Economic Development

 

A much earlier proposal from 2004 is also included here for comparison purposes. In addition, the 2005 Traffic and Parking Study has also provided some influence as these plans have evolved.

	March 29, 2007	November 28, 2006
May 23, 2007	January 22, 2007	October 30, 2006
May 16, 2007	December 12, 2006

#	Project	Year Starting	Completed Year	Responsible Party	Cost Estimate	Funding Source	Status
	Population
1.01	Conduct a marketing study to determine what types of services, facilities, and commercial establishments would be necessary to attract additional tourist groups to the Island.	2008	2009	City, Tourism Council,	$50,000	DCA, General Fund	In Progress
1.02	Develop a tourism marketing campaign that focuses on drawing identified tourist groups to the Island.	2009	Ongoing	Tourism Council	$100,000	TBD
1.03	As part of a carrying capacity study determine sufficiency of services and facilities for the aging population.	2008	2010	City,	$45,000	DNR, ACOE, General Fund	In Progress
1.04	Develop an education packet to be distributed to visitors about available activities/services/resources (include information about natural resources protection, local ordinances, etc.)	2008	Ongoing	City, Tourism Council	$25,000	General Fund, DCA	In Progress
1.05	Work with various rental agencies, realtors, hotels/bed and breakfast establishments to distribute the packet to Island visitors.	2009	Ongoing	Tourism Council	Staff Time	General Fund
	Economic Development
2.01	Create a position for Better Hometown Program Coordinator.	2008	2008	City	$35,000/yr	General Fund	Complete
2.02	Work with local businesses to prepare for an application to the Better Hometown Program.	2008	2009	City, Tourism Council	Staff Time	General Fund	In Progress
2.03	Reactivate the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) upon completion of the Market Study.	2008	2010	City,	$50,000	DNR, General Fund	On Hold
2.04	Prepare Economic Development Plan for business district. Consider identified issues and opportunities for economic development.	2009	2011	City,	$75,000	City, DCA	In Progress
2.05	Evaluate potential for an Urban Redevelopment plan and creation of an enterprise zone.	2010	2011	City	Staff Time	General Fund	In Progress
2.06	Request that the Pier be dedicated to the City by Chatham County	2008	2008	City	Staff time	General Fund	In Progress / Under Review
2.07	Renovate the Pier once it has been dedicated to the City.	2009	2010	City	$250,000	OneGeorgia, DCA
2.08	Develop programs for small business retention and recruitment.	2008	Ongoing	City, BHT	$10,000/yr	General Fund
2.09	Support the development of heritage tourism.	2008	Ongoing	City, Tourism Council	Staff time, grants	National Parks Service, DCA	Ongoing
2.10	Provide assistance to new businesses developing on the Island.	2008	Ongoing	City, BHT	$10,000/yr	General Fund	Ongoing
2.11	Consider development of a City-sponsored small business incubation center to provide for establishment and development of small island businesses.	2008	Ongoing	City, BHT	Staff Time	General Fund	Ongoing
2.12	Develop a strong working relationship with Savannah Development & Renewal Authority.	2008	Ongoing	City, BHT	Staff Time	General Fund	Ongoing
2.13	Work with the Tourism Council and local business groups to encourage revitalization of business district.	2008	Ongoing	City, BHT, Tourism Council,	Staff Time	General Fund	Ongoing
2.14	Encourage the development of “off season” events and activities.	2008	Ongoing	City, BHT, Tourism Council,	Staff Time	General Fund	Ongoing
2.15	Consider allowing dogs on identified beaches during off-season (dogs allowed Oct - Apr).	2008	Ongoing	City	Staff Time	General Fund	In Progress / Under Review
2.16	Develop and promote eco-tourism businesses and resources.	2008	Ongoing	City, BHT, Tourism Council,	Staff Time	General Fund	Ongoing
2.17	Investigate potential for developing a convention center on the Island.	2009	Ongoing	City, BHT, Tourism Council,	Staff Time	General Fund	In Progress
