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<br />HRP Report <br />June 6, 2007 <br />Page 2 <br /> <br />While other criteria could be added beyond those mentioned above (such as encourage <br />energy efficient design and materials), staff feels that the five criteria listed encompass <br />the intent of the Commission. Requiring that the funding be in the form of a forgivable <br />loan will promote owner-occupation and may dissuade individuals who already have <br />sufficient funds from applying for the assistance. Staff has consulted with the Greater <br />Metropolitan Housing Corporation (GMHC) which indicated they could administer the <br />processing and management of the deferred, forgivable loans at no extra cost to the City. <br />(The Housing Resource Center is a subsidiary of GMHC.) The program guidelines <br />attached to this report address the suggested funding mechanism as discussed by the <br />Planning Commission, however specific language regarding the loan process will need to <br />be refined based on GMHC’s review. <br /> <br />Ultimately, the desired outcomes (to encourage neighborhood revitalization and property <br />reinvestment, eliminate blighted housing and enhance the tax base) will be achieved by <br />adopting these changes. <br /> <br />In addition to the HRP policy document, we have updated the Housing Design and Site <br />Criteria document. A few changes were made to the document to make it consistent with <br />the changes to the HRP policy document, but a few other revisions were made as well. <br />We did not establish a minimum value nor did we establish a minimum square footage or <br />footprint. The Commission may want to discuss whether such requirements should be <br />incorporated into the Housing Design and Site Criteria document. Finally, Item 2F on <br />Page 2 should be reviewed. The Planning Commission discussed the issue of <br />“compatibility” at its May 2 meeting… does the statement reflect the desires of the <br />Commission? If a new house is proposed among a neighborhood of small one-level <br />homes, does the new home have to maintain the same one-level character? <br /> <br /> <br />Recommendation: <br /> <br />Review the revised Housing Replacement Program guidelines and the revised Housing <br />Design and Site Criteria requirements. If the HRP program and site design document <br />revisions satisfy the Commission’s expectations, staff will prepare a resolution for action <br />at the June 20, 2007 Commission meeting. <br /> <br /> _____________________ <br />Jim Ericson <br />Community Development Director