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11 <br /> <br /> Mr. Norris agreed and said it is vitally important that Council be on record of <br />setting a vision. He said he thinks we have the ability to accomplish the vision. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch said there is a perception in neighborhoods that the main focus of <br />Council has been development, and we need to put that to rest. He said our goal is <br />quality building, equity for citizens and extending quality of life for all citizens. He said <br />physical development was a higher priority with previous Councilors. He said we are <br />now looking for more human, environmental and workforce development. <br /> <br /> Ms. Hamilton agreed and said there is nothing in this document about <br />development, development, development. She said this document is about stabilization. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch said that there was a lot of upzoning in the last Comprehensive Plan, <br />and this Plan revisits some of those decisions. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch moved approval of the Vision, strategies and goals, Ms. Hamilton <br />seconded the motion, and it was approved by the following vote. Ayes: Dr. Brown, Ms. <br />Hamilton, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Norris, Mr. Taliaferro. Noes: None. <br /> <br />RESOLUTION <br />: AUTHORIZING LOAN OF $850,000 FOR PURCHASE OF <br />DOGWOOD HOUSING PROPERTIES <br /> <br /> Mr. Tolbert said that Keith Woodard has requested a loan of $850,000 from the <br />City for purchase of a majority of the Dogwood Housing properties. He said there are a <br />total of 74 properties, and 14 are being purchased outside of this deal. He said 58 will be <br />retained as affordable housing. He said this loan will bridge the gap so they can remain <br />affordable. He said the subsidy will be $15,500 per unit. He said the loan will actually <br />be made to a local nonprofit, either Piedmont Housing Alliance or Charlottesville <br />Redevelopment and Housing Authority. He said the Housing Advisory Committee has <br />reviewed the proposal and made suggestions. He said they would like to make sure the <br />units remain affordable for the maximum amount of time, and suggested extending the <br />loan beyond five years and charging interest. He said Mr. Woodard has sent a letter <br />addressing concerns with these suggestions. He said staff recommends that the funding <br />be provided out of the housing funds for a period of five years, with a balloon payment at <br />the end, and no interest. He said the proposal is that the units remain affordable <br />throughout the City’s financial involvement. He said the units are to be inspected and <br />meet Section 8 standards. He said there will also be a right of first refusal clause for the <br />City if the properties are sold. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch said it would be better if the partner had been identified so that we <br />could hear from them that this will work. He said he is concerned that the time period is <br />only for five years. <br /> <br /> Mr. Tolbert said that PHA is agreeable to participating, and discussions have also <br />been held with CRHA. <br /> <br /> Ms. Hamilton said she shares Mr. Lynch’s concerns, but said the City can either <br />renegotiate or take payment at the end of five years. <br /> <br /> Mr. Norris asked what the alternatives are if the City does not partner with Mr. <br />Woodard, and what is the likely outcome for the families living in those houses. <br /> <br /> Mr. Tolbert said the houses could not be kept affordable. He said PHA did an <br />analysis of buying the properties, but they did not have the resources to keep them <br />affordable. He said the alternative is that they will be sold as market rate rental housing. <br /> <br /> Mr. Norris said they would also likely be rented to students, and it is likely that <br />the families currently living in them would be out on the street. <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown said this is a great opportunity and he thinks Mr. Woodard should be <br />commended for coming up with the plan. <br /> <br />