Agenda Package - 6-18-12 Budget Work Session

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PROGRAM CRITERIA The Certified Sites Program criteria were revised in 2008 with input from McCallum Sweeney Consulting and a stakeholder group comprised of state, regional and local economic developers, along with economic development allies from utilities and engineering firms. The Certified Sites Program allows communities to submit sites in one of two categories: • Industrial Site — defined as a single contiguous, buildable parcel. • Industrial /Business Park — sites that are intended to be subdivided due to topography or other natural features, or the desire of the site sponsor. Creating an Industrial/ Business Park certification category encourages communities to think ahead about the possible uses of sites set aside for industrial development. As an example, a community certified a site in the previous program, and even though the community planned to develop it as a park, did not prepare a master development plan. A client searching for a site was interested in the park, but because a master development plan had not been developed, the client eventually determined that the easements, topographical challenges and wetlands precluded it from locating in the park. In the new program, with the Master Development Plan in place, the community will be better prepared to demonstrate to a prospective client how the site will meet the client's needs. In order to keep all information as current as possible on NC Certified Sites, a Wetlands Determination and Phase One Environmental Site Assessment cannot be older than six years, as signed and dated by the engineer, at the time of recertification. CERTIFICATION CRITERIA Submit the Intent to Certifyform online. This form must be approved by the Steering Committee before the site /park can proceed with the certification process. 1. County and /or City Support Letter —The applicant must have a letter signed and dated by the chief elected official or chief administrative officer of the county, and if applicable, local municipality expressing support for the certification proposal for this site /park. 2. The sites within the proposed Industrial Park must be available for sale or lease to prospective industrial investors. Each site must be available for a minimum of two years. The applicant must attach the following documents to certify that the site is available: a. Property Availability Assurance —Appropriate documentation that assures the site may be offered for a period of at least 2 years. This could be: • Written certification from the owner • An appropriate real estate listing agreement authorizing an agent to offer the property for sale • An option to purchase • A contingency contract to purchase or lease b. Property Deed —A copy of the present deed for the property. N.C. Department of Commerce — Certified Sites Program