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Mounds View Planning Commission June 20, 2007 <br />Regular Meeting Page 3 <br />________________________________________________________________________ <br /> <br />Director Ericson summarized that the purpose of the Housing Replacement Program is to <br />encourage the elimination of blighted property and replace it with higher value construction. He <br />explained the program was created by the City in 1995 to provide an opportunity for the owner to <br />sell the property to the City if the house met the eligibility requirements. He reported that the <br />focus up to this point had been on the acquisition of the property. He stated City Council found <br />that, after reviewing an application for demolition assistance, no criteria or standards existed for <br />demolition. He stated the City Council also agreed that demolition assistance should be the <br />primary focus of the program, as the City did not want to be in the market of acquiring properties. <br /> <br />Commissioner Miller asked if this document would go to the City Council for review and <br />approval. <br /> <br />Director Ericson replied it would go back to the Economic Development Authority since this is <br />their program. <br /> <br />Commissioner Walsh-Kaczmarek asked if guidance on garage aesthetics should be stated. <br /> <br />Director Ericson replied it is a judgment call; therefore, language would be hard to come up with <br />to clarify the aesthetics. He commented he tried to not be too specific or add restrictions. <br /> <br />Commissioner Gunn questioned who managed the program funding. <br /> <br />Director Ericson replied the Housing Resource Center would manage the loan. <br /> <br />Commissioner Gunn pointed out that section J-1 references inspection of the interior of the house <br />only to determine blight qualifications and suggested both interior and exterior inspections be <br />stated. <br /> <br />Director Ericson replied he agreed it should be both. <br /> <br />Commissioner Miller pointed out section G mentions both interior and exterior inspections. <br /> <br />Director Ericson noted he would standardize the reference to inspections. <br /> <br />Commissioner Gunn inquired as to the meaning of the waiver of relocation benefits referred to in <br />item J-4b. <br /> <br />Director Ericson explained Minnesota State Statutes require the acquiring entity provide relocation <br />assistance under certain situations. <br /> <br />Commissioner Miller asked if staff received comments from the residents since the work has <br />begun on the document. <br /> <br />Director Ericson replied there had not been any comments and explained that property owners <br />could request additional information from the Housing Resource Center.