As part of the funding discussions at a recent meeting, the administration is requesting more than $20 million to demolish old houses and commercial buildings. It was announced that the One Stop Capital Shop, a business-orientated city loan and funding source, has enough funds to operate through next year through reprogrammed Empowerment Zone dollars.

Staff member Robert Davis says the planning and development department may request more than $1 million to fund development studies for the eastern portion of the city.

The administration is also requesting repayment for interest on a Section 108 loan for the New Amsterdam project, a mixed-use project in the New Center area. About 450 new and renovated apartments and 50,000-sf of commercial space are proposed.

Also brought up at the meeting was the problem of vacancies in the planning department. Davis says the department may have up to 69 vacancies. Commissioners suggested that the present testing standards may be too difficult and lengthy, and that the pay may be too low.

Commissioners also discussed hiring a director, project manager and administrative assistant for the proposed Commercial Strip Revitalization program, which would be located near the Capital Shop and Cadillac Towers Downtown.

The recommendations were taken under advisement.