Agenda - 08-19-2010 - 1 - Laserfiche WebLink

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nity has formally taken the necessary steps to ensure that private investment in redevelopment will not be hindered by existing zoning regulations or other land use policies. First put into place by the Michigan Suburbs Alliance in 2005, the state - funded program consists of an eight -step process that included com- munity visioning, training for public officials, evalua- tion and streamlining of development regulations and tools, marketing, and plan review processes.38 While not yet widely in use, this model is flexible enough to be applied in diverse areas in need of investment, including in rural communities. Split-rate tax Split -rate or two -rate property tax policies divide the property tax into two parts, focusing one part of the tax rate on building value and improvements and the other part on the value of the land. This type of tax reduces the tax on the building, creating incen- tives for maintaining and improving properties, and increases the value of land, reducing land speculation and encouraging infill development. While the split - rate tax is a promising strategy for rural areas, very few states allow jurisdictions to adopt it. The two -rate tax has been particularly successful in Pennsylvania, where it has been allowed since 1913. Nearly 20 cities have adopted it, and most saw an increase in building permits issues after adopting the two -rate tax, suggest- ing that it does, in fact, encourage infill development and lead to the revitalization of downtowns and town centers. Several other states also permit the use of a 110 Putting Smart Growth to Work in Rural Communities 21 split -rate tax. In Hawaii, it is allowed in all jurisdic- tions but has been adopted only in Kauai County. Virginia and Massachusetts allow split -rate taxation in specific jurisdictions.39 Strategy 2.c. Build on past community investments Adaptive reuse Reusing existing buildings rather than demolishing the old and then building anew preserves histori- cally important buildings and conserves energy and resources. Rehabilitation of existing buildings for public and civic space provides access to tourists as well as local residents who are curious about unique local cultural heritage. Throughout the country, historic rural sites such as barns and mills have been creatively reused in a way that preserves their his- toric significance while meeting modern needs such as office space, parking, or administrative centers. Fed- eral and state tax credits as well as local policies like flexible building codes can help make such projects financially feasible. School rehabilitation As communities grow larger and /or older, they face the need for updated educational facilities. Neighbor- hood schools typically provide historic, sentimental, and even health and safety benefits to neighboring residents, whose children may be able to walk to school. Demolishing old school buildings in favor of The three -story Albemarle High School building, located In a residential neighborhood In Albemarle County, North Carolina, one block from the central business district, has been a part of the community since 1924. Despite Initial opposition from the school board, the community rallied to save the building from demolition. In 2002, it was renovated as Central Elementary School, and residents believe the renovation has contributed to the continued vitality of this rural community. Photo courtesy of Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation