CRESTVIEW — The P.J. Adams Parkway-Antioch Road corridor could begin providing traffic congestion relief in less than 10 years — and without raised taxes — if local and county governments support a tax increment financing proposal.

Attendees at a Dec. 2 Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce panel discussion learned that the plan, known as a TIF, could even be in place within a year.

Panelists described the virtues of a TIF, which is funded by establishing a baseline and allocating the difference between the baseline and future tax increases to a specific project.

"A TIF is a tool for financing something that you need for the public good," Okaloosa Economic Development Council Vice President Kay Rasmussen said. "People assume (that) because 'tax' is in the name, it's a new tax, and that is not what it is."

Designated by law

Money raised in the TIF district — which would encompass all of the county north of the Eglin reservation — would by law be only used for the corridor, Crestview city planner Eric Davis said.

"We must tell the public this is not a new tax and it will not get raided by future (county) commissions for other projects," Davis said.

At local attorney Mike Chesser's urging, Davis and other officials began looking into the TIF concept as a means of raising local matching dollars to attract federal and state road money.

"If the TIF can grow to $40 or $50 million, then we can come to the table for the next grant the federal government has and we can say, 'Come on: We have the plans, we have the land — give us the money,'" Davis said.

The proposed traffic corridor project would include widening P.J. Adams and Antioch to four lanes from State Road 85 to U.S. Highway 90.

A recently state-approved alternative route would branch off at Arena Road for northeast-bound traffic, allowing west-bound traffic to Holt and Baker to follow the existing route.

Ready in a year

The project's expected cost is $120 million. A University of West Florida Haas Business Center study shows a TIF could raise $47 million in matching funds in 20 years.

Construction could actually begin well before the TIF expires, using its future funds as collateral to raise bonds to finance the corridor.

TIFS are already successfully in place in several county communities, including Crestview's Community Redevelopment Agency district, Former Elections Supervisor Pat Hollarn said.

Davis said a draft TIF ordinance has been prepared and, if approved, could be in place by the next fiscal year.

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes at 850-682-6524 or brianh@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: TIF could facilitate PJ Adams/Antioch corridor without tax raise

CRESTVIEW — Area planners and community leaders have been warming to the idea of establishing a tax increment financing district to fund needed local transportation projects.

The Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce Government Issues Committee will host a Dec. 2 panel discussion to consider the idea's feasibility. The workshop is open to the public.

A TIF, as the plan is known, "is neither the creation of, nor an increase in taxes," committee chairperson Muncelle Mitchell said.

Under a TIF, the property tax rate in effect when the plan is adopted is used as a base. The difference in any subsequent tax increases is applied to a specific project the TIF was established to fund.

Recently, a TIF has been suggested to finance widening the P.J. Adams Parkway and Antioch Road corridor to create a southwest bypass around Crestview.

A panel — including City Planner Eric Davis, former Supervisor of Elections Pat Hollarn, county Growth Management Director Elliot Kampert and Economic Development Council Vice President Kay Rasmussen — will discuss TIFs and their viability.

Chamber of Commerce President Dennis Mitchell will serve as moderator.

Want to go?

WHAT:Tax increment financing workshop

WHEN:5:15 p.m. Dec. 2

WHERE: Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce office, 1447 Commerce Drive

DETAILS: Public panel discussion exploring tax increment financing as a means to fund transportation projects. Light refreshments served.

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes at 850-682-6524 or brianh@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Dec. 2 workshop to examine transportation funding option

CRESTVIEW — A 283-home development off Redstone Avenue is in limbo until city officials can upgrade a sewer line serving south central Crestview.

The City Council will receive a report at its Dec. 9 meeting to consider before deciding.

The line, an integral part of the proposed Crestview Power Center shopping mall and Redstone Commons housing development, must be upgraded from its current 8-inch diameter to a 15-inch line, attorney Scott Shirley, the city's special staff counsel on the project, told city leaders at their Nov. 25 meeting.

Enlarging the line, which is close to capacity, would facilitate development in the area on either side of State Road 85, just north of Interstate 10.

