City to take new tack on redevelopment

Wednesday, June 18, 2003 | 9:19 a.m.

Henderson will try a different path to bring private development downtown.

The City Council on Tuesday voted 5-0 to reject proposals for developing about 8.5 acres on two sites off Water Street, on the advice of staff and the city Redevelopment Agency Advisory Commission.

Instead of soliciting general proposals from developers again, City Redevelopment Manager Robert Ryan said in the future the city should work with developers one-on-one to come up with more feasible plans.

The rejected proposals included one from developer Jerry E. Polis, which called for a $4.1 million city subsidy to help pay for two two-story buildings that would include a museum, retail and office space. The building was proposed for the 3.6 acres at the corner of Water Street and Basic Road that is now a parking lot.

Another proposal from development company Civic Partners did not include specific development plans, but instead offered what staff called a generic proposal to develop the downtown sites in five phases.

The city is also looking for projects for almost 5 acres on two sides of Victory Road at Water Street.