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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHousing & Redevelopment Authority Minutes 12-16-1999MINUTES PLYMOUTH HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY December 16, 1999 PRESENT: Chair Brad Brown, Commissioners Susan Henderson, Leon Michlitsch, Dick Abel, Tim Bildsoe ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Executive Director Anne Hurlburt, HRA Supervisor Ed Goldsmith, Housing Specialist Rebecca Stoen and Senior Clerk/Typist Barb Peterson OTHERS PRESENT: Planning Commission Liaison Sarah Reinhardt 1. CALL TO ORDER A meeting of the Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority was called to order by Chair Brown on December 16, 1999 at 7:05p.m. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION by Commissioner Henderson, seconded by Commissioner Michlitsch, to recommend approval of the November 18, 1999 minutes. Commissioner Henderson noted that the Vision Statement was scheduled to be worked on in January. Vote. 5 Ayes. Motion adopted unanimously. 3. PLYMOUTH TOWN SQUARE MONTHLY REPORT There were no questions regarding the report. 4. DEVELOPMENT OF PINEVIEW SITE, OUTLOT D, BASS LAKE HEIGHTS ADDITION Supervisor Goldsmith passed out the preliminary site plans of the lots and asked for questions from the Board. He described to the Board the concept of the HRA retaining ownership of the land and leasing it to the individual homeowners. Leasing rather than sale of the land would allow the HRA to have long-term control of the affordability of the homes. Although a house may be affordable at the time of the initial sale, market conditions can increase the actual value of the home so that it becomes unaffordable in the future. We can recapture the excess appreciation & return it to the HRA or place restrictions on the property that could limit appreciation of the home value and maintain the home's affordability for future eligible homebuyers. With a land lease, future sales of the house would be subject to the HRA's lease. Supervisor Goldsmith said this proposal would be similar to a land trust. The downside to this is that the HRA would have some long-term responsibility for the property and owners may have a harder time getting a loan on the property. The HRA could discontinue the lease by conveying the land to the homeowner. The HRA would still be able to recapture a portion of the appreciation of the property or restrict the resale through deed restrictions. Liaison Reinhardt asked about liability for the HRA. Housing Supervisor Goldsmith said the HRA would require provisions in the homeowners' insurance policy that would cover the HRA as well as the homeowner. Chair Brown stated this would be a departure from tradition for the HRA, as they have not done this type of thing before. The HRA could make the lots available for more than one developer such as the Plymouth Housing Alliance and Community Builders. Multiple developers would require more staff time for the HRA to coordinate, administer and monitor the development. One lead developer would have to have primary responsibility even if others are used. The HRA would have more direct control by hiring its own architect to design the homes. The HRA could establish the terms of the sales to the homeowners. Commissioner Michlitsch suggested the architect work for the HRA and not the developer. Supervisor Goldsmith talked Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority December 16, 1999 Page 2 about the meeting with the neighbors. Director Hurlburt explained the process for the meeting. Commissioner Henderson suggested creating a context for Plymouth's housing goals. Points were discussed that we would want to present at the meeting. We need to be able to discuss the estimated price of homes and the type of families that would qualify. The market value is estimated to be approximately 160,000 to $180,000. Commissioner Henderson wants it to be an informal meeting. Director Hurlburt suggested the meeting room at the library. Liaison Reinhardt asked how many meetings would be necessary. Director Hurlburt said we need to stay flexible and have as many as would be appropriate to respond to the neighbors' questions and concerns. There would possibly be two meetings and then a public hearing before the Planning Commission. MOTION by Commissioner Abel, seconded by Commissioner Michlitsch, recommending that the HRA direct the staff to begin the process for selecting an architect to develop detailed home designs and site plan and of a developer to construct, market, and sell the homes, subject to approval by the Board. That the staff is directed to begin to structure conveyance of the property through a ground lease to retain long term control of the property to ensure on-going affordability and maintenance of the property by the individual homeowners. That the HRA hold a special public meeting on development of this property at a date to be determined. The neighbors would be invited to attend. 5 Ayes. Motion adopted unanimously. 5. DISCUSSION OF STUDY AREAS AND STATUS OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE Executive Director Hurlburt presented background on the comprehensive plan and explained which areas in Plymouth have been designated for changes in land use and studied for redevelopment. Work has been taking place on this since last February. She handed out a map of focus areas and explained what type of land uses are in these areas. This map then was narrowed down and she handed out a copy of the new map of study areas. Chair Brown asked where the HRA should be involved. We can look at the affordable housing element and also redevelopment in these areas. Saturday, Feb. 12 will be a daylong joint meeting of the Planning Commission and City Council to review the first complete draft of the Plan. This will be followed by public open houses in March. The final Plan is scheduled to be adopted in June or July. 6. HRA STRATEGIC PLAN Supervisor Goldsmith explained the items for review. Chair Brown asked how we want to wrap up this process. Liaison Reinhardt suggested putting priorities on the areas. Director Hurlburt suggested that we use the comp plan in draft form to be a guide. The draft is probably not going to be ready for the January packet. Chair Brown will put together some prioritization lists. Chair Brown asked Commissioner Henderson to work on items # 1. The Mission Statement and 42. The Vision Statement 7. SUMMARY OF HRA POWERS Distributed to Board for informational purposes. 8. OTHER BUSINESS Discussion was held regarding the next meeting at Plymouth Towne Square in January with a reception to honor Dave Crain, Judy Johnson and Brian Helmken. 9. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 10:03 p.m.