Kannapolis Matters - May 2016

Yum! The Kannapolis farmers market is open!

The Kannapolis Farmers Market is set to open for another great season beginning May 5. Held on Thursdays from 4-7 pm at the corner of Vance Avenue and Dale Earnhardt Boulevard, the market continues through September. Returning vendors offer a wide variety of fresh, local produce, as well as cheese, ice cream, honey, baked goods, spices, jewelry and crafts. New vendors this year include Rocking Bee Farms and Honeysuckle Hill Bee Farm, providing honey, soaps, lotions, candy, candles and bee pollen. For customers’ convenience, the market accepts credit cards, WIC and SNAP/EBT. In addition, loyalty cards are available to earn credits to use at any of the vendors. Free tote bags will be given to the first 200 customers who fill up their loyalty cards!

Putt-Putt Fun at Bakers Creek Park The putt-putt course at Bakers Creek Park provides an affordable, local and fun venue for family entertainment. The course is open seasonally, April through September, on Saturdays from 11 am-6:30 pm and Sundays from 2-6:30 pm.

Come try your hand at mini-golf for just $1 per person – it’s fun for the whole family. Other free amenities at Bakers Creek Park include a scenic greenway, large playground for kids of all ages,

Calendar of Events

MAY 2016

MAY 3 Run Kannapolis: Jiggy with the

Piggy 5k, 6:30 pm, downtown

Kannapolis 5

Thursdays on Main: Lunch, 11:30 am-1 pm, Veterans Park, featuring Hipshack

6-7 Jiggy with the Piggy,

8 pm Friday; 9 am Saturday,

downtown Kannapolis

12 Thursdays on Main: Lunch,

11:30 am-1 pm, Veterans Park,

featuring Connor Christian

Proposed Demonstration Project Snapshot

12 Thursdays on Main: Evening,

6-9 pm, Veterans Park, featuring

Gary Lowder & Smoking Hot

• Number of Buildings: Two – multi-story (4 to 6 levels)

14 Run Kannapolis: Rhythm &

Run 5k, downtown Kannapolis 19

Thursdays on Main: Lunch, 11:30 am-1 pm, Veterans Park, featuring Naked Blue and Jason Harrod

21 Kaleidoscope, 12-5 pm,

downtown Kannapolis 21 Stories Under the Stars

with John Fowler, 7 pm,

Kannapolis Library

• Building Use: Residential, retail, restaurants • Ownership: City will sell land to developer; project will be privately owned • City Investment: Parking deck construction – $4-6 million potentially

26 Thursdays on Main: Lunch,

11:30 am-1 pm, Veterans Park,

featuring Bread & Butter

• Total Build-out Value of Project: $33 million

27 Movies in the Park: Minions (PG),

8:45 pm, Village Park

• Projected Annual Property Taxes for City: $208,000

JUNE 2 Thursdays on Main: Lunch,

11:30 am-1 pm, Veterans Park,

featuring Chris Marks Band

swing sets, half basketball court, picnic sites, horseshoe pits, nature trails and even a softball field available for rental or pick-up games.

Follow the City on Facebook (facebook.com/cityofkannapolis) and Twitter (twitter.com#Kannapolis) for regular updates and more ideas for fun.

The City of Kannapolis 401 Laureate Way | Kannapolis, NC 28081 704.920.4300 | www.kannapolisnc.gov

9

Thursdays on Main: Lunch, 11:30 am-1 pm, Veterans Park, featuring Stella Rising

9

Thursdays on Main: Evening, 6-9 pm, Veterans Park, featuring Midnight Allie

For a complete schedule, visit kannapolisnc.gov.

he Kannapolis City Council has approved the first major Downtown Revitalization project.

The Demonstration Project is the first step in the master development plan. It will be located at the 200 block of West Avenue. The two-building complex will include apartments, a parking deck, retail and restaurant space.

In September 2015 the City purchased 50 acres of land and buildings in the downtown core. A master development plan has been underway since that time with the city completing a market analysis, a site analysis and a financial analysis. The master development plan is expected to be completed in June 2016.

The marketing and site analysis demonstrated that residential units are sought after and needed to generate a core of people who will then drive more retail and dining growth in downtown. Research clearly demonstrates that people are the driving force needed to create economic development in downtown, according to DFI (Development Financial Initiative), who has outlined the feasibility data for the project.

4 Concert in the Park, 7-10 pm,

Village Park, featuring national

country artist Lonestar, fireworks

Bakers Creek Park is located at 1275 West A Street.

T

City Approves First Major Downtown Project

Preliminary renderings of Demonstration Project Buildings

The demonstration project would include a range of residential units: studio, onebedroom and two-bedroom apartments. continued on page 2

continued from page 1

DFI presented data showing the project could potentially support about 200 residential units. The square footage and rental rates would be comparable and competitive with others in the region.

Developers will be sought to purchase the land and to construct the buildings.

The City’s investment would be construction of the parking deck. The preliminary financial projections show that, once completed, the City would generate $208,000 annually in property taxes. Construction could be underway in spring 2017 and a developer secured later this year.

“Our research has shown this project will be a key igniter for our downtown revitalization. People who are living in a downtown drive the economy by expecting to have shops, restaurants and entertainment options within walking distance,” Kannapolis City Manager Mike Legg comments. “We have already had numerous inquiries – developers and businesses excited about the opportunity to be a part of our city’s future.”

Council directed staff and DFI to proceed with preparing a request for proposal (RFP) document to seek a developer for the project. The open solicitation of developers using the RFP will be done over the next three to four months, which is a typical timeline for this type of project.

DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION STRATEGIC PLAN The strategic planning process for the revitalization of downtown has six key components, many of which are completed or nearing completion as scheduled this summer: 1. Establishing goals for the Revitalization of Downtown: - COMPLETED 2. Market Analysis: Identifying types of uses for the downtown properties; amount of retail, residential, office space that new markets can support; what properties should be redeveloped first; study other cities that have revitalized their downtowns; analyze “game changers.” - COMPLETED 3. Site Analysis: Condition of

infrastructure, parking needs, traffic height/size of buildings desired - COMPLETED 4. Public Processs: The public will have the opportunity to weigh in on the results of the market and site analysis, and offer their thoughts on the revitalization effort. - SUMMER 2016 5. Financial Analysis: What investment will developers/private partners bring to the table to participate in the new downtown; what uses will bring the most value and sustainability to the city overall, and to the downtown core; and define the financial role of the City and other public and quasi-public entities.

- COMPLETION EXPECTED JUNE 2016 6. Demonstration Project: Identify a project that could be done first to maximize the excitement of revitalizing downtown and quick-start other development projects. - UNDERWAY Once these planning pieces are completed, work will begin on implementing the master development plan.

Electronics and Trash Reminder It’s that time of year when we are spring cleaning and doing home renovation projects.

Please remember that the City cannot collect electronics, construction or remodeling debris for trash pickup or recycling from your home.

Electronics such as televisions, computers and microwaves must be dropped off at the electronics recycling center located at the Public Works Department at 1401 Bethpage Road. You can drop off items Monday through Friday from 8 am to 3 pm.

Construction and demolition debris and large amounts of yard waste must be taken to the County Landfill located at 4441 Irish Potato Road in Concord. The landfill is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, and Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm.

Board and Commission Members Sought Do you have an interest in serving on a City Advisory Board or Commission? The City of Kannapolis is seeking members at least 18 years of age to serve on the Board of Adjustment, the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Community Development Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission and the Downtown Kannapolis Inc. Commission.

In order to serve you must complete an application and be appointed to the board or commission by the Kannapolis City Council. Most of these boards and commissions participate in the City’s policy decisions by making recommendations to the City Council.

You can make a difference by sharing your time and talents and becoming an integral part of our community’s success.

Board terms are staggered three-year terms and generally end June 30 of each year; however, applications are accepted on a continual basis and kept on file for consideration in the event a vacancy occurs.

Look Out, Here Comes Summer!

The summer officially kicks off in Kannapolis with the opening of the Splash Pad at Village Park. The splash pad will be open Memorial Day weekend, from 10 am-7 pm on Saturday and from 12 noon-6 pm on Sunday and Monday. The train is also running Memorial Day weekend during the same hours.

Both the splash pad and train will be open daily for the season from June 4 through August 26. Summer hours will be Monday through Saturday, 10 am-7 pm and Sundays 12 noon-6 pm.

A train ticket or admission to the splash pad is a $1.50 per person.

There are 12-count punch cards ($15 each) available for purchase at the concession stands. A group rate of $1.25 per ticket is also available when purchasing 10 or more tickets at one time.

I-85 Widening Project Update

Meetings are typically held one evening a month, but each commission varies.

Those interested in applying can fill out an application (www.kannapolisncgov).

For more information, contact the City Clerk at bbell@kannapolisnc.gov or 704-920-4303.

I-85 at the Lane Street interchange in Kannapolis

Work is progressing well on the I-85 Widening Project. NCDOT is adding lanes along I-85 from NC 73 (Exit 55) to Lane Street (Exit 63) in Cabarrus County. When completed, this portion of the interstate will be eight lanes wide and improvements will also be completed at each exit.

