1998-12-07 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

18 WHEREAS, in fiscal year 1992 funding for HB 599 was reduced from $80.5 million to less than $67 million and has remained frozen at that level; and WHEREAS, based on annual general fund growth rates, it is estimated that, if the state had funded this program in accordance with the law, the total annual amount of HB 599 funding available to eligible localities would have increased to $151 million by fiscal year 1999; and WHEREAS, if the state had funded this program in accordance with state law, the City of Charlottesville would be receiving $1,911,115 per year from the state instead of the $844,676 which it is currently receiving; and WHEREAS, proceeding at current funding levels, by fiscal year 2000 the cumulative "deficit" for HB 599 funding (i.e., funding that eligible localities should have received if the law had been observed) will amount to $610 million statewide; and WHEREAS, since the program's inception the total amount of funding that the state has failed to distribute to Charlottesville totals $6,524,791; and WHEREAS, the Commonwealth benefits when the relationship between the state and its local governments is based on mutual trust and support; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Governor and the General Assembly are requested by this Council to fully fund HB 599 by the year 2000 and to include within the state's budget, beginning in fiscal year 1999 and each year thereafter, substantial increases in the HB 599 funds provided to localities. APPROPRIATION: AUTHORIZING $ t 72, 500 FOR HINTON AVENUE REVITALIZATION (2nd reading) Mr. O'Connell explained that the revitalization proposal was made as a result of the City working with Piedmont Housing Alliance to revitalize certain areas of the City and to create middle income housing. Ms. Karen Kaster, representing the Belmont Neighborhood Association, said that at a recent neighborhood forum held to discuss the proposal, those attending were generally in support. Some opposed a third party being involved in the project, some felt the same goal could be met by existing programs, some felt that the cost of renovation should be contained, and some expressed an interest in buying and renovating the property themselves. Others felt that they did not want to jeopardize funds for other projects in Belmont, and some questioned how projects are prioritized. Mr. Huja noted that the owner of the properties wants to sell them all at once, but he said that if someone could renovate them in a timely manner that could be considered. Responding to a question from Mr. Cox, Mr. Huja said that all employees of INOVA as well as other area business will be notified about the availability of the homes. Mr. Cox expressed concern that the process does not give the City a lot of options and he would prefer having more than one proposal to consider and decide which will have the most impact. Mr. Cox expressed concern that this project may not do what the City wants, stabilizing the area, given what is surrounding it unless other houses on the block are targeted and improvements are made to the grocery store. Ms. Daugherty said she supports the proposal and feels it is a good project and strategic in its location. Ms. Richards said she will support the proposal, especially since the neighborhood supports it. The $172,500 appropriation for Hinton Avenue revkalization, which was offered at the November 16th meeting, was approved by the following vote. Ayes: Mr. Caravati, Mr. Cox, Ms. Daugherty, Ms. Richards, Mr. Toscano. Noes: None.