Planning board backs temporary waiver of concurrency/mobility fees along core commercial corridors
Summary
At the request of the ordinance sponsor, the Planning Board recommended that the City Commission consider a one‑year waiver of concurrency and mobility fees along select commercial corridors (40 First Street, Lincoln Road, Washington Avenue and 70 First Street) designed to incent new businesses. The board suggested evaluating expansion to other
The Planning Board on Sept. 9 voted to forward a proposed ordinance to the City Commission that would waive concurrency mitigation and mobility fees for development along specified commercial corridors — Lincoln Road, Washington Avenue, 40 First Street and 70 First Street — for a one‑year pilot period.
Staff described the fee as a charge imposed to offset increased impacts of new development on transportation infrastructure. The original draft had proposed an installment plan for small businesses to pay mobility fees over six months; at the sponsor’s request that option was removed and replaced with a temporary fee waiver intended as an incentive to attract new businesses to high‑vacancy commercial corridors. Staff said the waiver would require administrative changes and would include a one‑year sunset to allow the commission and administration to evaluate results.
Board members generally supported the measure as a targeted tool to help fill vacancies in specific corridors. Several members recommended the City Commission consider expanding the pilot to other commercial districts after study; staff said the board’s transmittal could include that recommendation. The board voted to transmit the ordinance to the commission with a favorable recommendation and the suggestion that the commission evaluate adding additional commercial areas if the pilot proves successful.
Next steps: The ordinance will be considered by the City Commission. If approved, departments will need to implement administrative changes and report back after the one‑year sunset period.