A partnership between the city, developer D.R. Horton, Beach Community Bank of Fort Walton Beach and Watkins developers, with the intent to upgrade the line, fell apart this summer when Watkins abruptly withdrew from the project.

Watkins planned to build the Crestview Power Center. A subsequent developer interested in the project has cut off contact with the city. D.R. Horton is building Redstone Commons.

Project on hold

An Oct. 28 letter to Shirley from D.R. Horton's attorney stated the housing project has been "dormant" since June, "which is resulting in carrying costs for(DR Horton Incorporated), the loss of sales and other damages."

"D.R. Horton has been a very good partner throughout this whole process," Public Works Director Wayne Steele said, adding the developer "has been very patient."

He and Shirley asked the council to consider one of three options, as follows, to upgrade the sewer line:

•Obtain easements from property owner Beach Community Bank as agreed earlier this year

•Use so-called pipe-bursting to remove the existing line and replace it with a 12-inch line

•Have Okaloosa County provide water and sewer service to Horton's development.

Shirley's Nov. 4 letter to Beach Community Bank Senior Vice President Scott McCormick requesting the easements was not answered, Shirley said.

A call to McCormick for comment was not returned.

Costly alternative

The council and Public Works staff leaned toward the second option, which would entail using existing easements but would cut through the shopping mall site — "a less than optimal solution," Shirley's letter stated.

The cost of pipe-bursting, $586,000, could be partially covered by $264,000 held in escrow to build the 15-inch line, provided it could be lawfully applied to the 12-inch line, Steele said.

An additional $300,000 in sewer impact fee money is available, but Steele cautioned that using it for the sewer line would leave no money in reserve to cover an emergency.

Steele said he would review currently funded public works projects to determine if some could be delayed to allow money allocated toward them to serve as an emergency fund if needed.

"The best option would be for every party that signed that agreement to move forward," Steele said.

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes at 850-682-6524 or brianh@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Redstone Commons development in limbo until city upgrades sewer line

CRESTVIEW — Citing the potential for violations of state Sunshine Law, city attorney Jerry Miller suggested the Community Redevelopment Agency "re-evaluate" a recently appointed citizens advisory committee.

With board member Joe Blocker casting the lone dissenting vote, the CRA board voted 4-1 to heed the attorney's advice, and dissolved the committee on Monday.

Miller suggested the Main Street Crestview Association could serve in the capacity as the advisory committee, which it already does to an extent.

But board president Robyn Helt said the association's purview doesn't cover the entire CRA district.

"I think they (the Main Street Association members) do a great job in promoting the Main Street area, but having more people involved would give us a broader perspective," Helt said.

Miller said the composition of the board, including a member of the media, WAAZ-WJSB radio's Cal Zethmayr, and merchants who might inadvertently discuss ideas, could be a "perfect storm as far as public meeting law is concerned."

After the vote dissolved the committee, Helt asked that the board itself consider several projects previously discussed, including a linear park connecting downtown and Twin Hills Park.

Helt said she had recently discussed the project with city consultant Jack Dorman, who said, "the state loves them" (linear parks) and called it, "one of the best ideas he's heard in a long time."

Helt also reported the Economic Development Council has been asked to assemble a workshop to gather experts in "kind of a roundtable forum" to suggest effective uses for leveraging CRA funds.

The workshop could be held soon in 2014.

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes at 850-682-6524 or brianh@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Potential Sunshine Law conflicts lead CRA to dissolve advisory committee

CRESTVIEW — After an hour and a half of often impassioned addresses before the Crestview City Council, city leaders adjourned without discussion regarding the "Uncle Bill" Lundy memorial.

At issue was the Confederate battle flag flying above the memorial on city-owned land at the intersection of First Street and State Road 85.

Several Tallahassee-based Sons of Confederate Veterans representatives praised Lundy's service in the Confederacy, which some historians have questioned.

Bob Hurst, commander of the organization's Florida division, said the battle flag is an integral component of the memorial.

"It is not fitting and proper to honor Uncle Bill Lundy and not have the flag that he honored and revered," Hurst said.