NCDOT expects to be finished with the project in the Fall of 2017.

continued from page 1

DFI presented data showing the project could potentially support about 200 residential units. The square footage and rental rates would be comparable and competitive with others in the region.

Developers will be sought to purchase the land and to construct the buildings.

The City’s investment would be construction of the parking deck. The preliminary financial projections show that, once completed, the City would generate $208,000 annually in property taxes. Construction could be underway in spring 2017 and a developer secured later this year.

“Our research has shown this project will be a key igniter for our downtown revitalization. People who are living in a downtown drive the economy by expecting to have shops, restaurants and entertainment options within walking distance,” Kannapolis City Manager Mike Legg comments. “We have already had numerous inquiries – developers and businesses excited about the opportunity to be a part of our city’s future.”

Council directed staff and DFI to proceed with preparing a request for proposal (RFP) document to seek a developer for the project. The open solicitation of developers using the RFP will be done over the next three to four months, which is a typical timeline for this type of project.

DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION STRATEGIC PLAN The strategic planning process for the revitalization of downtown has six key components, many of which are completed or nearing completion as scheduled this summer: 1. Establishing goals for the Revitalization of Downtown: - COMPLETED 2. Market Analysis: Identifying types of uses for the downtown properties; amount of retail, residential, office space that new markets can support; what properties should be redeveloped first; study other cities that have revitalized their downtowns; analyze “game changers.” - COMPLETED 3. Site Analysis: Condition of

infrastructure, parking needs, traffic height/size of buildings desired - COMPLETED 4. Public Processs: The public will have the opportunity to weigh in on the results of the market and site analysis, and offer their thoughts on the revitalization effort. - SUMMER 2016 5. Financial Analysis: What investment will developers/private partners bring to the table to participate in the new downtown; what uses will bring the most value and sustainability to the city overall, and to the downtown core; and define the financial role of the City and other public and quasi-public entities.

- COMPLETION EXPECTED JUNE 2016 6. Demonstration Project: Identify a project that could be done first to maximize the excitement of revitalizing downtown and quick-start other development projects. - UNDERWAY Once these planning pieces are completed, work will begin on implementing the master development plan.

Electronics and Trash Reminder It’s that time of year when we are spring cleaning and doing home renovation projects.

Please remember that the City cannot collect electronics, construction or remodeling debris for trash pickup or recycling from your home.

Electronics such as televisions, computers and microwaves must be dropped off at the electronics recycling center located at the Public Works Department at 1401 Bethpage Road. You can drop off items Monday through Friday from 8 am to 3 pm.

Construction and demolition debris and large amounts of yard waste must be taken to the County Landfill located at 4441 Irish Potato Road in Concord. The landfill is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, and Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm.

Board and Commission Members Sought Do you have an interest in serving on a City Advisory Board or Commission? The City of Kannapolis is seeking members at least 18 years of age to serve on the Board of Adjustment, the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Community Development Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission and the Downtown Kannapolis Inc. Commission.

In order to serve you must complete an application and be appointed to the board or commission by the Kannapolis City Council. Most of these boards and commissions participate in the City’s policy decisions by making recommendations to the City Council.

You can make a difference by sharing your time and talents and becoming an integral part of our community’s success.

Board terms are staggered three-year terms and generally end June 30 of each year; however, applications are accepted on a continual basis and kept on file for consideration in the event a vacancy occurs.

Look Out, Here Comes Summer!

The summer officially kicks off in Kannapolis with the opening of the Splash Pad at Village Park. The splash pad will be open Memorial Day weekend, from 10 am-7 pm on Saturday and from 12 noon-6 pm on Sunday and Monday. The train is also running Memorial Day weekend during the same hours.

Both the splash pad and train will be open daily for the season from June 4 through August 26. Summer hours will be Monday through Saturday, 10 am-7 pm and Sundays 12 noon-6 pm.

A train ticket or admission to the splash pad is a $1.50 per person.

There are 12-count punch cards ($15 each) available for purchase at the concession stands. A group rate of $1.25 per ticket is also available when purchasing 10 or more tickets at one time.

I-85 Widening Project Update

Meetings are typically held one evening a month, but each commission varies.

Those interested in applying can fill out an application (www.kannapolisncgov).

For more information, contact the City Clerk at bbell@kannapolisnc.gov or 704-920-4303.

I-85 at the Lane Street interchange in Kannapolis

Work is progressing well on the I-85 Widening Project. NCDOT is adding lanes along I-85 from NC 73 (Exit 55) to Lane Street (Exit 63) in Cabarrus County. When completed, this portion of the interstate will be eight lanes wide and improvements will also be completed at each exit.

NCDOT expects to be finished with the project in the Fall of 2017.

