2010-02-01 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

6 Responding to a question from Mr. Huja about the available funding, Ms. Celii said there is $1 million in the housing fund and $550,000 available in CDBG funds. Dr. Brown said we should always be cognizant of not trying to solve the region’s housing problems alone and we have talked before about ways to target funds for City residents. He said he thinks a goal of 12% is a good place to go at the moment, and wait and see if the budget can handle it. Ms. Celii said we can target funds except CDBG funds. Ms. Szakos said it is clear that in Charlottesville the housing costs are higher than the surrounding area, and it is more an issue of people being able to live here. Mr. Norris said he would push to aim for 15% over 15 years depending on our financial ability to meet that goal. He suggested an amendment to the resolution adding to the third bullet: “other federal, state, regional and private sources.” Mr. Huja made a motion to approve the resolution with the 15% goal and changes made by Mr. Norris, Ms. Szakos seconded the motion, and Council approved the resolution by the following vote. Ayes: Dr. Brown, Ms. Edwards, Mr. Huja, Mr. Norris, Ms. Szakos. REPORT : CHARLOTTESVILLE REDEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING AUTHORITY END OF YEAR REPORT Mr. Randy Bickers, Executive Director of the Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority, presented highlights from the previous years: new Executive Director; HUD status changed to standard performer status; pilot workforce program with PVCC; receipt of stimulus funds; progress with vacant units; and master planning for redevelopment. Mr. Jason Halbert, Chairman of the CRHA Board, reviewed goals for 2010: new Family Self Sufficiency Coordinator for Section 8 tenants; better resident services coordination with PHAR and community service providers; growing partnerships with PVCC; ongoing improvements in relationship with police; redevelopment to present the best opportunity for major neighborhood revitalization, poverty reduction, crime reduction, increasing affordable housing, and building green; redevelopment to directly address economic and racial segregation; leaders in green public housing; new financial model for CRHA and the City; and seeking of significant local commitment and partners. Responding to a question from Dr. Brown, Mr. Bickers said more funding will be needed in order to issue more vouchers for the proposed SRO. Mr. Norris said he hopes we can find a resolution to move forward. He said he does not understand why CRHA administers the down payment loan program. He said the waiting list for vouchers is a mystery to him, and said this is an opportunity to explore consolidating the City and County programs. REPORT : TRANSIT Mr. Bill Watterson, Transit Manager, provided a comparison of passenger trips, trips per resident, operating budget, increase in trips, and cost per passenger trip with other college towns, combing data from CTS and UTS. Mr. Watterson presented possible changes to the bus routes, some revenue neutral and others that would require additional funding. He said he supports holding a charrette or community dialogue, and said new services could be part of the agenda. Ms. Szakos asked if it would be possible to look at a Greenbrier route to run in the morning, at 3:00 p.m. and during the evening rush hour, and Mr. Watterson said yes, and said consideration should also be given to connecting points to a Greenbrier route such as Fashion Square Mall or Barracks Road Shopping Center.