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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/08/2008 WRHA WHEAT RIDGE HOUSING AUTHORITY MINUTES January 8, 2008 A. CALL MEETING TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chair Brungardt at 4:00 p.m. in the Ci~ Council Chambers ofthe Wheat Ridge Municipal Building, 7500 West 29' Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado. B. ROLL CALL Authority members present: Cheryl Brungardt Kent Davis Kathy Nuanes Lena Rotola Janice Thompson Others present: Sally Payne, Deputy Director Ryan Stachelski, Economic Development Specialist Henry Wehrdt, Construction Manager Larry Nelson, Cornerstone Realty Betty Maybin, Cornerstone Realty Curtis Gilmore, Wheat Ridge Foundation Brian Ojala, Entasis Group Aaron Ojala, Entasis Group Ron Abo, The Abo Group Ann Lazzeri, Secretary C. NEW BUSINESS 1. Proposal review of potential new housing project Chair Brungardt reported that Jefferson County requires a specified project before Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) can be awarded. The County has approved these funds to be used toward proposed renovation of the old Fruitdale School building into owner-occupied lofts. Ryan Stachelski addressed the two following questions that need answers before the Housing Authority could move forward with the proj ect. Regarding the deed restriction which requires the property to be used for educational purposes, the city attorney has advised that the Housing Authority would need to condenm the property directly from the School District rather than Housing Authority Minutes - 1 - January 8, 2008 from the Wheat Ridge Foundation. The School District has indicated they would be amenable to a friendly condemnation. Regarding cost of the project, two architects were invited to present proposals for renovation of the building. (A copy of the proposals are attached as addendums to the minutes.) . The Eutasis Group - Mr. Stachelski introduced Aaron and Brian Ojala of the Entasis Group to review their design proposal. They described two designs including one for residential lofts only and the other for residential lofts with a retail component. They proposed thirteen residential units. These would be one and two-bedroom units ranging in size from 650 square feet to 1,060 square feet. The units would have separate utilities, card reader entrances for security purposes, and small storage areas. They believed the structure to be very salvageable. The proposed plan allows for two parking spaces per residential unit and two parking spaces per retail unit. There is the possibility for carports or garages. In response to a question about the availability of adjacent property to the west, Mr. Stachelski stated that the property is presently too expensive. There is the possibility of a lot line adjustment for the school property which would add some parking area. Janice Thompson commented that adding commercial to the residential component would make it too crowded. Mr. Stachelski explained that he asked the architects to take a look at a retail scenario as a means to subsidize the cost of the building if necessary. Cheryl Brungardt commented that the Housing Authority's experience is that garages make a property more saleable. In response to a question from Larry Nelson, Aaron and Brian reviewed several other projects they have been involved with including 26 units in Arvada. These units were priced for low to higher incomes. Housing Authority members were invited to tour some of their proj ects. Henry Wehrdt asked about structural soundness of the building. Aaron stated that the building seems to be very sound but would advise inspection by a structural engineer. He also explained that the $115 per square foot estimate mostly includes hard costs. He didn't know yet about water and sewer costs. He also noted that all the lower units would probably be handicapped accessible, however elevators would not be installed for the second floor. Cheryl Brungardt commented that she would like to see environmentally friendly (green) elements integrated into the plan. Janice Thompson commented that it is important to keep the historical integrity of the building when considering things such as solar panels. Housing Authority Minutes - 2 - January 8, 2008 . Curtis Gilmore - Mr. Stachelski introduced Curtis Gilmore of the Wheat Ridge Foundation. Mr. Gilmore reported that Colorado Acts is very interested in renovating the building for use as a school of theater for home-schoolers, charter schools, etc. Colorado Acts has indicated they would make a $250,000 donation to the Foundation if they are allowed to have the building. If the property is not utilized by the Housing Authority and goes to Colorado Acts, the Foundation would reimburse the Housing Authority in the amount of$5,000 for property evaluation costs. He also commented that the reverter clause would not apply in this case because the building would be used as a school. In response to a question from Janice Thompson about Colorado Acts' funding, Mr. Gilmore stated that students pay tuition to attend Colorado Acts School. The school is also talking to banks about funding to purchase the building. Janice Thompson stated that she wants the "Fruitdale" name to be incorporated in whatever use the building may have. In response to a question from Lena Rotola, Mr. Gilmore explained that the school would be in operation year around. In response to a question from Cheryl Brungardt, Mr. Gilmore stated that the school has not yet looked at the parking situation. Janice Thompson asked if the school would be a long term project. Mr. Gilmore replied that he believed it would be long-term since Colorado Acts has been in operation for thirteen years. He also stated that water and sewer taps for the building were transferred to the new school. . The Abo Group - Mr. Stachelski introduced Ron Abo to give his presentation on preliminary designs and costs for renovation of the building. Mr. Abo presented a history of his firm and a digital presentation of other projects designed by his firm. He stated that his firm does not do hazardous material investigation and would suggest having a Phase I study done. From his initial walk-through he suspected there may be some asbestos and maybe some lead paint. He was basing his estimates on 6 units per level, or a total of 12 residential units. Following the architects' presentations, there was discussion by the Authority. Housing Authority Minutes - 3 - January 8, 2008 Henry Wehrdt explained that there is a caveat with the $75,000 grant from the HOME grant program. The funds cannot be expended until approximately June of 2008 or dedicated until the contract is signed with the County. There is also an additional $37,500 remaining in home funds that could be redirected to this project. These funds could be used in determining the feasibility of the project. He also explained that this is not the type of project he is accustomed to working with and therefore it is best to involve an architect. Kathy Nuanes commented that she was previously unaware of the interest by Colorado Acts and suggested that the Housing Authority should have a dialogue with the Wheat Ridge Foundation and the neighborhood in an attempt to reach a decision as to the best use of the building and how it would best serve the community. She also asked for more information on "friendly condenmation." Mr. Stachelski read the city attorney's opinion about the condenmation. Kathy Nuanes asked that a copy of his opinion be included in the next Authority packet. Janice Thompson expressed concern about how the adj acent property to the west might be developed. Lena Rotola commented that good development could encourage other good development. Sally Payne commented that per the Fruitdale Subarea Plan, an overlay zone for 44'h Avenue will be developed eventually to give some control over usage. Lena Rotola also expressed concern about the neighborhood's negative reaction if another school is planned for the area. Kathy Nuanes requested Mr. Stachelski to determine the viability ofthe Colorado Acts proposal for discussion at the next Authority meeting. D. OTHER . Larry Nelson reported that there is one unit left for sale at Park Side. It does include a garage. E. ADJOURNMENT It was moved by Kathy Nuanes and seconded by Kent Davis to adjourn the meeting at 6:09 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. ~~/~ Cheryl Bru ardt, Chair /1 ~ ./ ;I cz1 . ~~ ~~ Ann Lazzeri, Recording ecretary Addendum: Copy of proposals from the Entasis Group and the Abo Group Housing Authority Minutes - 4- January 8, 2008