HomeMy WebLinkAboutHousing & Redevelopment Authority Minutes 04-21-1994MII 'UTES
PLYMOUTH HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
APRIL 21,1994
A meeting of the Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority was called to order by
Chairman David Crain on April 21, 1994.
PRESENT: Chairman David Crain, Commissioners Marjie McFarland, John
Edson, Brian Warhol and Thomas Rugh
ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Executive Director Anne Hurlburt, Housing Specialist Milt Dale,
Housing Secretary Denise Hutt
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION by Commissioner Warhol, seconded by Commissioner McFarland to
recommend approval of the March 17, 1994 minutes.
Vote. 5 Ayes. MOTION carried unanimously.
SENIOR HOUSING PROJECT UPDATE
Donna Flaata of Walker Management presented Commissioners and staff with weekly
updates for the senior housing project. She informed Commissioners that Sarah Miller,
manager, has received 450 telephone calls and 46 walk-ins since April 1, 1994. A total
of 653 applications have been mailed out with 323 received through April 21, 1994. All
applications were held until the end of the day on April 11, at which time they were
randomly drawn and reviewed for preferences. Ms. Miller is processing 30 applicants per
week and making appointments for applicants to interview starting the first week in May.
The majority are Plymouth residents over the age of 62.
Director Huriburt asked how many of the applicants responding to date are homeowners.
Ms. Masts was not sure of the exact number of applicants that were h ameowners, but the
market value of the majority of their homes ranged from $80,000 to $100,000.
Commissioner Edson believed while the building could be filled with very low income
applicants, he wondered if the budget could accommodate only very low income residents.
Ms. Flaata responded the budget could not handle all very low income residents and
therefore, low income renters would also be approved.
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APN
Greg Oppegard of Walker Management stated the project is progressing on schedule with
favorable weather allowing them to complete the roof trusses and make up some of the
time previously lost. Frana and Sons are still asking for an extension, but Mr. Oppegard
will request them to put together a revised schedule. Sheet rocking will begin a
provided building inspections are completed. By the end of May the roof should be
capped and the building sheet rocked, allowing for the project to be back on schedule for
an October 1 opening. Walker has accepted a brick panel and will have a complete mock
up done for Commissioners to look at on site. Walker has received a warranty from
Minnesota Brick to hand sort "seconds" to allow only the best to be used. If Walker
rejects any of the bricks, Minnesota Brick will have to supply replacements free.
Mr. Oppegard stated NSP needs to install a switch gear and transformer next to the
generator, which is to be located in front of the dining room area. The transformer is
about five feet tall. This locations places it in the closest proximity to the electrical room.
They have looked into the possibility of relocating it to the back of the building however, this would bring it too close to the buildings next door. A possibility would be to move it
farther away, but this would be an additional cost of $15,000. The generator, off-white incolorwouldbescreenedbyafenceandlandscapingandwouldnotdetractfromthe
building, but with the addition of the transformer, the visual impact would be too large.
Commissioner- Rugh asked if it would be feasible to have the transformer and generator
recessed in the ground on concrete and have it surrounded by landscaping.
Mr. oppegard responded that it may be a good idea to have it recessed, but he was not
sure of the cost involved. He will obtain a cost proposal from the electrician and get
approval from Director Hurlburt before proceeding.
Chairman Crain commented that if the generator and transformer can not be recessed, it
would be preferable not to locate both together.
Mr. Oppegard stated he needed direction on the issue of the stairwell. Did Commissioners
want to proceed with the domed stairwell as proposed by BRW Elness Architects. The
cost involved would be $8,000 as proposed, or $5,800 if the curves in the dome are
eliminated. He informed Commissioners there is sufficient funds to cover the proposed
dome.
Commissioner McFarland commented she would prefer the concept BRW Elness
Architects proposed, as it is more aesthetically pleasing.
Commissioner Edson asked what a person would see from the third floor corridor.
Housing Specialist Dale replied they would see the walls enclosing the dome.
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Chairman Crain and Commissioner Edson suggested Walker go ahead with the dome as
proposed by BRW Elness Architects.
MOTION by Commissioner Edson, seconded by Chairman Crain authorizing staff to
execute a change order for the curved dome as proposed by BRW Elness Architects.
Vote. 5 Ayes. MOTION carried unanimously.
COMMUNIW BUILDERS PROPOSAL
Housing Specialist Dale gave an overview of the April 15, 1994 staff report.
