Sinton, TX: Research Jessica Thompson Arch 5301

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Table of Contents:

Community Contact Information 3 City Council and Mayoral Registry 4 Community History 5 Community Profile 6 Demographics 8 Community Surveys 10 Existing Resources 15 Welder Wildlife Foundation 18 New Resources 24 Recommendations 26 Funding 30 Case Study 1- St. Augustine, FL 44 Case Study 2- Georgetown, TX 45 Design Recommendations 46 Appendix A- Main Street Report Appendix B- Community Surveys Appendix C- R/UDAT Guideline

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Sinton Contact Melanie Thomas Sinton Main Street Executive Director 361/364-4884 jhtlaw@sbcglobal.net

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City Council and

Mayoral Registry

Municipal Government

City of Sinton: 302 East Market Street, Sinton, TX 78387. Sinton has a Council - Manager type of government with 5 Councilmen (including the mayor) and a City Planning Commission plus a City Master Plan. Emergency personnel include 9 policemen, 7 police cars and regular night police patrol, a Fire Department with 30 volunteers, 7 units and 2 police reserves.

Pete Gonzales - Mayor Anna Franklin - Mayor Pro-Team Eloy Reyna - Council Jessica Thomas-Bates - Council Vicente Ortiz - Council Jackie Knox - City Manager Betty Wood - City Secretary City Attorney - Donald Kubicek Chief of Police - Eugenio DeLeon Director of Public Works - Beverly Agomuo Fire Marshall - Clemente Sanchez Municipal Court Judge - Molly Petrus-Thomas Librarian - Yolanda Bustamante

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Community History A timeline of significant facts in Sinton's history: 1886: The San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway builds through 1888: post office granted 1892: post office discontinued 1893: Sinton's school system is born with a one-room schoolhouse 1894: Sinton is declared county seat 1907: The St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexican Railway appears 1908: Packing sheds are supplied by J. W. Benson - population is a mere 78 persons 1910: Sinton has banks, a newspaper and at least one hotel 1912: Fire destroys large part of downtown 1916: Sinton incorporates 1920s: Brick buildings replaces wooden buildings in downtown Sinton 1935: Oil discovered on Easter Sunday Sinton continues to be a farming, petroleum, and petrochemical center. One of the more distantly visible structures in town is a huge grain elevator.

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Community Profile SINTON, TEXAS. Sinton, the county seat of San Patricio County, is at the intersection of the Southern Pacific and Missouri Pacific railroads and U.S. highways 77 and 181, near the center of the county. Soon after the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway built through the county in 1886, Col. George W. Fulton, qv founder of the Coleman-Fulton Pasture Company, qv received approval from the board of directors to give 640 acres for the town site of Sinton on the south bank of Chiltipin Creek. The town was named for David Sinton, majority stockholder in Coleman-Fulton. The company built cattle-loading pens immediately, and a post office in the section house was granted in 1888, with Margaret Camp as postmistress. By 1892 the post office had been discontinued. The charter for the Sinton Town Company was granted in 1894 for 1,000 acres. The organizers proved to be the leading citizens in the new town: George W. Fulton, Jr., John J. Welder, David Odem, Darius Rachal, Sidney G. Borden, qv William J. Scofield, L. N. Scofield, S. W. McCall, and S. D. Scudder. An election made Sinton county seat on June 23, 1894, and on June 28 the commissioners' court met in Sinton. The St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexican Railway arrived in 1907. Growth was slow, and the population, reported as seventy-five in 1908, began to grow only after home seeker trains began arriving in San Patricio County from the Midwest and from northern and central Texas. Several blocks of land were offered for sale to farmers. By 1910 the town had a number of businesses, a bank, a hotel, and a newspaper. Sinton developed as a shipping point for locally grown vegetables after J. W. Benson arrived in the county shortly before 1908 and set up packing sheds. Cattle continued to be shipped out by rail in large numbers. A four-alarm fire destroyed a block of business buildings in 1912. The city was incorporated in 1916, and W. E. Haisley was elected mayor. A home rule charter and a council-manager form of government were approved in 1966. A building boom transformed the main street into modern brick buildings shortly after World War I.qv The discovery of oil near Sinton on Easter Sunday, 1935, by the Plymouth Oil Companyqv changed the face of the town. Plymouth set up

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headquarters in Sinton and sponsored a baseball team, the Plymouth Oilers, qv who in 1957 became the first Texas team to win the national semiprofessional baseball crown. A few wells drilled during this period were still in production in 1988. After World War IIqv the city grew; a number of new businesses and several residential developments were constructed. The economy remained tied to the land. Vegetable-packing sheds operat1ed in Sinton until the mid-1960s, when sorghum, cotton, and, to a lesser degree, corn took over as the leading crops. Ranching also continued to be important in the north and west part of the county. A school system started in Sinton in 1893, when Miss Drew Moore presided over the one-room school. The town now has a modern system that was swelled by a rash of school consolidations in the decade following World War II. By the 1970s Sinton was a center for farming, petroleum, and petrochemical industries. In the 1980s the Rural Electrification Administration maintained a regional headquarters in Sinton, and the town was the site of a Dr Pepperqv plant. A large grain elevator served the town. The population in the late 1980s was estimated at 6,500. Sinton is the site of the annual San Patricio County Agricultural and Homemakers Show, an October Old Fiddlers Parade, and the county Youth Rodeo. It is also noted for its Rob and Bessie Welder Wildlife Park, qv a 3,000-acre recreation area belonging to the city. In 1990 the population was 5,549.

1 BIBLIOGRAPHY: Keith Guthrie, History of San Patricio County (Austin: Nortex, 1986). Vertical Files, Barker Texas History Center, University of Texas at Austin.

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Detailed Demographics

Sinton is located at 28°2'5" North, 97°30'32" West (28.034824, -97.508942)1. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.7 km² (2.2 mi²). 5.7 km² (2.2 mi²) of it is land and none of the area is covered with water. Population (year 2000): 5,676, Est. population in July 2002: 5,590 (-1.5% change) 1,845 households, 1,409 families residing in the city. Population density is 996.1/km² (2,582.0/mi²). 2,026 housing units at an average density of 355.6/km² (921.6/mi²). Males: 2,847 (50.2%), Females: 2,829 (49.8%)Median resident age: 32.3 years Median household income: $27,911 (year 2000) Median house value: $44,900 (year 2000) Races in Sinton:

Hispanic (71.0%)

White Non-Hispanic (25.0%)

Other race (18.5%)

Black (3.6%)

Two or more races (3.4%)

American Indian (1.1%)

For population 25 years and over in Sinton

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High school or higher: 60.3%

Bachelor's degree or higher: 9.1%

Graduate or professional degree: 2.9%

Unemployed: 8.4%

Mean travel time to work: 21.6 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Sinton city

Never married: 26.3%

Now married: 51.5%

Separated: 4.3%

Widowed: 9.4%

Divorced: 8.5%

3.5% Foreign born (3.4% Latin America).

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Community Opinion

The following is a compilation of the Citizen Survey2

1. What are things you like best about living in Sinton? • Quiet • Small town atmosphere • Lumberyard • Friendly people • Movie gallery • HEB • Whataburger • Good schools • Safe

2. What places do you show visitors to Sinton?

• Restaurants • Welder Wildlife Refuge • Aggie D�s • Parks • Residential areas • Main Street • Antique stores • Schools • Lumberyard • Butterchurn • Churches • Back street

3. What are the best things about downtown Sinton?

• Cleanliness

2 See Apendix B

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• Parks • Butterfly garden • Liberty square • Restaurants • Antique store • Butterchurn • Bank • Courthouse • Safety • No heavy traffic • Back street

4. What are the things about Sinton, which you think should be improved?

• Lawn maintenance • Youth activities • Store fronts (cleaned/repaired) • Clean up trash/junk • Sewer system • Home development • Sidewalks • Post office location/ traffic congestion

5. What kinds of new stores, facilities or activities would you like to see downtown?

• Clothing • Theater • Fabric shops/craft supply • Sporting goods • Flower nursery • Dance hall/ convention center • Bowling • Youth activities • Bookstore/coffee shop • Gym • Daycare

5. Where do you shop most often downtown?

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• Moore Pharmacy • HEB • Roger�s Jewelry • Jerkin�s Hardware • Betty�s Flowers • Charlie�s Treasures • Old shops • Circle K • Fletcher Chiropractic • Back street cafe

6. What can you not buy in Sinton?

• Shoes/Clothing • Appliances • Sporting goods • Animal supplies • Medicine • Flowers/plants • Furniture • Lumber • Tools • Farm Supplies • Health food

The following is a compilation of the Sinton Resource Team questionnaire3 4

1. List some aspects or features of Sinton that are unique and special.

• The number of parks • Small town charm • Unique individual housing • Good restaurants • Unique stores

3 See Appendix B 4 House http://imgsrv.homes.com/imgsrv/d6/84/125466846.jpg

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2. What would you like to protect in downtown Sinton? • Movie Theater • Jackson Square • Antique stores • Historic buildings/ Store fronts • Grace Coin Park

3. What is downtown lacking? Is there any type of business or

facility that you would like to see in downtown? • Clothing/Retail stores • Fast food • Social gathering spot • Youth recreation/entertainment • Parking • Lighting • Movie theater • Water fountain • Bed and breakfast

4. Are there problems with the infrastructure downtown? • Parking • Sidewalks (not enough, and cracked) • Old awnings need to be repaired • Needs paint • Better drainage • Lighting • Trash receptacles • Restrooms • Benches

5. What are some threats to downtown Sinton? • The entertainment at some taverns might create conflict for

family entertainment being provided by neighboring businesses • Bars (Town Club) • New bypass • Deterioration of Historic buildings • Vacant buildings

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6. What is your vision for the future of downtown Sinton? • Walking from business to business (small town shops) • Increase in local business/ vacancies filled • Restoration of older buildings • Thriving area • Shops with a variety of products/services • Maintain small town atmosphere • No strip malls

7. Comments/ Suggestions • Funds to reward clean, well-kept shops • Keep street and parking well painted to look new • Enforce upkeep • Skate park/ skating ring • Bowling ally • Area at the park for dance, outdoor movies and music • Stop bypass, encourage growth on the present 77 by-pass • Bring in something unique • More promotion of Sinton • New businesses

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Existing Resources Historic Resources:

Main Street Program � The Texas Main Street Program, part of the Texas Historical Commission's Community Heritage Development Division, helps Texas cities revitalize their historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts by utilizing preservation and economic development strategies.

The program began in 1981 and is affiliated with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Texas Main Street Program is among the most successful downtown revitalization programs in the nation, and has assisted more than 130 Texas cities through the program. The program has resulted in the private reinvestment of more than $860 million in Texas downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts, the creation of more than 18,200 jobs and the establishment of more than 4,600 new businesses.

Historic County Courthouse 5� Texas has more historic courthouses than any other state. Today, more than 225 courthouses still stand that are at least 50 years old. About 80 were built before the turn of the 20th century. Most of these structures have deteriorated significantly due to abandonment, inadequate maintenance, insensitive modifications or a combination of those problems.

The Texas Historical Commission (THC) announced in June 1999 that the Texas Legislature and Gov. George W. Bush had established the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program through House 5 courthouse http://www.geocities.com/tbraun4151/page52.html

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Bill 1341. The program provides partial matching grants to Texas counties for the restoration of their historic courthouses. The program began with a $50 million appropriation for the grants, which were awarded in two rounds. In 2001, legislators approved another $50 million allocation to fund further grant projects. In 2003, the 78th Texas Legislature approved the sale of $45 million in bonds to continue the program.

Parks: Jackson Square Grace Coin Speck Aiken Park Sinton Garden Club Butterfly Garden6 Liberty Park Rob and Bessie Welder Park- Free and open to public

Welder Wildlife Refuge- privately owned

Information: Brochures- Lots of Information about parks and shopping. Signage78- Some interesting signs but many need to be replaced

Existing attractions to play up: Fairgrounds- make useable for more than just fairs Golf Course/ Rob and Bessie Welder Park Welder Wildlife Refuge Antique Shops

6 Butterfly garden picture http://www.txcoastalbend.org/sinton.html 7 Squirrel sign www.auntaggiede.com 8 metal sign http://www.texasmetalbuildings.com/pictures.html#

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Incorporate Theme �City of Parks� into more of Sinton Texas Coastal Bend Regional Tourism Council � Tourism, now recognized, as one of the world�s major economic and social activities is the second largest industry in the United States and the third largest industry in the State of Texas. The council works with the cities of the Coastal Bend to improve and promote tourism. San Patricio Economic Development Corporation � The San Patricio Economic Development Corporation is an organization of public and private partners dedicated to enhancing the business environment for existing and new businesses, stimulating job growth and marketing the area to attract new businesses, residents and tourists. The organization�s primary focus is economic growth and all of the SPEDC�s initiatives are directed by that focus.

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Parks Welder Wildlife Refuge

Staff . Director: Dr. D. Lynn Drawe . Assistant: Dr. Terry L. Blankenship . Assistant Director: Dr. Selma Glasscock . Operations Foreman: James Cox The Foundation Objectives The Welder Wildlife Foundation is a private, non-profit organization. The Foundation was established in 1954 through the will of Rob Welder. The Foundation has gained international recognition through its graduate student research program. The primary purpose of the Foundation is to conduct research and education in the field of wildlife management and conservation and other closely related fields. As a private foundation our purpose and operation remain unhindered by outside political or institutional pressures. Many other research organizations' conduction land management research exists across the state and nation, but no other organization has dedicated itself solely to conducting wildlife research on an operating ranch in an active oilfield. Location The Foundation's headquarters and 7800-acre wildlife refuge are located 35 miles north of Corpus Christi, Texas, in the Tamaulipan Biotic Province in a transitional area between the Gulf Prairies and Marshes and the Rio Grande Plains vegetation areas. Fellowships Annually, carefully selected graduate students from universities across the United States are granted fellowships to conduct research

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and pursue advanced degrees in wildlife conservation and management. Welder students work side by side with peers and staff from a variety of backgrounds, subjecting their projects to constant review and discussion. Students and projects are selected so that research is on the "cutting edge" of the field of wildlife conservation and management. To learn about our fellowship application requirements and procedures, please visit the "Fellowship Program". Conservation Education Program In recent years our conservation education program has grown tremendously, allowing us to reach more of the public than ever before. To learn more about our programs designed to reach students, teachers and the general public visit the "Education Program" or the "Conservation Across Boundaries" Program9. 9Welder Wildlife Refuge http://hometown.aol.com/welderwf/welderweb.html

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Economic Development Asset Recommendations

Taken from the Texas Main Street Sinton Resource Report The city has many remarkable attributes including a moderate climate, a small town charm, and access to recreational resources, low taxes and a low crime rate. Because of its geographical location, Sinton is recognized for being a gateway to the coastal bend region, which might be its greatest attribute. In addition to these, Sinton has many other assets that it can capitalize upon for growth10. I will expand upon a many of their recommendations that I feel will best offer Sinton the most opportunities.

• Quantity and Quality of the Parks � Use in conjunction with �Sinton, the City of Parks� this can be used as a tourism draw.

• Excellent School System - Can be used to draw new citizens to

Sinton or increase transfer students.

• A Prime Golf Course � This can become a prime tourism draw, as it is the only one in the area.

• Location via Highway 77 and 181 and proximity to Corpus Christi � Use as a bedroom community to Corpus Christi

10 See Appendix A

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• Low crime rate � Use this to attract new citizens and tourists, market Sinton toward families.

• Unique small town charm � Use this as another aspect for tourism, visit �Sinton, the City of Parks� and get away from the busy city.

• Existing Historic Buildings � Use with main street project,

connect all the historic places to form a historic district, include a walking tour to all historic sties including railroad museum.

• Existing business mix � Open business in later hours, find

incentives to increase businesses. List the local business in brochures and on the city website.

• Friendly people �

• Good Restaurants � Use in Tourism, create a brochure highlighting the diverse eating experiences. Have a list of all the restaurants on sidewalk kiosks.

• A Main Street program to facilitate the interest of the downtown

business community � Continue to work with Main Street to redevelop the downtown and historic districts.

• Low taxes � Use this as another incentive to attract new

citizens.

• County Seat � Target employees, who don�t live in Sinton for Tourism, use as a source for new businesses.

• County Courthouse � Use in the Historic Sinton District.

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Economic Development Challenge Recommendations

• No comprehensive plan for growth � Hire a design team to

create a master plan. This will give the town a direction and will save time and money.

• Lack of available place to locate new businesses �

• Lack of a good retail mix for goods and services � Offer

incentives to expand current businesses and create new ones. Have a list of available tax incentives and grants.

• Antiquated and inadequate infrastructure � This is one of the

first items that needs to be addressed. Good infrastructure is vital in attracting people, and marketing the downtown. This would be addressed in the development of a master plan.

• No available land for growth, thus limiting growth �

• Political relationships are strained � A master plan would help

alleviate this, as it would provide a solid foundation for the direction of the town.

• The Perception of quality market rate housing �

• Lack of multifamily rental housing �

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• Low wage jobs �

• No downtown incentives to attract businesses � The redevelopment of the downtown will provide a basis for incentives to attract new businesses. Once Sinton begins to draw more tourism there will be a larger market and demand for new business.

• Lack of job opportunities and low per capita income �

• Enforcement of code violations � Form a committee to address

this.

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New Resources

Historic Resources:

Historic Cemetery program � To address the problem of cemetery destruction and to record as many cemeteries as possible, the Texas Historical Commission oversees the Historic Texas Cemetery designation.

Historic Texas Cemetery designation is an official recognition of family and community graveyards and encourages preservation of historic cemeteries. The designation imposes no restrictions on private owners� use of the land adjacent to the cemetery but provides for the recordation of the cemetery into the county deed records as a historically dedicated property worthy of preservation. To nominate a cemetery, the owner, who is considered a trustee of the land dedicated for cemetery purposes, will be notified, though the owner�s consent is not required. To receive the designation, the applicant must show proof that the cemetery is at least 50 years old, provide precise information about its location and document it using a Historic Texas Cemetery designation application, as well as black and white photographs.

Sinton should look into the history of its local cemetery. This could be a unique stop on a Historic Sinton Tour and add to the tourism appeal.

Historic Railroad11 � Railroads played an important part in the founding of many small towns in the early 1900�s, this is 11 Old Railroad picture http://www.rypn.org/codney/sinton.htm

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true for Sinton, with the Southern Pacific and Missouri Pacific railroads. Sinton should develop a small railway museum that highlights how it has affected the growth of Sinton and South Texas. This could also provide another stop on the Historic Sinton Tour. Information

Signage- Sinton is in need of signage especially at an entrance to the city and historic and downtown districts. Signage is usually the first glimpse of town. The signage needs to be appropriate in scale and content. In the historic and downtown districts where pedestrian traffic is encouraged, the signage should be lower and more visible at eye level. At the entrance to the city a larger scale is appropriate to attract attention of passers by. Brochure�s- Sinton needs to update the look and information in its brochures. Bright colors and clean lines will attract attention and draw tourism to the area. Also, there should be informational brochures on all that Sinton has to offer: the parks, historic districts, antiques shops and restaurants. The parks brochure should highlight all the local parks and give a brief description of the amenities of each. The parks could be broken down into two categories Nature which would include the Welder Parks and the butterfly garden, etc and Community which would include all the rest. Neighborhood parks should also be included in this. Website- The city needs a website that highlights all that Sinton has to offer. This is something that will need to be updated regularly. There should be links to every part of the Town; City Council, Chamber of Commerce, libraries, school district, and everything talked about in this report. There should also be a section that updates on what is happening in regards to the Main Street Project and community development.

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Recommendations Observation: Through my research I have noticed that it is hard to get information about the Community of Sinton. And it is easy to miss from the road. Problem Statement: Sinton needs ways to attract the attention of potential tourists. Solutions:

1.) Create a welcoming gateway at all entrances of Sinton. 2.) Update town brochures with current information and

redesign to look more attractive. 3.) Play up on Historic aspect of Sinton: Historic Main

Street, Courthouse, Cemetery, and railroads. 4.) Play up on location near Corpus Christi, and beaches 5.) Promote reasons to live in Sinton: School District and

low crime rate 6.) Create a Town website explaining about the town and

have updates about local events.

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Observation:

Shopping is a noted problem throughout the town. Sinton lacks stores to buy items such as shoes, clothing and furniture. This information was gathered from my Sinton contact and from the citizen surveys. Problem Statement: Sinton lacks retails stores the sell clothing and furniture, especially good quality items. Solutions:

1.) Get funding from better business bureau to create incentives to open new businesses.

2.) Get funding for existing businesses to expand 3.) Look at tax incentives for use of Historic Buildings

renovations 4.) Look at The Office of the Governor of Texas- Division of

Tourism and Economic Development. The retail development goes along with the redevelopment of the downtown. An increase in tourism would lead to an increase in the economic development of Sinton and would create even more demand for new businesses. As such one of the first items that needs to be corrected is the infrastructure, new businesses won�t move into a place that is in need of new utilities and sidewalks. Sinton has many unique retail spaces that would be excellent for new businesses. If these were cleaned and restored then they would attract potential owners.

