1997-09-02(II) - Laserfiche WebLink

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65 Ms. Daugherty thanked the Planning Commission f or their work on the sidewalk priorities, and made a motion to approve the priority list presented. Ms. Slaughter seconded the motion and it was approved by the following vote. Ayes: Mr. Cox, Ms. Daugherty, Ms. Slaughter, Mr. Toscano. Noes: Ms. Richards. RESOLUTION: $178,000 - STARR HILL REVITALIZATION Mr. O'Connell said designating the funds for Starr Hill revitalization are part of the City's effort to increase middle income homeownership and to spur economic development. Mr. O'Connell explained that the money will be taken out of the City's housing initiative fund. Mr. Huja explained that a previous revitalization effort helped West Main Street economic development, but since that time certain houses in Starr Hill have fallen into disrepair. In partnership with Piedmont Housing Alliance, two houses will be gutted and renovated, and two houses demolished and new ones built. Mr. Huja said that Council may want to consider downzoning the neighborhood in order to restrict density, but noted that the density of these properties can be restricted in the deed. Mr. Huja added that Piedmont Housing Alliance must raise $250,000 in order to complete the project. Ms. Slaughter said that the project has the support of the neighborhood. Ms. Daugherty said she is supportive of the project. Mr. Cox said that he views the revitalization proposal is a pilot project, though the City will not be able to support such projects all over the City. Mr. Cox said he feels it is important that neighborhoods north and south of West Main Street be stabilized in light of proposed development along the corridor. Mr. Cox recommended that the view of City Yard from the'neighborhood be improved, that improvements to the small City park be made, and that the ABC Store on West Main Street be relocated. Ms. Slaughter asked staff for suggestions about creating a buffer for City Yard, and asked that the Planning Commission hold a hearing on the land use in the Starr Hill neighborhood. Mr. Toscano noted that the tax assessments on the properties to be renovated wilt probably triple. Mr, Toscano said that the ABC store is an ongoing problem and one that the City has attempted to deal with for a number of years, but the store has a tong-term lease with a private owner. Mr. Toscano said there is no mention of deed restrictions for single family occupancy. Mr. Craig Brown, Deputy City Attorney, said that the deed restriction will be added to the resolution. Mr. Huja recommended that design review by the City also be included in the resolution. Mr. Stuart Armstrong, Director of Piedmont Housing Alliance, said that it is their intention to capture the character of the neighborhood in constructing the building, and to get the approval of the Department of Community Development. Ms. Slaughter recommended that an ad hoc group be formed to advise on the design, to include representatives from the neighborhood, the Urban Design Committee, the Board of Architectural Review, and/or the Planning Commission. Ms. Slaughter asked how the houses could be priced so that buyers will not become "house" poor. Mr. Armstrong said that the houses with be conventionally financed so Ms. Slaughter's concern should not be an issue.