Yum! The Kannapolis farmers market is open!

The Kannapolis Farmers Market is set to open for another great season beginning May 5. Held on Thursdays from 4-7 pm at the corner of Vance Avenue and Dale Earnhardt Boulevard, the market continues through September. Returning vendors offer a wide variety of fresh, local produce, as well as cheese, ice cream, honey, baked goods, spices, jewelry and crafts. New vendors this year include Rocking Bee Farms and Honeysuckle Hill Bee Farm, providing honey, soaps, lotions, candy, candles and bee pollen. For customers’ convenience, the market accepts credit cards, WIC and SNAP/EBT. In addition, loyalty cards are available to earn credits to use at any of the vendors. Free tote bags will be given to the first 200 customers who fill up their loyalty cards!

Putt-Putt Fun at Bakers Creek Park The putt-putt course at Bakers Creek Park provides an affordable, local and fun venue for family entertainment. The course is open seasonally, April through September, on Saturdays from 11 am-6:30 pm and Sundays from 2-6:30 pm.

Come try your hand at mini-golf for just $1 per person – it’s fun for the whole family. Other free amenities at Bakers Creek Park include a scenic greenway, large playground for kids of all ages,

Calendar of Events

MAY 2016

MAY 3 Run Kannapolis: Jiggy with the

Piggy 5k, 6:30 pm, downtown

Kannapolis 5

Thursdays on Main: Lunch, 11:30 am-1 pm, Veterans Park, featuring Hipshack

6-7 Jiggy with the Piggy,

8 pm Friday; 9 am Saturday,

downtown Kannapolis

12 Thursdays on Main: Lunch,

11:30 am-1 pm, Veterans Park,

featuring Connor Christian

Proposed Demonstration Project Snapshot

12 Thursdays on Main: Evening,

6-9 pm, Veterans Park, featuring

Gary Lowder & Smoking Hot

• Number of Buildings: Two – multi-story (4 to 6 levels)

14 Run Kannapolis: Rhythm &

Run 5k, downtown Kannapolis 19

Thursdays on Main: Lunch, 11:30 am-1 pm, Veterans Park, featuring Naked Blue and Jason Harrod

21 Kaleidoscope, 12-5 pm,

downtown Kannapolis 21 Stories Under the Stars

with John Fowler, 7 pm,

Kannapolis Library

• Building Use: Residential, retail, restaurants • Ownership: City will sell land to developer; project will be privately owned • City Investment: Parking deck construction – $4-6 million potentially

26 Thursdays on Main: Lunch,

11:30 am-1 pm, Veterans Park,

featuring Bread & Butter

• Total Build-out Value of Project: $33 million

27 Movies in the Park: Minions (PG),

8:45 pm, Village Park

• Projected Annual Property Taxes for City: $208,000

JUNE 2 Thursdays on Main: Lunch,

11:30 am-1 pm, Veterans Park,

featuring Chris Marks Band

swing sets, half basketball court, picnic sites, horseshoe pits, nature trails and even a softball field available for rental or pick-up games.

Follow the City on Facebook (facebook.com/cityofkannapolis) and Twitter (twitter.com#Kannapolis) for regular updates and more ideas for fun.

The City of Kannapolis 401 Laureate Way | Kannapolis, NC 28081 704.920.4300 | www.kannapolisnc.gov

9

Thursdays on Main: Lunch, 11:30 am-1 pm, Veterans Park, featuring Stella Rising

9

Thursdays on Main: Evening, 6-9 pm, Veterans Park, featuring Midnight Allie

For a complete schedule, visit kannapolisnc.gov.

he Kannapolis City Council has approved the first major Downtown Revitalization project.

The Demonstration Project is the first step in the master development plan. It will be located at the 200 block of West Avenue. The two-building complex will include apartments, a parking deck, retail and restaurant space.

In September 2015 the City purchased 50 acres of land and buildings in the downtown core. A master development plan has been underway since that time with the city completing a market analysis, a site analysis and a financial analysis. The master development plan is expected to be completed in June 2016.

The marketing and site analysis demonstrated that residential units are sought after and needed to generate a core of people who will then drive more retail and dining growth in downtown. Research clearly demonstrates that people are the driving force needed to create economic development in downtown, according to DFI (Development Financial Initiative), who has outlined the feasibility data for the project.

4 Concert in the Park, 7-10 pm,

Village Park, featuring national

country artist Lonestar, fireworks

Bakers Creek Park is located at 1275 West A Street.

T

City Approves First Major Downtown Project

Preliminary renderings of Demonstration Project Buildings

The demonstration project would include a range of residential units: studio, onebedroom and two-bedroom apartments. continued on page 2