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Observation: It has come to my attention that the downtown is lacking in many ways. This has been address in the Main Street Project, but it is just getting started. Problem Statement: The downtown area is filled with vacant, decaying buildings and lacks businesses to attract tourists. There is nothing in the way of youth activities and it lacks a convention center or place for large gatherings. There is also a problem with a lack of seating along the shops, lighting, sidewalks and parking. Solutions:

1.) Continue to work with the THC main street project. 2.) Look at The Office of the Governor of Texas- Division of

Tourism and Economic Development 3.) Look at the office of Rural and Community affairs. 4.) Look to CDCs to improve the town and gain funding,

especially from local initiatives support corporations. 5.) If there aren�t any local CDCs then look into forming one.

One of biggest suggestions is to hire someone to design a master plan for the city. Doing this will save the city time, effort, headaches and money in the long run. It is a big investment at the inception but will save money overtime. Having a master plan will help the town�s citizens realize all the Sinton can be. This will also make it easier to any work done since there will already be a guideline set up. In Appendix C is a guideline from the AIA community development teams that should be beneficial. The website for the team is www.aia.org/liv_dat

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Observation: Sinton�s theme is �The City of Parks�. Problem Statement: How can this theme be used to increase tourism and develop the economy? Solutions:

1.) Create a park at the fair grounds that can be used all year and for various functions.

2.) Create brochures that list all the parks with a description of amenities at each. Include private and public parks as well as nature and neighborhood parks.

3.) During downtown redevelopment and future housing developments, create more neighborhood parks for the city.

4.) Look at Project for Public Space to incorporate parks into city life.

5.) Look at the Trust for Public Land- to conserve land, create parks and gain funding for those projects.

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Funding Sources

There are many sources of funding whether it is in the form of grant, loans or tax incentives. This is a brief list of funding that is available and that Sinton should qualify for. Funding for Parks and Wildlife These funds can be used to expand the park, provide trails, clean up, add facilities almost anything to better the park environment. Matching Grants for Conservation Programs The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is a nonprofit organization established by the U.S. Congress in 1984. The Foundation fosters cooperative partnerships to conserve fish, wildlife, plants, and the habitats on which they depend. Through the General Matching Grant Program, the Foundation works with its grantees and conservation partners to stimulate private, state, and local funding for conservation. A minimum of a two-to-one match (non-federal dollars to federal dollars) is required. State and local governments, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply. Grants typically range from $10,000-$150,000, based upon need. Grant requests are reviewed three times per year. The next deadline for pre-proposals is September 15, 2005. Visit the website listed above for more information. http://www.nfwf.org/guidelines.cfm

Outdoor Recreation Grants This program provides 50% matching grant funds to acquire and

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develop parkland or to renovate existing public recreation areas. The maximum grant awarded is $500,000. Eligible sponsors include cities, counties, MUDs, and other special districts. Projects must be completed within three years of approval. Application deadlines are January 31st and July 31st each year.

Small Community Grants The grant program was created in 2001 to meet the recreation needs of small Texas communities with a population of 20,000 and under. The grant provides 50% matching grant funds (maximum $50,000) to eligible municipalities and counties. Funds must be employed for development or beautification of parkland. Eligible projects include ball fields, boating, fishing and hunting facilities, picnic facilities, playgrounds, swimming pools, trails, camping facilities, beautification, restoration, gardens, sports courts and support facilities. The deadline for this program is January 31st each year.

Community Outdoor Outreach Program (COOP) Grants The COOP grant helps to introduce under-served populations to the services, programs, and facilities of Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. This is not a land acquisition/construction grant; this is only for programs and services. Grants are awarded to non-profit organizations, schools, municipalities, counties, cities, and other groups. Minimum grant requests are $5,000 and maximum grant requests are $30,000. Application deadlines are October 1st and February 1st of each year.

Indoor Recreation (Facility) Grants The program provides 50% matching grant funds to municipalities, counties, MUDs, and other local units of government to construct recreation centers, community centers, nature centers and other facilities. The grant maximum is $637,500 per application. The application deadline is July 31st each year.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/business/grants/trpa/

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2005 Playground Opportunities KaBOOM! is conducting outreach to locate potential Community Partners in cities and towns all across North America for playgrounds to be built in 2005. Child-serving, non-profit organizations-but could be community development organizations, neighborhood coalitions, charter schools, or any organization that can mobilize a volunteer force and is in need of a playground. Community Partners will receive a four-book Tool Kit that explains how to plan a playground from start to finish; two months of step-by-step guidance from a KaBOOM! project manager; a maintenance plan for the care of the new playground; and, with the help of volunteers, an inspiring community building experience ("Build Day") resulting in construction of a new playground in a single day. Visit the Program web site for complete program information, participation guidelines, and the list of cities in which 2005 KaBOOM! Playground Opportunities are currently available. http://www.kaboom.org/nooz.aspx?id=452 Kodak American Greenways Awards Grant Criteria Grant recipients are selected according to criteria that include: * Importance of the project to local greenway development efforts * Demonstrated community support for the project * Extent to which the grant will result in matching funds or other support from public or private sources * Likelihood of tangible results * Capacity of the organization to complete the project Guidelines Grants may be used for activities such as: mapping, ecological assessments, surveying, conferences, and design activities; developing brochures, interpretative displays, audio-visual productions or public opinion surveys; hiring consultants, incorporating land trusts, building a foot bridge, planning a bike path, or other creative projects. In general, grants can be used for all appropriate expenses needed to complete a greenway project including planning, technical assistance, legal and other costs. Grants may not be used for academic research, general institutional support,

