Laserfiche WebLink
Mounds View EDA March 12, 2012 <br />Regular Meeting Page 2 <br /> <br /> <br />None. <br /> <br />7. EDA BUSINESS <br /> <br />A. Resolution 12-EDA-269, Approving Application to Ramsey County for a <br />Community Development Block Grant to Fund the Acquisition, Demolition <br />and Replacement of Two Single-Family Blighted Vacant/Foreclosed Homes <br />in Mounds View. <br /> <br />Economic Development Specialist Steinmetz stated staff was requesting approval of an <br />application to Ramsey County for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to fund the <br />acquisition, demolition and replacement of two single-family blighted vacant/foreclosed homes <br />in the City of Mounds View. She noted the CDBG funds were federally funds and could be <br />applied for on an annual basis. There was no match requirement on behalf of the City of Mounds <br />View. <br /> <br />Economic Development Specialist Steinmetz indicated through the grant program, staff would be <br />requesting enough funds to demolition and replace two homes. She noted there were a handful <br />of homes in Mounds View that were beyond repair. The Federal grant funds would greatly assist <br />in revitalizing the housing stock in the City. If the grant were approved, the blighted homes <br />would be demolished and the lots would be donated to Habitat for Humanity for reconstruction. <br /> <br />Vice President Stigney questioned if specific houses were requesting the Federal funds or if the <br />City was determining which homes to demolish and the funds needed. Economic Development <br />Specialist Steinmetz stated there were strict rules for the use of CDBG funds. She commented <br />the funds also had to be used for the benefit of low to moderate income families. If the proper <br />regulations were not followed the funding would have to be returned to the County. <br /> <br />Commissioner Mueller asked if the City had identified several properties as candidates for this <br />program. Economic Development Specialist Steinmetz noted staff has identified eight properties <br />that required further investigation. A cost analysis would have to be completed to consider the <br />cost for the demolition. She reiterated that the homes considered had to be blighted, foreclosed <br />and vacant. No families would be displaced through this program. <br /> <br />Commissioner Mueller inquired of the City’s chances of receiving CDBG funds. Economic <br />Development Specialist Steinmetz noted he and Executive Director Ericson spoke with Ramsey <br />County regarding this matter. She was optimistic due to the fact the City has not applied for <br />these funds for several years. <br /> <br />Commissioner Mueller questioned how the price of the property was determined. Economic <br />Development Specialist Steinmetz stated the price was determined by the owner of the property