FURA Meeting
The Florence Urban Renewal Agency is set to meet tomorrow evening at 5:30. On the agenda is a discussion of the Quince Street property. The City of Florence hopes to draft a timeline on marketing the property for sale as well as nail down specific marketing strategies. They will also receive a project update for the ReVision Florence Streetscape from project manager Megan Messmer. Also on the agenda is a proposal for a FURA Development Assistance Program which would provide financial assistance for property (and or business owners) to apply for grant funding for improvements to commercial and industrial properties within the FURA district. The City’s biennium budget included $200,000 dollars for development opportunities and $60,000 for predevelopment grants after the gateway monuments are extracted from that amount staff will be able to provide an updated fiscal analysis on the remaining funds for additional projects. Potential eligible predevelopment projects for property owners includes: site analysis, environmental assessments and testing and site preparation.
Winter Music Festival
This Friday, Saturday and Sunday is the annual winter music festival. The three day event will be headlined on Saturday night by Livingston Taylor at 7pm at the Florence Events Center. The slate of artists includes popular regional and national acts in the folk and bluegrass genres. Friday night will feature John Reischman and the Jaybirds with headliners the Kathy Kallick band. Opening for Livingston Taylor on Saturday is Circus #9, and Sunday will feature fold artists Tyler Stenson and the True North Duo. Tickets for the event are available at the FEC box office or at eventcenter.org. Saturday and Sunday will also feature the FRAA Winter Arts Festival. Hours are 10-5 on Saturday and 10-4 on Sunday. There will be more than 30 artists represented and admission is free.
State of the City
The City of Florence has added a City Services Expo to its annual State of the City Address. Booths will be set up at the Florence Events Center with representatives from the various service entities throughout the city. The City hopes to provide education and information on public works, code enforcement, planning and permits, and public safety. The event will be held on Thursday, January 30 from 5-7 p.m. with light refreshments and beverages available. The State of the City Address will be at 6 p.m. from Mayor Joe Henry.