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lobbying, or political activities. Eligible Applicants Awards will primarily go to local, regional, or statewide nonprofit organizations. Although public agencies may also apply, community organizations will receive preference. Award Amounts The maximum grant is $2,500. However, most grants range from $500 to $1,500. http://www.conservationfund.org/?article=2372 Texas Parks and Wildlife Recreational Trails Grants The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (Texas Parks and Wildlife Department) administers the National Recreational Trails Fund in Texas under the approval of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). This federally funded program receives its funding from a portion of federal gas taxes paid on fuel used in non-highway recreational vehicles. The grants can be up to 80% of project cost. Funds can be spent on both motorized and non-motorized recreational trail projects such as the construction of new recreational trails, to improve existing trails, to develop trailheads or trailside facilities, and to acquire trail corridors. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/business/grants/trpa/#trail Funding for Historic Preservation These funds can be used to restore the exterior and interiors of historic buildings, and some can be used to promote tourism to historic places.

Preservation services fund- Provides nonprofit organizations and public agencies matching grants from $500 to $5,000 (typically from $1,000 to $1,500) for preservation planning and education efforts.

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Funds may be used to obtain professional expertise in areas such as architecture, archeology, engineering, preservation planning, land-use planning, fund raising, organizational development and law as well as preservation education activities to educate the public.

Johanna Favrot Fund for Historic Preservation � Provides nonprofit organizations and public agencies grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 for projects that contribute to the preservation or the recapture of an authentic sense of place. Individuals and for-profit businesses may apply only if the project for which funding is requested involves a National Historic Landmark. Funds may be used for professional advice, conferences, workshops and education programs.

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors: Provides nonprofit organizations and public agencies grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 to assist in the preservation, restoration, and interpretation of historic interiors. Individuals and for-profit businesses may apply only if the project for which funding is requested involves a National Historic Landmark. Funds may be used for professional expertise, print and video communications materials, and education programs.

http://www.orca.state.tx.us/ORCAFundsService/CDBG/index.htm

Texas Preservation Trust FundTPTF grants pay up to one-half of total project costs to help preserve Texas� cultural resources. Grant funds typically range from $3,000 to $107,000 and are awarded for acquisition, development, planning and education. Project types eligible for grant assistance include archeological sites; commercial buildings; public buildings such as schools, city halls, libraries and museums; unique historic structures such as bridges, water towers, lighthouses and ships; monies for training individuals and organizations about historic resources and preservation techniques.

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Heritage Tourism Grants Government and nonprofit organizations in counties within an active Texas Heritage Trails Program region can apply for matching grants when funds are available. Grants are used for heritage tourism-oriented projects such as interpretation, signage, communications materials, exhibits and training. Grants are one-to-one with in-kind and/or cash matches.

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Capital Access Fund The Texas Capital Access Fund was established to increase the availability of financing for businesses and nonprofit organizations that face barriers in accessing capital. Through the use of the Capital Access Fund, businesses that might otherwise fall outside the guidelines of conventional lending may still have the opportunity to receive financing. The essential element of the program is a reserve account established at the lending institution to act as a credit enhancement, inducing the financial institution to make a loan. Use of proceeds may include working capital or the purchase, construction, or lease of capital assets, including buildings and equipment used by the business. Refinancing of existing loans not originally enrolled under the program, construction or purchase of residential housing and simple real estate investments (excluding those occupied by the applicant�s business) are ineligible uses of capital access proceeds. Lines of Credit are permissible.

http://www.thc.state.tx.us/grantsincent/gratptf.html

AmeriCorps National Direct Grant Program

12 Theater picture http://www.cinematour.com/location/usa/tx/sinton.jpg

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Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives A federal tax credit worth 20 percent of the eligible rehabilitation costs is available for buildings listed in the National Register of Historic Places. A building needs to be eligible for listing at the beginning of the rehabilitation project, but need not be officially listed until the tax credit is claimed by the owner.

Eligible Buildings and Costs The work undertaken as part of the project must meet The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. The tax credit is available only for income-producing properties. For example, office, retail, hotel and apartments are eligible. Owner-occupied residential properties are NOT eligible for the credit. The credit is also limited to buildings only; structures such as bridges and silos do not qualify. The tax credit is designed for substantial rehabilitation projects, not small remodeling projects. The eligible project costs generally must exceed the value of the building itself (not including the land) at the beginning of the project. Most rehabilitation costs are eligible for the credit, such as structural work, building repairs, electrical, plumbing, and heating and air conditioning, roof work and painting. Some specific costs are NOT eligible for the credit, such as acquisition, new additions, furniture and landscaping.

Funding for Businesses These funds can be used to purchase equipment, marketing equipment or as start up capital. Count Me In Loans Provides business loans to women. Loans can be used for working capital, purchase of inventory or equipment, marketing materials for a sales event, or other uses that will help your business generate cash. Applications accepted on an ongoing basis. Loans from $500 to $10,000. First time loans must be $5000 or less. Interest rates on a Count Me In loan ranges from 8 to 15%, based on credit history, the risk of the business, and prior experience.