"It is not a sign of evil," he said. "It is not a symbol of anything bad. It is a symbol of a group of people who fought for their honor and independence."

Speakers who oppose displaying the flag were exclusively from Crestview.

"I believe it is time for the Confederate flag to be lowered and stored away with other items of the time. A museum is a suitable place for it," Okaloosa NAACP President Raymond Nelson said, reading from a letter sent by former president Sabu Williams.

Nelson compared the Confederate battle flag's symbolism to the Nazi swastika and SS runes.

"These symbols have been associated with racial superiority and intimidation," Nelson said. "Allowing it to remain on the streets sends a clear message to the people of Crestview that the leaders of our city couldn't care less about their citizens."

Lundy's great-granddaughter, Cheryl Ferdon, countered their arguments, saying feelings about the flag are "just a matter of perspective."

"Unfortunately, a lot of bad groups have taken that flag and used it in a derogatory manner in the past," she said.

Bill Lee, who identified himself as a descendant of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee, questioned whether the battle flag is the correct banner for the Lundy monument at all.

"The flag that flies over the Lundy memorial is the flag of Northern Virginia," he said. "My point is this, that the flag that flies over the memorial is not the flag of the Confederate States."

Community activist Mae Retha Coleman cited census data that suggest Lundy wasn't old enough to have served in the Civil War. She suggested removing the entire monument until the historic questions are resolved.

"I am still trying to figure out how a five-year-old boy can be in the service. I'd like to see us get this straight," Coleman said. "Was he really in the service? Until we find out, I want all of it moved, flag and all."

After the public comment period, Council President Robyn Helt called for fellow council members' action. When no discussion ensued, she gaveled the meeting closed.

Several residents were upset by the lack of action as Crestview policemen and county sheriff's deputies immediately escorted the council members out a side door.

"They allowed all those people to speak for nothing," former councilman Charles Baugh Jr. said. "They did a bad job tonight."

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Council adjourns without action on Lundy memorial flag issue

CRESTVIEW — Few North Okaloosa historical figures inspire as much passion, discussion, dissension and questions as William Allen Lundy.

Descendants fondly consider "Uncle Bill" Lundy a loving ancestor and a simple farmer. Local residents widely accepted him as Florida's last Civil War veteran.

Lundy died Sept. 1, 1957. A year later, the Crestview Lions Club erected a monument in memory of Lundy and other Confederate veterans near the intersection of U.S. Highway 90 and State Road 85. It was later moved to its present location on a small, city-owned triangle of land bounded by S.R. 85, Hickory Avenue and First Street.

While the monument itself is not controversial, the Confederate battle flag fluttering above it periodically stirs up debate. The City Council will discuss the topic at a specially called meeting tonight.

The man

Uncle Bill was born Jan. 18, 1848, on a farm in Pike County, Ala., according to family members quoted in "Crestview: The Forkland" by Claudia Patten and Betty Curenton.

Uncle Bill said he never saw Civil War battle, serving instead as a home guardsman protecting the Coffee County, Ala., courthouse, according to the book.

"He didn't even fire a shot during his wartime service," the article states, using information provided by Lundy's grandson, Gerald Lundy.

Lundy moved to Florida following the war, ultimately settling in Crestview to live out his years with his son, Charles. He is buried in Alamarante Cemetery in Laurel Hill.

Controversy

Public records don't support Lundy's claim to veteran status, according to an article by Virginia native William Marvel in the February 1991 issue of "Blue and Gray," a Civil War history magazine.

"The census of Walton County, Fla., shows he was not born until May 1860," the article states. "In 1910, he made no mention of having been a Civil War soldier."

The 1910 U.S. census provided opportunity for Civil War veterans to identify themselves, Marvel's article stated.

During the Great Depression of the 1930s, people started to claim Civil War veteran status so they could qualify for pensions, according to Marvel.

"An aging (Southerner) need only tack on a few more years and fabricate service in some obscure militia unit," Marvel said.

The practice was not uncommon, Betty Curenton's nephew, historian Mark Curenton, a Laurel Hill native, said.

