2005-01-18 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Howard Evergreen, Chairman of CRHA, said that a partnership is needed. He said the goal is to put a plan together for all properties owned by the Housing Authority. He said an RFP for mixed income condominiums on the Authority's Levy Avenue lot is being developed. Mr. Lynch asked about drawing down HOPE 6 funds for Westhaven, and Mr. Chedda said that these funds are being phased out and there is a need for other sources of income. Mr. Caravati thanked members of the Authority for bringing stability to the board. He expressed concern about future funding streams that can sustain ongoing operations and about Section 8 vouchers where people have the vouches but cannot find housing. He asked that in the near future Council be enlightened about financial projections for CRHA. Mr. Chedda said that the first step is to tighten our own belt and they will be looking at job descriptions and streamlining. He said we need to look beyond federal funding and to do more redevelopment. He said partnerships are needed between CRHA and the City and private companies and investors. REPORT: TAX ABATEMENT POLICY REVIEW Mr. O'Connell explained that the tax abatement program was put in place four years ago as an incentive to renovate existing housing in the City. He said the question for Council is whether to continue the program and, if so, what changes should be made. Mr. Jim Tolbert, Director of Neighborhood Development Services, asked Council to address the following questions: 1) should the program be continued or sunsetted; and 2) if the program continues, should it be amended to allow qualifying structure to have accessory apartments, and should there be a cap applied. Mr. Tolbert said that the most practical cap would be on the value of the home, and said that the Real Estate Assessor suggested that the cap be on homes with a value of $300,000 or above. Responding to a question from Dr. Brown, Mr. Tolbert said that if Council takes no action the existing program will sunset in September of 2006. Mr. Caravati noted that there have been over $1 million in abatement achieved in homes valued at over $400,000 since the program began. Mr. Lynch said he is in favor of keeping the program and extending it to houses with accessory apartments. He said that the objectives that Council was trying to accomplish (making it financially advantageous to renovate rather than selling and moving elsewhere; improving the City's housing stock; and being a pro-family measure) are still valid objectives. He said there are still areas of the City that need investment. He said it makes sense to put a cap on it and would suggest a cap on the value of the property at $300,000, if that is easier to administer, or he said that the amount of the improvement could be capped. Ms. Hamilton said she would favor extending the program for reasons listed by Mr. Lynch and because it helps the middle class. She said she would favor allowing accessory apartments and feels that a cap on the value of the property set at $350,00 would be reasonable. Mr. Caravati said he agrees with comments made by Mr. Lynch and Ms. Hamilton, and with a cap of $350,000. He said the ordinance probably needs to be reviewed every year. Mr. Schilling said he generally agrees with sentiments expressed by Councilors. He noted that a house valued now at $300,000 could be assessed at $400,000 in three years, and suggested that an escalator clause be included in the ordinance to keep those properties from getting inflated out of the program. Mr. Schilling made a motion to