2008-11-03 - Laserfiche WebLink

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13 Mr. Stu Armstrong, Executive Director of PHA, said that the idea of the development was to have four market rate houses and two affordable houses. He said City employees have expressed an interest in purchasing the affordable units, but their incomes were over the 80% AMI level. He said a bank loan is due and PHA needs to sell the units. He said a lot of political capital has been spent on this project, and he asked Council for flexibility and the ability to use VHDA first time homeownership guidelines. Mr. Huja noted that no City funds were used in the project. Mr. Huja said he serves on the PHA Board, but is not paid so he has no conflict of interest. He said given that no City funds are in the project, he would agree to the request. Mr. Taliaferro said he is in favor of allowing the VHDA guidelines in this instance. Mr. Norris said he will agree to the request because there are no City funds in the project and because the units will still be affordable based on VHDA guidelines. Dr. Brown agreed. Ms. Edwards said she does not want to create obstacles to housing. Dr. Brown made a motion to allow PHA to use VHDA guidelines for first time homeownership for the two affordable units on John Street, Mr. Taliaferro seconded the motion, and it was approved by the following vote. Ayes: Dr. Brown, Ms. Edwards, Mr. Huja, Mr. Norris, Mr. Taliaferro. Noes: None. Mr. Taliaferro asked about the City residency requirement, and Mr. Brown noted that in this instance the City Manager can waive the City residency requirement. PUBLIC Mr. Peter Kleeman, 407 Hedge Street, recommended that a more balanced and comprehensive approach be taken regarding access to downtown. He said a large garage is under construction north of High Street. He said Council should expand its thinking and include transit. Mr. Dan Geoff, 3890 Seminole Trail, said he works for a minority owned motor coach business. He asked that Council look at the bus idling ordinance and consider an amendment for weather. He said he would like to contribute to the regional transit authority issue. Ms. Betty Mooney, 201 Sunset Avenue, said she appreciates Council’s willingness to look at the water supply issue with new eyes. She said neighborhoods want the dredging survey to move forward. She said there is a conflict with some of the dredging task force members. She said we have to have the dredging surveys before anything goes forward with the dam and pipeline. Mr. Kevin Lynch, 609 Locust Avenue, said Ms. Mooney makes a good point and there has been an improvement on Council’s position. He said it is important that the consultant be accountable to Council and the Board of Supervisors. Mr. Lynch said a lot of advice from RWSA has been bad. He said there has been misinformation about rebuilding the dam to the current level and the natural flows of the Moorman’s River. He said Council needs to be in control of information. Dr. Joe Mooney, 201 Sunset Avenue, agreed with Ms. Mooney. He said Council should take the time to give the expert panel scope of work to the public and allow public comment on it. He said several things need debate, including approved permits, and Buck Mountain. He said there has never been a documented study of the eco system at Buck Mountain and the presence of the spiney mussel.