Bruce Larson, President of Community Builders, stated they are requesting $40,000 of
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds in 1994 to use for a Lease to
Purchase Program. The Lease to Purchase Program is for low to moderate income
families to allow them the transition into homeownership. He explained how many low to
moderate income families face considerable barriers in achieving homeownership. This
program allows a family to lease for two years until the family resolves bad credit or
obtains a stable working environment. After that time, they would take on the
responsibility of homeownership. Mr. Larson stated St. Louis Park, Minnetonka and
Mound are willing to participate in providing funds for this program. Community Builders
is looking to purchase two homes in Plymouth, rehabilitate as necessary, and then lease for
two years, at which time the family would take over ownership of the home.
Chairman Crain questioned if two years is a reasonable amount of time for the family to
become homeowners.
Mr. Larson responded that over a longer time period, the family will more likely revert
into the role of a renter. A time period of two years is more realistic and is an obtainable
goal for most families. Minneapolis currently has a one year time period for their
program.
Chairman Crain asked if there is a recovery process for funds if the family sells the home,
as we currently have in our Rehabilitation GranVUan Program and our First Time
Homebuyer Program.
Mr. Larson replied that there would be a fund recovery process.
Chairman Crain questioned if Community Builders would be looking at the entire area of
Plymouth for purchasing the homes.
Mr. Larson responded affirmatively.
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April 21, 1994
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Commissioner Rugh asked if any studies have been done to show there is a need for this
type of program.
S st Dale commented that only one of six applicants for our First TimeHousingpHomebuyerProgramin1992couldgetpre -qualified for a mortgage due to either poor
credit or inability to find an affordable home in Plymouth.
Mr. Larson stated in his conversations with Interfaith outreach
Interfaith
and Community
chh nd mmunity
there is a definite need in Plymouth for this program•
Partners serves seven different Pus an
residents. as
400 families in Plymouth,
with 50-55% of their fimding going Plymouth
Chairman Crain asked how marry families have dropped out of the program offered by
Minneapolis.
Mr. Larson was not sure, but he would get that information for the Commissioners.
Commissioner McFarland questioned if Plymouth has homes available that would be
suitable for the Lease to Purchase Program.
Hong Specialist Dale stated a survey has not been done, but he believed not many
Plymouth homes would need to be rehabilitated.
Commissioner Warhol commented that some homes may need to be handicapped
accessible.
Mr. Larson stated that Community Builders looked at housing lists approximatelY eightmonthsago, and at that time there would be an adequate housing stock to pull from forthisprogram. The targeted purchase price for homes would be $50,00-$75,060, with a
limit of $80,000.
Chairman Crain thought maybe more homes would be available from seniors who lease up
at Plymouth Towne Square.
Commissioner Warhol suggested Plymouth's First Time Homebuyer applicants receive
preference for the Lease to Purchase Program.
Mr. Larson responded preference would go to Plymouth residents who have barriers to
overcome to secure homeownership.
Commissioner McFarland wondered if Community Builders' schedule may be tooambitious, i.e. acquiring homes in July and moving families in by September. She asked if
other programs move this quickly.
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Mr. Larson replied Community Builders plans on purchasing eight homes this year and 12
homes next year. He responded that by proceeding with two or more homes at a time,
they are able to move forward quickly.
MOTION by Chairman Crain, seconded by Commissioner Edson to hold a public hearing
on reallocating Community Development block Grant (CDBG) funds in May to discuss
the proposal by Community Builders.
Vote. 5 Ayes. Motion carried unanimously.
Director Huriburt stated that due to the need to expend CDBG funds promptly, more
public hearings were being held than normal. She would like to see that changed. She
believed two public hearings per year would be sufficient.
Commissioner McFarland asked where the funds would come from if this request was
approved.
Chairman Crain replied the funds might be taken from the First Time Homebuyer
allocation as this program would achieve the same goal.
Director Hurlburt suggested using the $20,000 previously allocated to the senior services
planning to cover part of the request by Community Builders.
Chairman Crain commented it is possible Community Builders may come back annually
requesting additional funding.
TAX F-021MMME LOT
Housing Specialist Dale gave an overview of the April 13, 1994 staff report.
Chairman Crain asked how this lot could be a tax forfeiture lot when there were no
delinquent taxes shown on the Assessing Division's Tax Forfeit Land Analysis form.
