and new construction of housing stocks, ones which can be affordable for low-income home seekers and improve upon neighborhood decline for future private investrnent (community development banking is an essential component to drawing dollars to the inner city redevelopment campaign). Key sources of support include: (1) Low Income Housing Tax Credit, (2) Community Develop- ment Block Grant Program, (3) the HOME Program, (4) the Enterprise Foundation, (5) the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, (6) our state's housing finance agency bond proceeds and ex- cess reserve funds,and (7)community reinvestment programs. POOR PEOPLE INITIATIVES PRECEEDING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The following initiatives/plans of action must be launched immediately in behalf of the poor: 1. Housina: Rehabilitate and build new housing stocks. Develop special needs housing for young women with children and those recovering from bouts with substance abuse or transitions and mobility associated with varying welfare-to�nrork plateaus. 2. Education: Establish local education center, tapping the capacities of universities and na- tional education resources to implement instniction practices and management support. 3. Health Care: Form provider nonprofit corporation to administer health compact, including school-based clinic, adult primary care centers, and substance abuse treatment and vio- lence prevention programs. 4. Human Services: Coordinate local efforts for the establishment of a specific center, offer- ing adult education, teen parenting training, on-site child care, employment programs, and targeted services to seniors. 5. Commercial/Retail Development: Build major shopping centers, clothing and other retail shops, and locate companion goods and services in poor neighborhoods. 4