| History of the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority |
 |
|
The Lakeland Downtown Development Authority (LDDA) was created by an Act of the State Legislature in 1977 and was amended in 1978. The City Commission adopted Ordinance #2046 on September 19, 1977 establishing the boundaries of the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority Area.
The functions of the board are: 1) Act as a catalyst to see that government services are properly planned for within the downtown area and are provided in a proper and full manner within that area. 2) Assist the city in preparing and maintaining on a current basis an analysis of the economic conditions and changes occurring in the downtown area, including the effect thereon of such factors as metropolitan growth, traffic congestion, parking and other access facilities, and structural obsolescence and deterioration. 3) Assist in formulating and maintaining on a current basis both short-range and long-range plans for improving the attractiveness and accessibility to the public of downtown facilities, promoting efficient use thereof, remedying the deterioration of downtown property values, and developing the downtown area in genera. 4) Recommend to the city, for its consideration and approval, the actions deemed most suitable for implementing any downtown development plans, including removal , razing, repair, renovation, reconstruction, addition of new structures and facilities, relocation of those existing, and changes in facilities for getting thereto and therefrom. 5) Participate actively in the implementation and execution of downtown development plans, including establishment, acquisition, construction, ownership, financing, leasing, licensing, operation, and management of publicly owned or leased facilities deemed feasible and beneficial in effecting implementation for public purposes. 6) Carry on such additional lawful projects and undertakings related to the downtown area as the City Commission may assign to the board with its consent.
Property owners within the area voted in referendum in 1978 to make the area a Special Downtown Development Authority Tax District providing ad valorem taxing authority of up to 2 mills. The Authority was then designated by the Lakeland City Commission as the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) on November 19, 1979 (Ordinance 2155) and the boundaries of the LDDA were shared by the CRA.
In 1980 the Agency hired its first full time professional executive director and The City Commission adopted the Downtown Redevelopment Plan, “Downtown Lakeland: Framework For Action.” An area-wide DRI/ADA was completed in 1981 and the LDDA boundaries were expanded. The LDDA/CRA negotiated agreement with the Goodman Company for development of a major retail project which was given top priority for immediate action in the development plan. In 1983, the LDDA boundaries were once again expanded and the City Commission authorized the use of CDBG funds. The Agency arranged for participation by area banks in a $4.8 million bond issue to acquire the two-block site for a retail project. The Agency acquired most of the two block site and began on-going management of 165,000 sq. ft. of commercial rental space and 100 parking spaces. The agreement with the Goodman Company was terminated and Cadillac Fairview Shopping Centers (US) LTD was selected as the new developer in late 1984. In late 1987, the regional shopping center project was abandoned and the executive director was replaced.
In 1990 the Downtown Lakeland Strategic Development Initiative was developed and approved. In January 1995, the LDDA boundaries were expanded and the rights-of-way and utility easements were approved to move forward with the closing of New York Avenue in preparation for The Ledger to begin its new building project. In 1998, with a finding of blight for the CRA boundaries, the LDDA/CRA boundaries were once again expanded. Public improvements have been put in place to stimulate private sector investment. Since 1994, over 400,000 square feet has been absorbed, and two hotels opened in early 1999. The two-block site is now occupied by SunTrust with a parking garage and Heritage Plaza, Phase I. Public improvements continue. A tax increment financing formula was put in place in January 2000, to assist small businesses in the downtown LDDA boundaries with projects that meet the required criteria. With strategic public improvements put in place to stimulate private sector investment, private development activity within Downtown Lakeland is moving along at a rapid pace and little vacancy remains.
|
|
