2004-12-06 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Regarding guideline #19, Mr. Lynch said we should be careful not to sacrifice long-term health for short-term cuts. Mr. Caravati asked that all programs affected by law and their amounts be listed. Mr. Lynch said a number of costs are going up double digit and he would like to see a more targeted analysis of these costs. He said we should ask if we have policies that attract high cost individuals to the community. On motion by Mr. Lynch, seconded by Ms. Hamilton, guideline #2 remained as presented by the following vote. Ayes: Dr. Brown, Mr. Caravati, Ms. Hamilton, Mr. Lynch. Noes: Mr. Schilling. On motion by Mr. Lynch, seconded by Ms. Hamilton, guidelines #13 and 19 remained the same by the following vote. Ayes: Dr. Brown, Mr. Caravati, Ms. Hamilton, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Schilling. Noes: None. RESOLUTION: AUTHORIZING FUNDS FOR DICE STREET HOUSING IMPROVEMENT Mr. Ron Higgins, Planner in Neighborhood Development Services, reviewed the proposal which was deferred from the previous meeting, to rehabilitate, demolish and construct new residences. Mr. Stu Armstrong, Executive Director of Piedmont Housing Alliance, reviewed the status of projects in which PHA is involved in response to questions raised at the previous meeting. Mr. Armstrong said that many units have been built, but some were sold because they could not make the numbers work for affordable housing. Mr. Schilling asked for a comprehensive listing of all properties owned by PHA. He asked ifPHA is holding all property under PHA or under an affiliated LLC, and Mr. Armstrong said some are held under other LLCs. Mr. Schilling said he appreciates the efforts of PHA. He said he has had calls from constituents about unintended effects of new homes raising assessments. He said he feels that Ms. Roads made good points about private development competing with public involvement. He said he has also heard constituent concerns about land banking. He reiterated a constituent's concern that organizations such as PHA would always do the least that could help rather than doing much more than is necessary. Mr. Armstrong said that in the Dice Street area 16 to 18 units were done without City funds, and noted that they involved eliminating blighted and boarded up structures. He said targeting these six units to be affordable is challenging. Responding to a question from Ms. Hamilton, Mr. Armstrong said that PHA is partnering with the U. Va. Design Studio, the Building Goodness Foundation and Habitat for Humanities. Ms. Hamilton said she has heard concern about the idea of the housing trust fund idea because it is an abstract idea for some people. Responding to a question from Dr. Brown, Mr. Armstrong said he met with the neighborhood a year or year and a half ago and they asked for the concentration of effort on the Dice Street area. Mr. Schilling said he is curious about the process when PHA and the City decide to acquire property, and how the value is determined. Mr. Higgins said he cannot recall the City being involved in the purchase of property with PHA. Mr. Armstrong said he has brought proposals to the City for a block approach.