NO. 02
All of your downtown news, activities, events and more!
O N THE
COVER
NO. 02
Welcome to The Local downtown newsletter. We hope you find this magazine informative and fun. If you are local we hope this finds a place on your coffee table and makes you proud of your community as well as inspires you. The Local Downtown Newsletter is our attempt to capture the lifestyle of downtown living as well as capture the essence of what makes our area so special. This is our attempt to keep everyone in the downtown loop and apprised of all Main Street’s happenings. Between our covers you will find all your downtown news, activities, events, projects, businesses and more. Your advertising enables us to bring these to print so if you’re interested in advertising, please let us know.
All of your downtown news, activities, events and more!
Photo by: Greenprint Photography, Lexi Wharem
B OARD OF
DIRECTORS Lake Wales Main Street, Inc. Board of Directors 2019 Karen Thompson, Executive Director Rusty Ingley, President Erika Runkle, Past President Ryan Buskirk, Vice President Kristie Reed, Treasurer Leigh Ann Lightsey Wynn, Secretary Larry Bossarte Ellis Hunt Caroline Jahna Andy Oguntola Margie Sikes Joshua Watson 2 •••
LAKE WALES MAIN STREET
Downtown has an exciting future ahead. We have many opportunities for YOU to be involved and to invest in your downtown. Part of the Main Street philosophy is that downtown belongs to the entire community. Everyone has a stake and a role to play in the revitalization of their downtown. Lake Wales Main Street, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization involving the entire community where the objective is to improve the image of downtown by facilitating change and growth. Please give us a call for more information how you can get involved and help!
Executive Director, Lake Wales Main Street Assistant Director CRA, City of Lake Wales
Lake Wales Main Street, Inc. 277 East Stuart Ave. Lake Wales, FL 33853 863-259-1503 karenlwmainstreet@outlook.com
FIND US ON
BE A PART OF THE PROCESS
>
and help shape the future of Lake Wales!
L A K E WA L E S
Connected A NEIGHB ORHOOD PLAN FOR THE CORE OF LAKE WALES
APR.
01
6pm-9pm
APR.
05
6pm-9pm
HANDS ON SESSION
WORK IN PROGRESS
AUSTIN CENTER 315 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Lake Wales, FL 33853
GFWC WOMAN’S CLUB 275 E Park Ave., Lake Wales, FL 33853
Photo by:Williamson Photography
A LETTER F ROM THE
DIRECTOR return on investment for downtown Lake Wales and the surrounding community.
In the very near future the citizenry will observe revitalization of downtown Lake Wales and the Northwest Redevelopment Area that will enhance the quality of life for the entire community. By understanding that a goal without a plan is just a wish, Main Street’s $90,000 contribution for the downtown design strategy ensures the greatest 4 •••
There are many reasons for supporting and encouraging revitalization, such as: Builds a positive image for the community Reflects a community confidence in itself and its future Creates job opportunities Stabilizes and improves the tax base area, and protects the investment already made in downtown’s infrastructure Helps control sprawl Preserves the community’s historic resources Attracts new industry and strengthens service and retail job markets Enables property owners to maintain historic commercial buildings and preserve an important part of the community’s heritage
LAKE WALES MAIN STREET
Lake Wales Connected, a neighborhood plan for the core of Lake Wales – Dover Kohl is the urban planning firm our Main Street, CRA and community has selected to lead the development of a Town Design Strategy for the City of Lake Wales. With this design strategy, we hope to determine the needs of the community not just for the short term, but for twenty years out. This plan is your plan and we need your input to bring it to life. As a Lake Wales citizen and stakeholder, you play a valuable role in the revitalization process. Please mark your calendar April 1st 6pm-9pm @ Austin Center for a “Hands On” work session with the entire Dover Kohl Team. This event will be an interactive experience that will include many opportunities for input from the public. This is your time to voice what you think should be included
in the design strategy. DK will be here the entire week located at 218 Park Avenue for what they call “designing in the sunshine.” You may stop by any time, introduce yourself, and check in on their progress. Also save the date for the “Work in Progress” session April 5, 6pm-9pm@ Women’s Center. This is where we get to preview the design plan and give input before the final touches. We’ve arrived at what we will look back on at as a historic moment in the life of our community. Please be a part of the process and help shape the future of Lake Wales! If you have any questions please feel free to call: Lake Wales Main Street, Inc. 277 East Stuart Ave. Lake Wales, FL 33853 863-259-1503 karenlwmainstreet@outlook.com
BEN·E·FAC·TOR /benə,faktər/
noun A person or organization who confers a benefit; kindly helper. One who gives aid, especially financial aid.
Lake Wales Main Street is very fortunate to have 9 fantastic organizations committed to Main Street and recognize the success of downtown has an impact on the community as a whole.
OUR BENEFACTORS
GEORGE&ERICA
O’NEILL
The Benefactor Program helped fund the downtown design strategy and will provide the opportunity to consider large scale projects which will make a noticeable impact for downtown Lake Wales.
As a Benefactor your company will be recognized as a leader and applauded for the role you play in supporting the community. Your return on investment is found in the marketing opportunities but perhaps the biggest return is a vibrant downtown serving as the economic engine for the entire community.
We hope more companies will seriously consider becoming a Lake Wales Main Street Benefactor.
If you’re contemplating this investment please contact Karen Thompson Karenlwmainstreet@outlook.com for more information!
A MESSAGE F ROM OUR
PRESIDENT There are a lot of things that we all love about downtown Lake Wales. Like our beautiful historic buildings, our local businesses and retailers, churches, the Care Center, Polk State College, special events and a sense of community, that you don’t find just anywhere. Even as great as all of that sounds, we all know that Lake Wales could be so much more. We need to improve on what’s already great about Lake Wales. We need to focus on what we are to become.
6 •••
It’s time to transform, but transformation does not happen by accident. Transformation is focused, it’s deliberate and it’s a path towards revitalizing and strengthening our downtown. As many of us have witnessed, the historic downtown districts of Winter Garden, Lakeland, Mount Dora, Winter Haven and others were once blighted and lacked any sort of downtown economy. Now each of these downtowns are thriving with restaurants, boutiques, breweries, housing, and much, much more. It all started with a plan. To do this it took leadership and community input. In many of these towns, the local Main Street group provided the leadership and structure and offered community based revitalization initiatives that nurtured the communities downtown
LAKE WALES MAIN STREET
during the transformation and revitalization. To be involved in your Main Street organization you don’t have to be elected, you don’t have to be monetarily invested, and you don’t have to live in the city limits. If you love Lake Wales and you want better, then you have a stake in it and a role to play. I am proud to announce that your Lake Wales Main Street has fundraised and is engaged with Dover Kohl & Partners Town Planning to develop a Downtown Design Strategy for the city of Lake Wales. With this design strategy, we hope to determine the needs of the community twenty years out. This design strategy has the full support of the city and phase one of construction should begin soon after the plan is complete.
January 24th was the kickoff event for what we are calling “Lake Wales Connected”. The use of the word “Connect” is twofold. One, we want this plan to provide the framework for connecting the historic Main Street district with the various points of interest in Lake Wales. Two, we also want to connect with the people of Lake Wales. This plan is your plan and we need your input to bring it to life. It is time that we start envisioning our future… together.
President Lake Wales Main Street, Inc.
Lake Wales Main Street, Inc. 277 East Stuart Ave. Lake Wales, FL 33853 863-259-1503 karenlwmainstreet@outlook.com
Main Street
es l a w downtown lake
is excited to present
Citrus Dessert Competition
25
$
craft brews Farm to Table tastings
local wines
shopping
8 •••
LAKE WALES MAIN STREET
march
nd
22 2019
5:00-9:00 pm
for more infomation & to purchase tickets visit
www.lwmainstreet.com
spon
sors
Lake Wales Main Street, Inc. and downtown Business Owners are excited to announce a new event, Hops Shop and Stroll!
HOPS SHOP and STROLL your way through downtown Lake Wales March 22nd 5-9pm. Grab your friends, coworkers, and family members and head to downtown Lake Wales for a wine and craft beer walk and stroll through your favorite shops, businesses and restaurants. Meet new merchants, say “hello” to signature businesses and enjoy wine, craft beer and food samplings along the way.
GEORGE&ERICA
O’NEILL
Each ticket includes a souvenir wine glass and a map with participating locations. At each
participating location, guests will have their map stamped and enjoy a beverage sampling and food paired specifically with each wine. Once all locations have been visited and stamped, turn the map back in at the check-in area to be eligible for a grand prize. Attendees will receive their wine glass, map, and swag bag at checkin, beginning at 5:00 pm March 22nd, 2019. Check in located at Market Place 20 N Market St Lake Wales, FL 33853. Tickets are $25 per person. Participants must be 21 or older to participate. Event is rain or shine, no refunds. Designated Drivers may register to win a magnificent give-away after signing the Designated Driver Pledge.
