2002-12-16 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

3 recommended that the model used by Burlington, Vermont be used, with 15 to 18 members and use of a facilitator. Mr. Tolbert said the intent was to include more than one neighborhood representative. The charge would be to further the following broad housing goals: production of new affordable housing; preservation of existing affordable housing; and protection of vulnerable populations. The Task Force would be asked to complete it's work in approxi mately six months. Mr. Cox said there is no systematic way now of increasing the price range of housing in developments. Mr. Cox agreed that center city neighborhood representatives need to be a part of the process. Ms. Richards noted that when the Ne ighborhood Protection Task Force was formed years back, it they found that they were limited by State law in what they could do. She said she would like to make sure that the Task Force is realistic in its recommendations, and suggested that part of the c harge be that the recommendations be consistent with the State Code, or that recommendations be included about how to lobby for changes at the State level. Mr. Cox said it might be good to have an elected State official on the Task Force. Ms. Richards agreed that at least three neighborhood representatives should be included, preferable heads of neighborhood associations, and suggested that there be representatives from neighborhoods that have different housing types. Mr. Caravati agreed that the reco mmendations need to be realistic, and said he feels the charge needs to be refined. He said he would like to see outcomes set forth as well as the process. He asked how this will fit in with the City's Housing Strategy. Mr. Caravati said that gentrifica tion is a big issue and it is affecting affordability. He said he thinks this Task Force is critical, and while he agrees that there should be more neighborhood representation, he thinks the proposed composition is too large. Mr. Cox noted that it is en visioned that a facilitator will be used which will help with the large number of people proposed. Mr. Caravati said he has some concern with the proposed facilitator, and said he would like to see a cost estimate. He said it may be better to have a fac ilitator well versed in housing. He also said that he thinks that Council should recruit members, and should make the appointments. Mr. Lynch agreed with Mr. Caravati's comments, especially the size of the committee and that Council should make the appo intments. He also said he feels it may take longer than six months. He suggested having a smaller steering committee and then a larger group that receives all information. Mr. Lynch said he likes the format used by Burlington. Regarding the facilitator , he expressed concern about the cost, and said he would like to see it done in - house. Mr. Cox said that in order to manage this group he thinks an outside facilitator is needed. Mr. Schilling agreed that we should look to the Burlington model for stru cture, but noted that they do not have the same constraints as we do in Virginia. He suggested looking at the information gathered by a similar Task Force in Albemarle County. He said he would like more information on the budgetary impact and choices of facilitators. In order to be comprehensive in the Task Force's composition, he suggested adding representatives from the following areas: small rental property manager; high level person from larger rental management; Association of Realtors; Chamber of Commerce; education community; law enforcement community; University of Virginia; and an economist. Mr. Schilling said he thinks some of the things done in Burlington would actually increase housing costs in Charlottesville.