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working to develop an ordinance within the limits of Virginia law that would <br />accomplish the recommendations? <br /> <br />Dr. Brown and Mr. Lynch said they favor this. <br /> <br /> Mr. Schilling asked what the impact of a density bonus would be on a <br />neighborhood, including traffic and congestion, and if this balances out getting additional <br />units. <br /> <br />Dr. Brown said Mr. Schilling makes a good point. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch said developers can qualify now for density bonuses in commercial <br />corridors. <br /> <br /> Mr. Brown said that if Council has an affordable housing ordinance, it could turn <br />down a rezoning if the density is too great. <br /> <br /> Mr. Tolbert said density in the commercial corridors may not be an incentive with <br />a new ordinance. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch said he is less enthusiastic about the ordinance given the potential <br />impacts on neighborhoods. <br /> <br /> Mr. Caravati said he thinks density bonuses are a good thing, though he said he <br />appreciates the concern about the neighborhoods. He said he does not think that the <br />current housing boom will continue in the long-term <br /> <br /> Ms. Hamilton said she would favor moving forward with the ordinance, at least in <br />exploratory terms, noting that the status quo is not desirable. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch said he is more interested in applying it in commercial corridors, but is <br />okay with exploring it. <br /> <br /> Ms. Hamilton said applying it only to commercial corridors limits affordable <br />housing to one type of urban environment. <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown said he favors moving forward with the ordinance, making sure that it <br />does not overly impact neighborhoods, and keeping the percentage small. <br /> <br />It was agreed that the ordinance should be explored. <br /> <br /> 5) The Commonwealth of Virginia limits what we can require of developers <br />for the provision of affordable. Decision point: Do you desire staff to develop a <br />proposed legislative position to forward to the State when we prepare our legislative <br />program for the upcoming year? <br /> <br /> Mr. Brown explained that the City could ask that the statute be amended to give <br />Charlottesville the authority that other localities currently have. <br /> <br />Mr. Schilling said he is not necessarily in favor of it, but he will look at it. <br /> <br />It was agreed that legislation will be developed for Council to consider. <br /> <br /> 6) On occasion the City has an opportunity when we are working with an <br />owner of a very substantially deteriorated rental property to possibly acquire the <br />property and upgrade it for resale. Decision point: Do you agree that this is a <br />worthwhile activity and authorize staff when appropriate to use available housing <br />initiative and grant funds to model a small house rehabilitation and resale? <br /> <br /> Mr. Caravati said he would be in favor of this as long as the City does not do the <br />work. He said he would prefer to find someone to buy and renovate, and have the City <br />put income levels on. <br /> <br /> <br />