2.18	Encourage small conventions to locate on the Island during off-season.	2009	Ongoing	City, BHT, Tourism Council,	Staff Time	General Fund	In Progress
2.19	Coordinate and offer package deals for conferences.	2009	Ongoing	City, BHT, Tourism Council,	Staff Time	General Fund
2.20	Evaluate opportunity to expand or relocate Visitor’s Center and provide for hotel/bed and breakfast establishments activity bookings at the center.	2010	Ongoing	City, BHT, Tourism Council,	Staff Time	General Fund
2.21	Implement beautification / façade improvements in business districts through a revolving loan program.	2010	Ongoing	City, BHT	$10,000	DCA	Under Review
	Housing
3.01	Develop recommendations for new development, redevelopment, and restoration that address mass, scale, and density of development.	2009	2011	City	$65,000	DCA, City	In Progress
3.02	Ensure that new development is consistent with the character of the neighborhood as defined in the Master Plan.	2008	Ongoing	City	Staff Time	General Fund	Ongoing
3.03	Consider adopting a standard for maximum lot coverage.	2008	Ongoing	City	Staff Time	General Fund	In Progress
3.04	Consider allowing upstairs residential development in commercial areas, if the use is primarily commercial.	2008	Ongoing	City	Staff Time	General Fund	In Progress
3.05	Consider the need for variances for rooflines where floodplains restrict first floor development, but do not allow fourth floor development.	2008	Ongoing	City	Staff Time	General Fund	In Progress / Under Review
	Land Use
4.01	Appoint a Task Force to review effectiveness of current code.	2008	Ongoing	City	Staff Time	General Fund
4.02	Update Land Development Code in accordance with recommendation of the Task Force and vision of this Plan.	2008	2010	City	$65,000	DCA, City	In Progress
4.03	As part of the update, restrict residential down-zoning in commercial areas.	2008	2010	City	$65,000	DCA, City	In Progress
4.04	As part of the update, ensure the zoning regulations are consistent with the Master Plan.	2008	2010	City	$65,000	DCA, City	In Progress
4.05	Improve the level of code enforcement.	2008	Ongoing	City	Staff Time	General Fund	In Progress
4.06	Educate residents about zoning, allowable land uses, and the rezoning process.	2008	Ongoing	City	Staff Time	General Fund	In Progress
4.07	Develop and adopt a Catastrophic Disaster Rebuild Plan for the Island.	2009	2011	City	$80,000	DCA	In Progress
4.08	Develop a comprehensive GIS database for the City.	2008	Ongoing	City	$45,000	General Fund, ESRI, SPLOST, ACOE	In Progress
	Transportation
5.01	Conduct transportation engineering study in accordance with Issues & Opportunities identified in this Plan.	2009	2011	City, CUTS	$75,000	General fund, GDOT, DCA	In Progress
5.02	As part of this study, explore possibility of taking control of Butler/Highway 80.	2009	2011	City, CUTS	$125,000	General fund, GDOT, DCA
5.03	As part of this study, investigate potential to reinstall median along Butler Avenue.	2009	2011	City, CUTS	$125,000	General fund, GDOT, DCA
5.04	As part of this study, explore potential to offer subsidized open-air trolley services around the Island to reduce traffic.	2009	2011	City, CUTS	$125,000	General fund, GDOT, DCA
5.05	As part of this study, explore charging additional “hotel tax” to help fund a city subsidized on and off island transportation system.	2009	2011	City, CUTS	$125,000	General fund, GDOT, DCA
5.06	As part of this study, investigate potential to make Highway 80 a toll road.	2009	2011	City, CUTS	$125,000	General fund, GDOT, DCA
5.07	As part of this study, investigate need and potential to locate a parking garage on the Island.	2009	2011	City, CUTS	$125,000	General fund, GDOT, DCA
5.08	As part of this study, investigate feasibility of using commercial parking lots for public parking.	2009	2011	City, CUTS	$125,000	General fund, GDOT, DCA
5.09	As part of this study, develop “peak use” contingency for parking.	2009	2011	City, CUTS	$125,000	General fund, GDOT, DCA
