Several issues concerning funding for downtown projects are on the agenda for Wednesday’s Metro Council meeting, though it appears final action will be deferred until later meetings. The public will be given a chance to speak about the proposed tax incremental financing district for a $16 million Hampton Inn & Suites downtown, but the council is not expected to vote on the matter as the finance and executive committee has already requested the item be deferred until its April 6 meeting. A second public hearing will likely be scheduled if and when the issue comes before the council again.
Mayor Kip Holden and the department of public works have placed a budget amendment on the agenda to take $1 million of state sales tax rebates dedicated for riverfront improvements and use them for additional funding of the Galvez Plaza and Repentance Park projects.
Also, funding for a mixed-use development planned for Mid City’s Smiley Heights area, which has been on hold since 2007, is also on the agenda. The resolution would authorize Holden to execute an agreement with the East Baton Rouge Redevelopment Authority for $1.5 million in community development block grant money to develop affordable rental housing in Smiley Heights. Authority CEO Walter Monsour has said he hopes to have “a pretty significant announcement” if the item is approved, but he wouldn’t discuss specifics.
Also on the Wednesday’s agenda is the annual 3% pay increase for the mayor beginning in 2013. Holden, who has said he will run for re-election next year, has requested the council freeze his pay after 2012. —Steve Sanoski