This is an exciting opportunity to support local small businesses, contribute to downtown revitalization AND promote your business! On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for your support of Lake Wales Main Street and for sharing our vision that a healthy downtown is a symbol of pride, quality of life and community history. Tickets are still available at the Lake Wales Chamber Office and online at lwmainstreet.com
ISSUE NO. 2: 2019
••• 9
L A K E
W A L E S
INCENTIVE PROGRAM FOOD-RELATED SERVICES
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND APPLICATION CONTACT:
Karen Thompson Assistant CRA Director City of Lake Wales, CRA 863-259-1503
THE
PROGRAM The Food-Related Services Incentive Program offers up to $50,000 in dollar-fordollar matching funds to assist in establishing foodrelated businesses in the NW Redevelopment Area and Downtown Main Street District. Matching funds are a grant that can be used to offset the cost of eligible leasehold improvements necessary to establish and operate a food service or restaurant business. 1 0 •••
LAKE WALES MAIN STREET
APPLICATION 1 A completed and 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
signed application Notarized letter from property owner Food-related service resume(s) Conceptual business plan Proposed site plan Project Schedule Three (3) cost estimates All the above documentation must be submitted as one complete packet
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS 1. Eligible businesses are food-
related ventures such as sit-down restaurants, coffee/tea shops, bakeries, commissary kitchens, mobile food establishments, grocery stores, produce markets, micro-breweries, distilleries, health food stores and other specialty food stores. 2. All properties within the NW CRA and Downtown Main Street District are eligible. 3. Drive through facilities, convenience stores with motor vehicle fuel sales, bars, lounges and related entertainment uses are not eligible for the foodrelated services incentive. 4. Governmental entities and notfor-profit entities are not eligible, with exception for those paying property taxes. 5. Grants are intended for rehabilitation and restoration of existing properties only. 6. Property must pay all taxes
ELIGIBLE IMPROVEMENTS The City of Lake Wales Food-Related Services Incentive Program is for leasehold improvements to an existing property in order to make it functional for a food-service business. Funds may not be used for normal maintenance or repair. Specific improvements for which grant funds may be used include, but are not limited to: Electrical/ Plumbing upgrades Installation of attached fixtures Grease traps Utility connections Venting systems Sprinkler systems Solid Waste and recycling management
Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing engineering services (not to exceed 20% of the grant total) Monitoring man-hole system installation
The following items are specifically ineligible for the program: Equipment (not attached/affixed to building/ structure) Furniture Interior design fees New construction is ineligible. Improvements must be consistent with the City of Lake Wales Land Development Regulations and Engineering Standards. Any improvements visible to the exterior in CRA must comply with the CRA Commercial Corridor Design Guidelines. Grant funds may not be used to correct code violations or to bring structures up to code. As a condition of approval, the Applicant will agree that improvements made using these funds will stay in place a minimum of five (5) years. If improvements are replaced within five (5) years of construction completion, the grant recipient must pay a pro rata portion of the grant proceeds invested in the project for the number of months remaining. Applicant is responsible for obtaining or having obtained all required local and state approvals and permitting for work undertaken. Once a maximum grant for any property has been awarded, businesses occupying that property or the building owner cannot reapply for another grant for the same location for a five (5) year period. Applicant agrees to allow the LWCRA to photograph the project for use in future publications.
PROCESS
Qualified applicants must schedule an appointment with the LWCRA staff prior to preparing an application for submittal. The City of Lake Wales (CRA) office is located at 201 West Central Ave., Lake Wales, Fl 33853. Appointments may be made by calling (863) 259-1503. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and grants will be awarded on a first-come, firstserved basis. CRA staff will review the application for completeness. A post-application submittal conference will be held with the Applicant to discuss any deficiencies or issues with the application. At this time, the CRA may request that the Applicant provide additional information. CRA staff will review the completed application against the review criteria. The reimbursement payment will be awarded in one payment after proof of building permits and Certificate of Occupancy.
*Once reimbursement check has been issued, no further documents will be considered as the process has since closed. All documentation necessary for disbursement of funds must be provided to the CRA within thirty (30) days of issuance of occupancy certificate.
Selection Criteria CRA staff will review completed applications against review criteria and will state his/ her findings in a recommendation to the applicant. Applications that score below 60 points will be recommended for denial. Applicants that are denied for this program may appeal their request to the CRA Board at its next regularly scheduled meeting. The CRA Board will determine by super majority vote that an appealed application is approved or denied without conditions. The applicant will be notified in writing of the Board’s decision within five (5) business days of the Board meeting. Applicants are advised that grant funds are provided at the sole discretion of the CRA Board and the findings stated in the recommendation do not create an entitlement to funding. *Please refer to Exhibit C for scoring criteria.
ISSUE NO. 2: 2019
••• 11
T HA N K YO U ! LAKE WALES MAI N STREET, I NC. BENEFACTORS
GEORGE&ERICA
O’NEILL
W H Y S UP P O R T D OW N T OW N ? IMPROVED
IMAGE! INCREASED
BUSINESS
HEALTHY ECONOMY
HISTORICAL AWARENESS!
preservation of architecture and human history!
Attract and retain employees!
ENHANCED
MARKET PLACE! (shopping locally)
SENSE OF
PRIDE in downtown
SOCIAL/CULTURAL
ACTIVITIES!
Sense of hometown community! Tax dollars stay in the community!
HOME VALUES increase!
Opportunity to participate/ volunteer!
Quality of BUSINESS!
IN SUMMARY, THERE ARE PLENTY OF REASONS TO BECOME A BENEFACTOR, YET THEY ALL COME DOWN TO ONE:
QUALITY OF LIFE!