5.10	As part of this study, explore the potential for providing employee transportation for Island workers.	2009	2011	City, CUTS	$125,000	General fund, GDOT, DCA
5.11	Develop a GIS inventory of roads by type (arterial, collector, local) and assess condition.	2008	Ongoing	City	$45,000	General Fund, ESRI, SPLOST	In Progress
5.12	Coordinate with DOT to ensure that any widening of the Lazaretto Creek Bridge includes a separate bike lane.	2008	Ongoing	City	Staff Time	General Fund	In Progress
5.13	Encourage development of the bikeway to connect Tybee Island with Wilmington Island.	2008	Ongoing	City	Staff Time	General Fund	In Progress
5.14	As part of Land Code update, develop zoning overlay to require easements from property owners along Hwy 80 to complete the Tybee Island/Wilmington Island bikeway.	2009	2011	City	$65,000	DCA, City
5.15	Develop multi-use paths throughout City.	2011	Ongoing	City	$150,000	General fund; DCA; DNR, State, GDOT
5.16	Support and implement beautification and streetscaping along Butler Avenue / Highway 80.	2011	Ongoing	City	$250,000	GDOT
5.17	Bring level of service up to streets designated use.	2008	Ongoing	City	$1,000,000/yr	SPLOST, General Fund, GDOT
5.18	Implement Tybrisa Streetscaping project.	2008	2009	City	$2,000,000	GDOT, General Fund	Complete
5.19	Clearly define parking requirements for seasonal rentals and educate visitors about requirements.	2008	Ongoing	City, Tourism Council, Realtors Association	Staff Time	General Fund	In Progress
5.20	Educate residents and visitors about transportation related ordinances, alternative transit, and alternative transportation routes.	2008	Ongoing	City, Tourism Council, Realtors Association	Staff Time	General Fund
5.21	As part of the Wayfinding Project, review and revise existing Sign Ordinance to create design standards and a theme for signage along the roadways.	2008	2009	BHT	$50,000	BHT, GDOT, DCA, DNR, General Fund	In Progress
	Cultural & Historic Resources
6.01	Revisit the potential for establishing "Local Historic Districts" on the Island.	2008	Ongoing	City	Staff Time	General Fund	In Progress
6.02	Appoint members to the Historic Preservation Review Committee.	2010	Ongoing	City	Staff Time	General Fund	In Progress
6.03	As part of Land Code Update, review and update section 14 of Tybee's Land Development Code.	2009	2011	City	$65,000	DCA, City	In Progress
6.04	Use Historic Review Committee to determine appropriate design guidelines.	2010	Ongoing	City	Staff Time	General Fund
6.05	Pursue Certified Local Government Status.	2011	Ongoing	City	Staff Time	General Fund
6.06	Establish a GIS inventory of historic structures.	2008	Ongoing	City	$45,000	General Fund, ESRI, SPLOST, SAGIS	In Progress
6.07	Create a cultural arts liaison.	2008	Complete	City	$35,000/yr	General Fund	Complete
6.08	Educate residents and developers with regard to cost-effective materials, treatments.	2008	Ongoing	City	Staff Time	General Fund
6.09	Work with historic preservation groups to seek funding to assist with restoration projects.	2008	Ongoing	City	Staff Time	General Fund
6.10	Educate owners of historic structures about economic benefits such as tax credits, conservation easements, tax freezes, etc.	2008	Ongoing	City	Staff Time	General Fund
6.11	Support the City Art's Commission and the development of additional cultural resources.	2008	Ongoing	City	Staff Time	General Fund	Ongoing
6.12	Continue to support renovation of Guard House Post Theatre.	2008	Ongoing	City	$50,000	SPLOST	Ongoing
6.13	Consider the development of a public arts center/artist incubator center.	2008	Ongoing	City	Staff Time	General Fund	In Progress
6.14	Support preservation of Battery Halleck.	2008	Ongoing	City, County, Ft. Pulaski	$100,000	Land & Water Grant
6.15	Continue to support Lighthouse Museum.	2008	Ongoing	City	$25,000/yr	General fund	Ongoing
6.16	Examine potential to use the Tybee Gymnasium for art showings, craft fairs, and/or artists’ space.	2008	Ongoing	City	Staff Time	General Fund	In Progress
