Caldwell mulls streetscape, façade improvement zones

Caldwell city officials plan a public workshop at 7 p.m. Jan. 28 to discuss options for a streetscape improvement plan that would be part of a downtown revitalization project.

Officials plan to show and receive feedback on design alternatives, and discuss options for a new incentive program – to be funded by the City of Caldwell and its urban renewal agency – to carry out downtown streetscape improvements, said city Redevelopment Coordinator Dennis Cannon.
Currently a local improvement district set up by the city and the urban renewal agency shares half the cost of sidewalk improvements with building owners. Cannon said some owners in the past chose not to put in lighting – which can be expensive – trees, benches and other items.
“What we’re considering  now is including in that LID a whole array of streetscape improvements,” he said.
The cost of the proposed new district would be spread over about 10 years.  Cannon said the city and the urban renewal agency are considering paying a greater share of the total cost as an incentive for owners to enhance their properties.
Officials are considering creating another local improvement district to fund façade upgrades - particularly in the historic area – and giving high priority and reduced fees for downtown building and renovation permits. Cannon said the idea is to show the city’s commitment to improving existing buildings in addition to developing new buildings.
The workshop is scheduled in the community room of the Caldwell police station.
City officials recently selected Oppenheimer Development, Boise, to lead a major mixed-use redevelopment project in downtown Caldwell. Cannon said the city aims to hold a public meeting in March to finalize, and announce details of, the redevelopment project.