The transformation of several blighted and underused properties at Garfield and Main were
transformed into a $30 million entertainment complex with financial assistance provided
by the Alhambra Redevelopment Agency. The completed Alhambra Renaissance Plaza
provides the City with sales and property tax revenue that helps to support city services – and
the community with a great place to come for entertainment as well as dining/retail opportunities.
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| The Alhambra Redevelopment Agency (ARA) is no more... |
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The State Supreme Court announced its
long-awaited decision in late December 2011 concerning the constitutionality of
two controversial bills brought forward in
a lawsuit by the California Redevelopment
Association (CRA). According to the Court,
ABX1 26 gives state lawmakers the power
to eliminate redevelopment. ABX1 27,
which would have provided a means for
agencies to continue operating in
exchange for a monetary payment to
the State was invalidated.Cities had to
dissolve their redevelopment agencies
by Feb. 1, 2012 and create a successor
agency to conclude the affairs of the
former agency in conjunction with a
seven-member Oversight Board.
The Alhambra City Council complied
with the new law by approving a
resolution allowing itself to act as the
successor agency. The oversight panel
is comprised of two members appointed
by the mayor, two by the county board of
supervisors, one by the special districts
in the former RDA, one by the county
school superintendent, and one by the
local community college chancellor.
The City, acting as successor agency
enforces obligations and agreements
that are currently in place, thereby
enabling the City to participate in the
transfer and liquidation of the Agency's
assets, development projects in process
and an opportunity to oversee the
transfer of housing functions and
land assets.
The Council also approved a second
resolution enabling the City to retain the
affordable housing assets and functions
formerly performed by the ARA. Under
this scenario, funding for housing activities
comes from the disposition of housing
assets, unless legislation is adopted
allowing continued Low/Mod Housing
funding. The City will not receive any
tax increment for new housing activities.
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BMW dealership: Many of the Auto Row
dealerships on Main Street were recruited by the
Alhambra Redevelopment Agency and given
financial incentives to locate and/or expand,
leading to approximately $3.3 million
annually in sales tax revenue to the City.
Howard Street Townhomes
Affordable Housing Project
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| SUCCESSFUL ROLE OF THE ALHAMBRA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY |
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Over the years, Alhambra successfully
implemented redevelopment to
stimulate economic growth, revitalize
neighborhoods, and generate tax
revenues. It has made possible such
projects as the Alhambra Renaissance
Plaza, Fremont Plaza, Auto Row,
Alhambra Regency Plaza, Alhambra
Courtyard Plaza, Main Street Plaza,
Ross-Dress-For-Less, Kohl’s, Costco,
Home Depot, as well as numerous
downtown restaurants, retail boutiques
and entertainment venues.
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 Plaza on Main:
This mixed-use redevelopment project
created much needed retail space
(including a Denny's Restaurant), affordable
housing for seniors, and the elimination of slum
and blight. The completed project has provided
the City with $20,000 per year in sales tax
revenue and $44,344 in annual
property tax revenue.
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By creating a viable economic base, many additional businesses have
recognized the importance of establishing a business presence
or have expanded into Alhambra.
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Businesses that have established
themselves and/or expanded their
operations in Alhambra without
redevelopment assistance include,
but are not limited to, the expansion
of Target, Shops at the Alhambra,
Walgreens and CVS stores, bank
operations such as Empire Financial
Center and Shanghai Bank building
on Valley Boulevard, and a number
of medical offices on Garfield Avenue.
Related:
Main Street businesses provided
redevelopment assistance include
38° Ale House & Grill, Azul Bar & Nightclub,
Blitz Ultra Lounge, CB After Dark,
Charlie's Trio, Frontera's,
Havana House, Mosaic Lizard Theater,
Mahan Indian Restaurant, Perfectly Sweet,
Ross Dress-For-Less, Senior Fish,
Starbuck's, Coldstone Creamery &
Shaka's, Subway & The Boiling Crab.
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 Main Street - Northwest Corner of First & Main |
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ADDITIONAL REDEVELOPMENT PROJECTS (BEFORE/AFTER PHOTOS)
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38° Ale House & Grill
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Alhambra Courtyard Plaza (Anchor: Ralph's Supermarket)
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The Boiling Crab
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Boteco Brazilian Restaurant / Bar / Lounge (formerly Cuban Bistro Restaurant)
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First Avenue Parking Structure
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Havana House
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Lovebird's Cafe & Bakery
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Main Street Plaza (Anchor: Smart & Final)
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Regency Plaza Mixed-Use Commercial/Residential Complex
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Ross Dress-for-Less
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Senior Fish Restaurant
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Starbuck's, Coldstone Creamery & Shaka's
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