The following are questions I have posed with regard to PCIP funding recommendations that have been made for the 2009 cycle.
-----Original Message-----
From: Maren Deweese
Sent: Thursday, January 15, 2009 8:51 PM
To: Thaddeus Cohen; Helen Gibson; Edward Spears
Cc: HOAs
Subject: PCIP worksheet and recommendations
I wanted to request an email copy of the applications for La Belle Terre, Bayou Lane and Dover Landing. These neighborhoods are all within District 3.
I have analyzed the worksheet and looked at which requests were classified as GR fund recipients and which were LOST recipients. I have the following questions:
Neighborhoods of Seville is receiving 100% GR funds available due to Mr. Cohen reserving the $24,900 earmarked for these projects in the current budget.
Can the printing of brochures logically be considered under the financial impact statement for the PCIP funds?
From PCIP guidelines:
FINANCIAL IMPACT: These funds will provide infrastructure improvements in neighborhoods to preserve and enhance property values and in turn ad valorem revenues to the City.
How do printed brochures bring ad valorem value to the city?
How can we justify reserving 100% of community initiative funds set aside for this program and be more ½ way through the budget year?
One concern is that brochures are consumed and replacement is needed, requiring additional funds. Landscaping is more durable and remains in place, enhancing the surrounding property values.
It appears that funding can be found for the brochures from within CRA monies or funding provided to the Historic Pensacola Preservation Board.
The Historic Pensacola Preservation Board states: the HPPB provides benefits to the city, including their work in the promotion of tourism through enhancement of historical attractions.
A total of $8,984 is being pledged by citizens of La Belle Terre, Bayou Lane and Dover Landing for the improvement of their neighborhoods and fostering a higher sense of community. Surely their tax dollars would be better used enhancing their neighborhoods, as opposed to printing brochures for non tax paying tourists. This appears to be a flaw in the system and final analysis of what PCIP is intended for.
We have asked our citizens to get involved and make commitments of their money and their time, yet are unable to follow through with our funding proposed in August.
I look forward to hearing from you on Friday as Monday is a holiday and Tuesday is committee meetings.
Thanks for your attention to this matter, I have copied the interested parties within District 3.
Please reply to all with any emails in the interest of open discussion to resolve.
I recommend the three requests be funded with PCIP GR funds that are being held in reserves.
Regards,
Maren DeWeese
District 3 Councilwoman
Thursday, January 15, 2009
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2 comments:
This is the best program the city has. The PCIP improvements are the ONLY improvements that have been made in neighborhoods.
The fund has been continually cut and other neighoborhoods have been told there was not much money in PCIP and that they must abide by the application and make improvements,
Not sure why CDD would reserve money for Seville to make brochures when that is not an infrastruture improvement.
With 2 non profits and a money making enterprise parking cars, it seems Seville could buy their brochures.
So did Mr. Coen respond to you on Friday? If not, why not? Please provide an update. Thanks.
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