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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHousing & Redevelopment Authority Minutes 03-20-2008MINUTES PLYMOUTH HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY March 20, 2008 PRESENT: Chairman Steve Ludovissie, Commissioners Paul Caryotakis, and Bob Stein ABSENT: Commissioners Penny Hatcher and Jeff Kulaszewicz STAFF PRESENT: Housing Program Manager Jim Barnes, and Office Support Representative Chele Kovacevick OTHERS PRESENT: Grace Management Representative Jody Boedigheimer 1. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Ludovissie called the Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority meeting to order at 7:10 P.M. 2. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approve HRA Meeting Minutes from February 28, 2008. B. Plymouth Towne Square. Accept monthly housing reports. C. Vicksburg Crossing. Accept monthly housing reports. MOTION was made by Commissioner Stein, seconded by Commissioner Caryotoka to approve the consent agenda. Vote. 3 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously. 3. NEW BUSINESS A. Vicksburg Crossing. Marketing update. Grace Management Representative Boedigheimer mentioned that there has only been one more site visit than last period but they are collecting deposits for future move -ins. She projects an occupancy rate of 82 percent by June if all current commitments stay on track. She expressed disappointment in the recent open house which generated no walk-through traffic in a period of three hours. The model unit has been furnished at a mid-range price point. Renting furnishings from Cort Rental was considered, but at a cost of $400/month, plus delivery and pick-up charges, a decision to purchase was made instead. She purchased a sofa, loveseat, chair, television stand, kitchenette with chairs, dresser, nightstand and two twin beds at an approximate cost of $2,850. The Board appreciated the low cost of the furniture. Grace Management Representative Boedigheimer stated she is currently looking into another advertising source, Plymouth Magazine, which is geared toward adult children of seniors. Commissioner Ludovissie asked whether the unit that we lowered the rent on has been rented. Grave Management Representative Boedigheimer replied that the unit is still available, most likely because of the prominence of the fireplace which the unit is adjacent to. Housing Program Manager Barnes commented that at a Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority March 20, 2008 Page 2 rent of $900/month it would not likely be rented by a Section 8 voucher holder because of the rental price, and because there are very few income qualified families who meet the two bedroom occupancy standard. He stated that if it was the last unit available, perhaps it would be more attractive, but there are still three or four two-bedroom units available. This unit was originally priced at $1,300/month but now is marketed at $900/month. Housing Program Manager Barnes stated that he does not really want to make any changes to the unit at this time. Grace Management Representative Boedigheimer remarked that the first floor units are fully leased but not second and third floor units. There are 22 "rentable" two bedroom units, one is occupied by the caretaker and three are not spoken for yet. Of the new move -ins, four of them are two bedroom units which is good for cash-flow. Grace Management Representative Boedigheimer priced the Star Tribune Senior Housing Guide but found it to be very expensive, with a cost of $2,000 per insertion for a small black and white ad, and decided instead to explore an "After SS " publication which is more affordable. Chairman Ludovissie commented that there appears to be a solid, well thought out approach to finding the correct marketing focus. Grave Management Representative Boedigheimer stated that print advertising has not been a huge part of their marketing efforts. Chairman Ludovisse thought it was very creative of Grace Management to check in with Plymouth Towne Square residents who may be income eligible for Vicksburg Crossing. He also asked if there are any current resident issues that the Board should be aware of. Grace Management Representative Boedigheimer said they had been trying to form a resident council but without much success. She added that after the by-laws were written there was not much interest expressed in serving on a resident council, so the idea is on the back burner until interest builds. Grace Management Representative Boedigheimer stated that the Plymouth Towne Square resident council is active, but has some political chemistry going on which may be interfering with its effectiveness. B. Discussion Items. Commissioner Stein asked what building was involved in the recent fire. Housing Manager Barnes stated that it was not an HRA property. Housing Program Manager Barnes suggested the Board clarify what the goals are for the Strategic Plan discussion set for the May meeting. He asked if there are specific goals the Board wants to address for home ownership, rental, and redevelopment. He asked if the Strategic Plan will have minor changes or if they want to revamp it entirely. As by way of background, Chairman Ludovisse clarified the role of the Strategic Plan for new Commissioner Caryotakis. Commissioner Stein reviewed the relationship of the City Council, as it pertains to redevelopment and economic development. Housing Manager Barnes said staff is working on a report to the City Council outlining staff goals, budgeting goals, and the mission of the HRA. Chairman Ludovissie asked whether we as a Board are here to deal with day-to-day issues, or are we going to assume a more proactive role. He suggested that decision needs to be made before the Board can proceed. Housing Program Manager Barnes explained the unique relationship between the HRA and City Council, which is a little different than in most other municipalities where the HRA Commission operates more independently. Grace Management Representative Boedigheimer stated she has been asked questions recently by residents about the roles of the HRA, Vicksburg Crossing, and the City Council. Commissioner Stein asked if there are any examples of what role other similar cities assume. Commissioner Caryotakis remarked that he does not see our city as having the aging housing stock that older cities have and the issues that Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority March 20, 2008 Page 3 creates. Commissioner Stein suggested that commercial areas of decline noted in the Comprehensive Plan be identified to see if there are any areas of interest. He stated that residential needs would likely be addressed as scattered sites. Housing Program Manager Barnes remarked that a few years ago when a sampling of Plymouth residents were asked if they had an interest in a special program designed to meet specific housing -related needs they responded that they felt there were enough resources in place to meet their needs. Housing Program Manager Barnes stated that the City of Mound is going to hold a meaningful - sized parcel of land for future development in hopes of attracting a large chain restaurant to their community. 4. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Chairman Ludovissie, seconded by Commissioner Stein to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 P.M.