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ChatGPTClaudePerplexity· Related development
TIRZ #1 board approves $120,000 for the First Responders Memorial and a $50,000 housing feasibility study
The board approved a $120,000 streetscape grant to Friends of AJ Swope for the Texas Panhandle First Responders Memorial at 1018 S. Polk, 7-0 with one abstention by a board member who served on the project's committee; a representative put hard construction costs at $1.2 million. The board also voted unanimously to reimburse Texas Blakey Amarillo, LLC up to $50,000 of a market feasibility study (about $59,000) by Hunden Strategic Partners for a proposed downtown mixed-use project; the developer did not disclose the site, citing a nondisclosure agreement. Hunden presented the study to the board on July 13, 2023.[1][2]
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Andrew Freeman said the $120,000 would come from the Community Projects line, then budgeted at $100,000, with reserves available through a budget amendment. Dick Ford moved and Joseph Peterson seconded; the grant passed 7:0 with H.R. Kelly abstaining because he served on the project's committee. The project's representative said a fund would be set up with the Amarillo Area Foundation for the memorial's upkeep. The City Council approved a replacement agreement in September 2026. [1][3]
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Freeman said the study would cost about $59,000 and the board could reimburse up to $50,000 from its professional services line, and would receive a copy to share with other developers. Developer Todd Harmon said the concept would include 32 condominiums, 152 lease units, 48 all-suite hotel units and 15 brownstone units, and that he expected to return to request a tax abatement. Board member Gary Jennings asked why the board should act without knowing the location. John Coffee moved, Jennings seconded, and the reimbursement was approved unanimously. [1]
