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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/12/1995 MINUTES OF THE MAPLEWOOD HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY DECEMBER 12, 1995 1. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Fischer called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL HRA Commissioners: Lorraine Fischer, Tom Connelly, and Gary Pearson Staff: Ken Roberts, associate planner 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Pearson moved approval of the minutes of November 1, 1995, as submitted. Commissioner Connelly seconded. Ayes-all 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Connelly moved approval of the agenda as submitted. Commissioner Pearson seconded. Ayes-all 5. COMMUNICATIONS A. HRA Vacancy Ken Roberts, associate planner, said although there were a couple requests for applications, none were returned. The members decided to interview the two previous applicants, and anyone who applies in the interim, at the next meeting. The applicants will be invited to the this meeting. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. 7. NEW BUSINESS A. Metropolitan Livable Communities Act-1996 Maplewood Goals Ken Roberts, associate planner, gave the staff report. The members discussed the possibility that housing stock may not be upgraded because of banking policies. Chairperson Fischer suggested it might be nice to have funds available so that the city could buy substandard housing, raze the building, and then sell the land. The proceeds from this sale could then be used to buy other such homes. Commissioner Pearson commented from personal experience on the positive influence that newer housing usually has on an existing neighborhood. Maplewood HRA Minutes of 12-12-95 -2- The commission then discussed the various principles stated in the housing goals agreement. Commissioner Pearson said he would like some mention of redevelopment and proposed that Principle 5 read "housing developmenVredevelopment." This would ensure that repair or upgrade of substandard housing would be included. Mr. Roberts suggested that this be worked into Principle 4, bring the substandard up to "well-maintained." He further thought upgrading substandard housing might better be addressed as a specific action in the action plan to accomplish Principle 4. Commissioner Pearson cared less about terminology, but was most concerned that some money be budgeted from this program so that the Housing and Redevelopment Authority could have a greater effect in helping the community. Chairperson Fischer requested that the minutes reflect the commission discussion on cleaning up substandard areas, many on the perimeter of St. Paul, and the difficulties that some homeowners have in getting bank financing, i.e. to improve small homes on large lots. Commissioner Pearson moved the Maplewood Housing and Redevelopment Authority recommend adoption of the housing goals agreement benchmarks as prepared by the Metropolitan Councilor some variation thereof. This agreement indicates that Maplewood will make its best efforts to meet or exceed the established housing benchmarks. After the city adopts the housing goals, staff will begin working with the HRA and planning commission to develop a plan for implementing the goals and objectives. Commissioner Connelly seconded. Ayes-all 8. DATE OF NEXT MEETING The next meeting date will be January 9, 1996 Chairperson Fischer talked about truth-in-housing compliance in Maplewood. She is continuing to compile the information for 1995. She said she noticed that more people are complying with this regulation and that the sale price of existing housing has increased. 9. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8 p.m.