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http://www.count-me-in.org/loanapps/index.html SBA Certified Development Company (504) Loan Program The 504 Certified Development Company (CDC) Program provides growing businesses with long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets, such as land and buildings. Proceeds from 504 loans must be used for fixed asset projects such as: purchasing land and improvements, including existing buildings, grading, street improvements, utilities, parking lots and landscaping; construction of new facilities, or modernizing, renovating or converting existing facilities; or purchasing long-term machinery and equipment. The 504 Program cannot be used for working capital or inventory, consolidating or repaying debt, or refinancing. To be eligible, the business must be operated for profit and fall within the size standards set by the SBA. Under the 504 Program, the business qualifies as small if it does not have a tangible net worth in excess of $7 million and does not have an average net income in excess of $2.5 million after taxes for the preceding two years. Loans cannot be made to businesses engaged in speculation or investment in rental real estate. http://www.sba.gov/financing/sbaloan/cdc504.html Leverage Fund Introduced in 1992, the Texas Leverage Fund (TLF) provides an additional source of financing to communities that have adopted an economic development sales tax. Communities may leverage future sales tax revenues to support job retention or creation. Available for interim, long-term or gap financing, TLF loans provide flexible financing terms to match the unique needs of communities, with maturities of up to 15 years available. Generally, EDCs are eligible to borrow four to five times annual sales tax revenues, up to $5 million. TLF loans are low-cost, providing capital to communities at floating Prime Rate, as published in the Wall Street Journal. Future sales tax revenues serve as collateral for loan repayment with required debt service coverage ratios specified in the Texas Leverage Fund Program Guidelines. Pledged tax collections not needed for actual debt service are available for other projects. Loan proceeds must be used to pay eligible "costs" of "projects" as defined by the Development Corporation Act of 1979 (the Act), as amended. Under

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Section 4A of the Act, examples of eligible costs include land, buildings, machinery and equipment for manufacturing and industrial operations. Under Section 4B of the Act, examples of eligible costs include sports, athletic, entertainment and public park purposes and events. http://www.tded.state.tx.us/TexasLeverageFund/ Funding for Community Development These funds can be used to purchase land, make renovations, increase financing, and for revitalization. Social Change Efforts Funded The Ben & Jerry's Foundation provides support to nonprofit, grassroots organizations throughout the United States that facilitate progressive social change by addressing the underlying conditions of societal and environmental problems. Grant applicants need to demonstrate that their projects will: lead to societal, institutional, and/or environmental change; address the root causes of social or environmental problems; and lead to new ways of thinking and acting. Specifically, the Foundation seeks groups that are working to help themselves, help their own communities, and help others like themselves through self-empowering, community organizing efforts. The Foundation does not make grants to support basic or direct social service programs. Applications are accepted throughout the year. For application guidelines visit the website listed above.

http://www.benjerry.com/foundation/

Industry Development Loan Program

The Texas Industry Development (TID) Loan Program provides capital to Texas communities at favorable market rates. The main objective of TID is to support projects that will stimulate the creation of jobs and corporate expansion and relocation. TID loans can be used for a variety of purposes, including the purchase of land, buildings, construction, machinery and equipment. TID financing is

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available for loans above $5,000,000. TID loans are generally requested by a community's economic development corporation, or EDC.

TID Program loans are low cost, long term financing opportunities to cover costs of economic development projects. The term of the loan cannot extend beyond the useful life of the assets, or bond maturity in 2025.

The TID program operates within a non-profit entity incorporated under the Development Corporation Act of 1979 (Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes Article 5190.6), Texas Small Business Industrial Development Corporation (TSBIDC). The 67th Legislature in 1981 authorized TSBIDC to issue bonds for economic development projects. The Office of the Governor Division of Economic Development and Tourism administers the TID program. TID loan obligations do not constitute any liability on the part of the State.

Starting in 1983, TSBIDC issued special limited revenue obligations supporting job creation and capital investment for businesses and communities in Texas. Supported by a bond issuance on July 15, 1986, TID funds are directed to communities for economic development. Debt service is provided by project revenues. http://www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/ecodev/ed_bank/files/TID_Application_Public_Project.doc Enterprise Zone Program

The Texas Enterprise Zone Program is an economic development tool for local communities to partner with the State of Texas to promote job creation and capital investment in economically distressed areas of the state.

Local communities must nominate a company as an Enterprise Project to be eligible to participate in the Enterprise Zone Program. Legislation limits allocations to the state and local communities per biennium. The state accepts applications quarterly with deadlines on the first working day of March, June, September and December.

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Designated projects are eligible to apply for state sales and use tax refunds on qualified expenditures. The level and amount of refund is related to the capital investment and jobs created at the qualified business site.

http://www.tded.state.tx.us/TexasEnterpriseZone/

AmeriCorps National Direct Grant Program

AmeriCorps programs provide grants to initiate, improve, or expand the ability of organizations and communities to provide services to address local unmet needs in education, the environment, independent senior living, public safety (including disaster preparedness and response), or other human needs. Members engage in a range of activities such as recruiting and supporting community volunteers, providing translation services in community clinics, conducting safety patrols for local police departments, participating in environmental projects, conducting outreach and referral services for the homeless, tutoring and mentoring young people, helping homebound seniors and other adults maintain independence in their own homes, and responding to natural disasters.