	Natural Resources
7.01	Develop complete GIS inventory of City's natural resources.	2008	Ongoing	City	$45,000	General Fund, ESRI, SPLOST	In Progress
7.02	Prioritize acquisition and preservation of greenspace, parks, and conservation easements.	2008	Ongoing	City	Staff Time	General Fund
7.03	Create linkages between greenspace, parks, cultural and historic interest points.	2011	Ongoing	City	$150,000	General Fund, GDOT, DCA, County, DNR, State
7.04	Identify various tools that support preservation efforts such as grants, conservation easements, etc.	2008	Ongoing	City	Staff Time	General Fund	In Progress / On-going
7.05	Continue to implement the NPDES Phase I MS4 Permit SWMP.	2008	Ongoing	City, MPC, County	$25,000	General Fund	In Progress
7.06	Implement a citywide bacteria monitoring program to identify the source of bacteria contamination on the beaches.	2009	Ongoing	City	$25,000	DNR, General Fund
7.07	Implement a sanitary sewer inspection and rehabilitation program in compliance with NPDES requirements.	2008	Ongoing	City	$440,000	SPLOST
7.08	Develop a water conservation program that meets requirements of the Coastal Plan for Saltwater intrusion.	2008	Ongoing	City	$15,000	Water & Sewer Enterprise Fund
7.09	Implement water conservation program that meets requirements of the Coastal Plan for Saltwater intrusion	2008	Ongoing	City	$5,000/year	Water & Sewer Enterprise Fund
7.10	Provide education for visitors on natural resource protection efforts including: recycling, water conservation, stormwater pollution, and respect of marine and marsh life.	2008	Ongoing	City, Tourism Council	$25,000	General Fund, DCA
7.11	Develop a targeted education program for developers that cover topics such as E&S control, buffers, tree protection and stormwater management.	2008	Ongoing	City	$5,000/year	Permit Fees, DCA, NRCS	In Progress
7.12	As part of the Land Code Update, allow for and encourage Low Impact Development practices such as rain barrels, green roofs, and rain gardens in public and private projects.	2009	2011	City	$65,000	DCA, City	In Progress
7.13	As part of the Wayfinding Project, place interpretive signage on dune crossings and along trails to educate residents and visitors about the fragile coastal environment.	2008	2010	City	$50,000	DNR, General Fund	In Progress
7.14	Continue to work with DNR for wetlands/marsh protection.	2008	Ongoing	City	Staff Time	General fund	In Progress
7.15	As part of the Land Code Update, review Tree Ordinance; develop incentives to promote the retention of trees as apposed to removal and replacement.	2009	2011	City	$65,000	DCA, City	In Progress
7.16	Support Marine Science Center Relocation	2008	Ongoing	City	Staff Time	General fund	In Progress
7.17	Continue to support work of marine science center.		Ongoing	City	$50,000/yr	General fund	Ongoing
7.18	Continue urban reforestation program.	2008	Ongoing	City	Varies	General fund, "Palms Up" user fees	In Progress
7.19	Continue to monitor drainage issues in dunes.	2008	Ongoing	City	Staff Time	General fund	In Progress
7.20	Continue to seek funding and implement beach re-nourishment.	2008	Ongoing	City	$12,000,000	SPLOST; Corps of Engineers-Federal Government, State of Georgia, Chatham County	In Progress
7.21	Promote the use of native plants/xeriscape through the development of landscape guidelines	2008	Ongoing	City	Staff Time	General fund	In Progress
7.22	Update the Solid Waste Management Plan.	2008	2008	City	$20,000	General Fund	In Progress
	Facilities & Services
8.01	Conduct a study to determine the carrying capacity of the Island as it relates to infrastructure and natural resources.	2008	2010	City,	$45,000	DNR, ACOE, General Fund	In Progress
8.02	Develop a capital improvement plan to be implemented in conjunction with road rehabilitation.	2008	Ongoing	City	$100,000	SPLOST, General Fund, DOT	In Progress
8.03	As part of the carrying capacity study, develop a water supply contingency plan that evaluates and plans for alternative sources.	2008	2010	City,	$45,000	DNR, ACOE, General Fund