Housing Specialist Dale replied the property has $188.52 in unpaid specials.
Director Hurlburt commented she believed the developer went bankrupt.
Commissioner McFarland wondered if the family that was chosen for the lot on Fernbrook
and County Road 9 would be willing to trade for this lot.
Housing Specialist Dale stated he has talked with the Plymouth Housing Alliance
regarding the possibility of swapping lots. The lot on 53rd Avenue would be more
preferred even though there is railroad tracks behind the property. The City can get this
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April 21, 1994
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lot at no cosi Lad it would help the Plymouth Housing Alliance to reduce its front end
costs.
Commissioner Warhol asked if the City always has first chance of 0taining a tax
forfeiture lot.
Commissioner Edson replied the City has the opportunity to acquire any tax forfeiture
property prior to public sale. He commented if the Plymouth Housing Alliance was to
build the house on the tax forfeiture lot, it would have to be designed to fit. into the
aesthetics of the existing neighborhood.
Chairman Crain voiced his opposition of swapping the Fernbrook lot for the 53rd Avenue
lot for the Plymouth Housing Alliance. He stated he would like to see the house built on
the Fernbrook lot as it is more visible, and the 53rd Avenue lot would make an excellent
second lot for a Plymouth Housing Alliance project.
Commissioner Warhol stated it would cost more to build on the 53rd Avenue lot, as there
is the requirement for triple pane windows and thermal insulation because of the railroad
tracks located behind the property.
Commissioner McFarland wondered if the surrounding neighbors of the 53rd Avenue lot
wadd voice objections to this project.
Director Hurlburt responded if the house plans meet zoning and building code
requirements, there should not be a problem.
Commissioner Edson agreed with Chairman Crain that the Plymouth Housing Alliance
should build on the Fernbrook Lane/County Road 9 lot first.
MOTION by Commissioner Edson, seconded by Commissioner McFarland, requesting the
Plymouth City Council take action to secure tax forfeiture Lot 25, Block 1, Pine Ridge at
Bass Lake.
Roll Call Vote. 5 Ayes. MOTION carried unanimously.
METRO COUNCEL HOUSING AMVIT1ES SURVEY
Director Hurlburt asked Commissioners for their comments on the Housing Activities
Survey sent by Metropolitan Council.
Chairman Crain suggested emphasis be placed on removing state and federal barriers now
laced on cities to enable communities to provide more affordable housing. He suggested
the following items be ranked higher: Evaluate and recommend ways to streamline the
Housing development review process, Develop and conduct an affordable housing
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public information program; and, Provide general obligation backing of qualified
housing bonds. He commented Analyze the need for changes in work force doming
should be ranked lower. He suggested success stories be emphasized and indicate how
they were accomplished.
Commissioner Edson commented cities have no control over the free market.
Chairman Crain generally agreed with the top five ranking of the issues currently impeding
the development of low and moderate income housing in Plymouth.
Commissioner Edson commented the issue of Poor access to services and employment
because of the diansportadon&ansit system should be in the top five.
Commissioner McFarland concurred the transportation issue is of high importance.
ri OiRMATION ITEMS
Chairman Crain asked what other property would be available for Hammer Residences.
Housing Specialist Dale replied the City owns property at the end of Black Oaks Lane
near Fire Station Number 3 that may be sub-livided into one or more lots.
d' Director Hurlburt asked if Commissioners would like the Hammer Residence proposal on
the May agenda.
Chairman Crain questioned what role the Housing Authority would have with Han -ter
Residence.
Housing Specialist Dale replied the involvement of the Housing Authority would to
donate the land. Hammer Residence is looking at building a $200.000 home having six
bedrooms.
Commissioner McFarland questioned if the land available on Black Oaks Lane would be
large enough to handle this project.
Housing Specialist Dale responded the land could accommodate the project provided
wetland issues/requirements are met.
Housing Specialist Dale informed Commissioners that the Plymouth Housing Alliance met
with the Interfaith Outreach board. Interfaith Outreach has agreed to donate $12,500 to
the Housing Alliance provided they match that amount.
Commissioner Warhol stated Interfaith Outreach would be willing to donate $25,000 if the
Housing Alliance would agree to a joint venture on this project.
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Commissioner Edson suggested the joint venture between the Plymouth Housing Alliance
and Lrterfaith Outreach be pursued.
MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:50 P.M.