UD State Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program

Funding can be used to revitalize neighborhoods, expand affordable housing, economic opportunities, improve community facilities and services, acquire property such as land and buildings, improvements to property, and building and improving public facilities such as streets, sidewalks, sewers, water systems, parks, community centers, fire stations and more. Grants provided to states, which are awarded to smaller communities and rural areas. States participating in the CDBG Program award grants only to units of general local government that carry out development activities. Annually each State develops funding priorities and criteria for selecting projects. HUD's role under the State CDBG program is to ensure State compliance with Federal laws, regulations and policies. Communities eligible for State CDBG funds are municipalities with fewer than 50,000 residents (except certain central cities), and non-urban counties (generally those with populations of 200,000 or fewer,

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excluding any entitlement cities contained within the county). States must award at least 70 percent of their CDBG funds for activities, which benefit low-and moderate-income persons. The State may use $100,000 plus up to 50% the costs it incurs for program administration, up to a maximum of 3 percent of its CDBG allocation. The State may expend up to 3% of its CDBG allocation on technical assistance activities. However, the total the State spends on both administrative and technical assistance expenses may not exceed 3% of the State's allocation.

ihttp://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/communitydevelopmen t/programs/stateadmin/index.cfm

203(k) Program Flexible loan program that helps developers, investors, and families at all income levels to buy and restore properties in urban and rural historic districts. The program operates through FHA approved lending institutions, and the loans are insured by FHA. The 203(k) Mortgage Rehabilitation Insurance Program helps preservationists deal with problems such as appraisal barriers, the high cost of second mortgages, and prohibitive down payment and closing costs. Unlike most mortgage programs, the 203(k) is available to potential homeowners before restorations are completed.

www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/203k/203kmenu.cfm.

Capital Access Fund

The Texas Capital Access Fund was established to increase the availability of financing for businesses and nonprofit organizations that face barriers in accessing capital. Through the use of the Capital Access Fund, businesses that might otherwise fall outside the guidelines of conventional lending may still have the opportunity to receive financing. The essential element of the program is a reserve account established at the lending institution to act as a credit enhancement, inducing the financial institution to make a loan.

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Use of proceeds may include working capital or the purchase, construction, or lease of capital assets, including buildings and equipment used by the business. Refinancing of existing loans not originally enrolled under the program, construction or purchase of residential housing and simple real estate investments (excluding those occupied by the applicant�s business) are ineligible uses of capital access proceeds. Lines of Credit are permissible.

The Linked Deposit Program

The State of Texas Linked Deposit Program (�Linked Deposit Program�) was established to encourage lending to historically underutilized businesses, childcare providers, non-profit corporations, and/or small businesses located in an Enterprise Zone by providing lenders and borrowers a lower cost of capital.

Use of proceeds may include working capital, the purchase, construction, or lease of capital assets, which include land, buildings, and equipment. Loans to start-up businesses are permissible, subject to lender�s normal credit evaluation.

An eligible lender must be a lending institution that has been approved as a State Depository Bank by the Texas State Treasury Office.

An eligible borrower must be a Historically Underutilized Business, child-care provider, non-profit corporation, and /or a small business that is located in an enterprise zone.

A Historically Underutilized Business is defined as a for profit corporation, sole proprietor, partnership, or joint venture whose ownership is at least 51% African American, American Indian, Asian Pacific American, Hispanic American, or woman.

A child-care provider is defined as a small business that operates or proposes to operate a day-care center or a group day-care home, as defined by Section 42.002, Human Resources Code.

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A non-profit corporation is defined as a not for profit corporation organized under the Texas Non-Profit Corporation Act.

A small business is defined as a for-profit, independently owned and operated entity that employs less than 100 full-time employees.

www.thc.state.tx.us

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Case Study 1- St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine FL is America's oldest permanently settled European city. Horse drawn carriage, train and trolley rides are richly flavored with tour guides whose stories help you visualize the St. Augustine FL of long ago. Quaint bed and breakfast establishments, hotels, motels, private rental properties and campgrounds provide comfortable and unique accommodations throughout the historic district and surrounding areas of St. Augustine. St. Augustine's restaurants are among the finest in the northeast Florida area13. St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States, and uses this fact to draw in numerous tourists as well as to increase it population. St. Augustine is located in the largest growing county in the United States. St. Augustine is a good case study because there are a number of parallels between it and Sinton. Both are located near the coast, both have many parks that attract nature lovers and both have a small population. The aspect of St. Augustine that would be most beneficial is their Historic District. This walk features the original buildings from the time of the Spanish rule, which have been turned into retail. On the outside of each building is a brief description outlining the history of the building. There is also a large, and very informative visitor�s center that highlights all the historic parts of the city and links them together. Sinton, should contact the St. Augustine chamber of commerce to read over what the city has done in the way of community development. 13 St. Augustine, FL http://www.oldcity.com/

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Case Study 2- Georgetown, Texas Since 1982, Georgetown has worked to restore, rehabilitate and revitalize its downtown square. As a result, we are the first city in Texas to be named a Great American Main City in 1997, the highest honor bestowed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Georgetown was the first city in Texas to be named a Great American Main Street City in 1997, the highest honor bestowed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Today, three National Register Districts host more than 180 historic businesses and homes, and the Town Square Historic District is a singular point of interest14. Georgetown is an excellent case study for Sinton because it has come a long way from where is was. One thing that has made Georgetown so successful besides the community involvement. Was the adoption of a master plan. This plan has allowed the city to improve at steady rate without any major fall backs. Georgetown has a number of informative web sites that update regularly, and detail exactly what is going on in the city invluding what it is doing to improve the community and its economic development. The city has many comparable attributes to that of Sinton, one thing being the parks. Georgetown is renowed for its Blue Hole which is a scenic lagoon on the San Gabriel River. As Sinton is just getting started with its own revitalization, this is an excellent example to look at as it will show what another city has gone though and the progress that it has made. 14 Georgetown, TX http://www.oldcity.com/

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Design Recommendations

Sidewalk Kiosks

Historic Renovation

Downtown Revitalization