8.04	Develop a wayfinding & educational sign system that is Island-wide and has a theme or "brand".	2008	2010	City	$50,000	DNR, General Fund	In Progress
8.05	Conduct a GIS inventory of the number of shallow wells and septic tanks on the Island	2008	Ongoing	City	$10,000	DNR General Fund, Water Systems Council	In Progress
8.06	Assess viability of building more permanent and/or temporary public restrooms.	2008	Ongoing	City	Staff Time	General fund	In Progress
8.07	Explore the potential to bury power lines.	2012	2015	City	$150,000	General Fund, SPLOST, DOT
8.08	Produce information packets for residents & visitors	2008	Ongoing	City, Tourism Council	$25,000	General Fund, DCA	In Progress
8.09	Work with YMCA to develop programs at the gym.	2008	Ongoing	City	Staff Time	General fund	In Progress
8.10	Support continued planning and program development for the Rivers End Campground to attract visitors in the off season.	2009	Ongoing	City, Tourism Council	$30,000	General Fund, DNR	In Progress
8.11	Continue to upgrade sidewalks / public facilities to be ADA-compliant.	2008	Ongoing	City	$50,000	General fund; DCA; SPLOST	In Progress
8.12	Continue upgrade of sewer collection system: Improve efficiency, reduce stormwater intrusion & explore feasibility of connecting existing septic systems users to the treatment facility.	2008	Ongoing	City	$2,225,000	SPLOST	In Progress
8.13	Continue to plan for wastewater treatment plant expansion.	2008	2010	City	$3,000,000	TBD	In Progress
8.14	Examine potential to incorporate reuse water treatment and purple pipe systems during the wastewater treatment plant expansion.	2008	2010	City	$3,000,000	TBD
8.15	Make improvements to Public Works complex.	2008	Ongoing	City	$300,000	SPLOST
8.16	Continue to maintain/replace as necessary all public works equipment.	2008	Ongoing	City	$100,000	General Fund; SPLOST
8.17	Develop a stormwater master plan to address drainage issues.	2009	2010	City	$125,000	General Fund, SPLOST	In Progress
8.18	As part of master plan, investigate potential for locating permanent drainage structures through dunes.	2009	2010	City	$125,000	General Fund, SPLOST	In Progress
8.19	After completion of master plan, make recommended improvements to improve Storm Drainage System.	2010	Ongoing	City	$750,000	SPLOST
8.20	Convert all drainage, water & sewer data to digital GIS format.	2008	Ongoing	City	$45,000	General Fund, ESRI, SPLOST	In Progress
8.21	Develop conceptual design & architectural drawings for project to replace Public Safety Facility.	2009	2010	City	$75,000	SPLOST
8.22	Replace Parking Services Building on Tybrisa Street; add Lifeguard Station to new facility as part of Tybrisa/Strand Streetscape.	2008	2009	City	$500,000	General fund; SPLOST; DNR	Complete
8.23	Investigate potential to reinstall portions of the Strand Boardwalk.	2010	Ongoing	City	Staff Time	General Fund, SPLOST
8.24	Update dune crossovers.	2008	Ongoing	City	$100,000 per crossing	General Fund, DNR	Ongoing
	Intergovernmental Coordination
9.01	Work with Chatham Area Transit and other local governments to identify remote park & ride sites.	2008	Ongoing	City	Staff Time	General Fund
9.02	Continue to participate in regional transportation efforts.	2008	Ongoing	City	Staff Time	General Fund
9.03	Coordinate with CEMA, Chatham County and other local and regional planning agencies to implement Tybee Island's Hurricane Disaster Management Plan.	2008	Ongoing	City	Staff Time	General Fund

In order to maintain Qualified Local Government (QLG) status every local government in Georgia must have an approved and adopted Short Term Work Program (STWP) for implementation of their Master Plan. The STWP outlines and schedules specific actions that the City intends to take to address the needs and goals identified in the plan. In short, the STWP is the “to-do” list that resulted from the Master Plan process.

 

Download the current STWP.