"By the late 1920s and early 1930s, actual veterans were getting scarce," Curenton said. "Old men would get together and swear to each other's pension application in order to qualify for the money.  There were not any real soldiers left at that time to dispute their claim."

"Civil War A to Z," a 2007 reference edited by Clifford Linedecker, describes Lundy as a "discredited veteran," whose claim "would have meant he was serving under arms when he was a mere 5 years old."

Lundy's great granddaughter, Ani Powell, did not return requests for comment in time for publication.

The flag

While no one on either side of the issue disputes honoring Lundy, it is the flag flying over the memorial the excites passions the most.

Tonight's discussion was initiated when the previous flagpole was replaced earlier this year and the Confederate battle flag, which had previously flown with the Stars and Stripes, was hoisted alone.

Ironically, historians say the likelihood of Lundy having actually served under it was unlikely.

His year of service, if it wasn't a fabrication, was spent guarding a civil institution, which would instead have flown the Confederate States of America's "stars and bars" flag.

However, Mark Curenton said, by that late stage of the Civil War, what flag was flying was of minimal concern.

"By the end of the war, they were more concerned with getting enough food to eat and clothes to wear than making sure they had the correct flag," he said.

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Crestview City Council special meeting to discuss Uncle Bill Lundy Memorial

WHEN: 6 p.m. tonight

WHERE: Crestview Community Center, behind the post office

DETAILS: Each person or group wishing to make a presentation should fill in a blue speaker card and present it to the City Clerk designee prior to the meeting.

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes at 850-682-6524 or brianh@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Special report: Who was 'Uncle Bill' Lundy? The man behind the debated Crestview monument

LAUREL HILL — The City Council has declined to fund $2,975 of engineering services for Sunnyside Avenue repairs. City leaders said the Niceville engineer, Charles Bolen, lacks Florida certification.

Bolen's plans received scrutiny after the Okaloosa County Public Works Department agreed to help the city repair Laurel Hill School's main access route. Since plans weren't signed or sealed by a Florida-licensed engineer, county officials advised city officials not to proceed with Bolen's plans, city leaders said.

Using Bolen's plans would present liability concerns, Mayor Robby Adams said Thursday before the council's 3-2 vote.

Still, Councilman Clifton Hall, who recommended Bolen for the task, was adamant about paying Bolen.

"I strongly suggest that we pay this man; he did his work," Hall said. "If you do this (decline payment), it will be something immoral and wrong."

The council agreed to use Bolen's plans when the project was handled solely by the city, Hall said, adding that the county's involvement does not allow the city to back out of an agreement.

Councilwoman Betty Williamson agreed. However, Hendren, Willie Mae Toles and Johnny James voted against paying Bolen.

Bolen, who has a Mississippi engineering license,  said he was disappointed by the council's decision and was unaware the council discussed the issue Thursday.

He said Adams informed him by letter, a month ago, that the city would not reimburse him.

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Laurel Hill City Council declines paying engineer for services

CRESTVIEW — The city may provide janitorial services for city-owned buildings. To compare costs, the City Council has unanimously agreed to have Public Works solicit bids for a cleaning service.

After the city's contract with Southern Management expired Oct. 1, department heads transferred $40,000 in designated janitorial funds from their budgets to Public Works' budget. Public Works assistant director Carlos Jones requested the City Council’s permission on Monday to hire two part-time janitors and buy cleaning supplies with the money.

Council President Robyn Helt recommended the department obtain bids from janitorial companies before the council considers the request.

City Councilman Tom Gordon said if the city is intent on cutting costs, staff could clean their own workspaces, as many businesses do.

Lately, Public Works staffers have been diverted from their usual duties to clean facilities such as the library and city hall, Jones said.

Library Director Jean Lewis said library staffers serve more than 500 patrons a day, so it would be impossible for them to do all the necessary cleaning.

Cleaning high-traffic areas, such as city hall's lobby, requires professional cleaning equipment and experience, City Clerk Betsy Roy said.

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes at 850-682-6524 or brianh@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview officials weighing cleaning service options