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Glendale council, chamber OK deal to jump-start historic downtown economy
Posted
By Richard Smith
By Cecilia Chan Independent Newsmedia
Glendale has inked a $610,510, five-year contract with the Glendale Chamber of Commerce to revitalize the Historic Downtown District.
Council without comment last week awarded the three-year contract with the option to renew for two more years, which was on the consent agenda. Compensation will be $100,000 for the first year; $110,000 for the second year, $121,000 for the third year, $133,100 for the fourth year and $146,410 for the fifth year, according to the contract.
“Glendale’s downtown is not only the heart of our community, it is the soul of our community,” said Mayor Jerry Weiers in a city news release. “To achieve the Council’s vision, we must support a vibrant city center that we are all proud of while facilitating the sustainability of our downtown Glendale businesses.”
The Chamber, beginning July 1, will provide professional downtown management services for the district, which is bounded by Myrtle Avenue to the north, 55th Avenue to the east, Ocotillo Road to the south and 59th Avenue to the west and includes the Catlin Court Historic District.
The Glendale City Council recently approved a $610,510, five-year contract with the Glendale Chamber of Commerce to revitalize the Historic Downtown District.
The Glendale Historic Downtown District has long been a priority focus for the city.
The formally adopted redevelopment area includes Centerline, which has a higher vacancy rate in retail, industrial and multi-family compared with the rest of Glendale. Also, according to Census figures, the area has seen its population drop 12 percent between 2000-10, while the rest of the city grew.
The city’s Economic Development staff recommended the need for a Downtown Manager, which is the first step toward strengthening existing businesses in the area and attracting in new jobs and residential opportunities.
The manager will be responsible for the development of the Glendale Historic Downtown District program, which includes forming a Merchants Association, identifying key community and neighborhood stakeholder priorities, establishing a plan of action to address them, and identifying a funding methodology to support initiatives, according to the city.
If any additional programs are to be implemented, the city anticipates the Chamber will find the funding for them and not have to rely on the city.
“Redevelopment is one of the most effective ways to breathe new life into our city center,” stated City Manager Kevin Phelps in the release. “This exciting partnership provides the opportunity for the downtown business community to collectively identify and advance their shared priorities to meet the unique needs of downtown Glendale.”
According to city officials, the new public-private partnership will strengthen downtown Glendale and encourage an environment of activity, energy and vitality.
Moreover, the partnership is intended to unite Historic Downtown Glendale partners and stakeholders in a common goal to increase the economic prosperity of business, and grow residential opportunities for the city.
“In order to re-energize our downtown in a meaningful and sustainable way, specific strategic actions should be taken to diversify and grow our local economy,” said Economic Development Director Brian Friedman in the release. “The Downtown Manager will facilitate, promote, and advance the efforts to revitalize our downtown core by building on the strong social fabric and superb physical characteristics of our historic downtown.”
The Chamber will provide enhanced direct services targeting marketing and economic development.
“Through our redevelopment initiatives and strategies, downtown Glendale will get the focused attention necessary to create jobs, revitalize the business climate, attract new businesses, and introduce sustainable new development,” said Chamber CEO Robert Heidt. “We will also help the city “build a framework to positively influence and impact the economic health and preservation of historic downtown Glendale.”
The Glendale City Council recently approved a $610,510, five-year contract with the Glendale Chamber of Commerce to revitalize the Historic Downtown District. 
