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Wheat Ridge Housing Authority
Minutes of Planning Session
August 18, 2015
THE MEETING TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. by Chair Thomson in the Second Floor
Conference Room of the Municipal Building, 7500 West 29 Avenue, Wheat Ridge,
Colorado.
ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS
Authority Members Present: Thomas Abbott
Chad Harr
Janice Thompson
Jennifer Walter
Authority Members Absent: Tracy Langworthy
Also Present: Lauren Mikulak, Senior Planner
Kenneth Johnstone, Community Development Director
STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION
Ms. Mikulak provided a summary of the memo that had been included in the agenda
packet. She summarized the history of the Authority, the funding changes in recent
years, and the reasons for strategic planning. Staff recommended three possible options
for moving forward: A) continuing a single family rehab program, B) partnering with a
developer to provide affordable housing, and C) providing grants or loans for low-income
homeowners to complete repairs.
Mr. Abbott suggested that option A not be considered because it is no longer a viable
program. Option B could be a worthwhile investment. Option C will require more
information; Wheat Ridge 2020 has a similar program, but he expressed hesitance to
partner with them before doing more due diligence.
Housing Authority Minutes
August 18, 2015
Mr. Harr inquired about creating a multi -family inspection program. There was some
discussion about this type of program and whether it was more appropriate for WRHA or
the City to create such a program.
Mr. Johnstone indicated that Council has considered such a program several times in the
past, and it would likely need to be the City that manages a registration and inspection
program.
There was general consensus that it is unlikely that WRHA has the authority or resources
to execute such a program.
Ms. Walter asked for more details on the City's current neighborhood cleanup programs,
and Ms. Mikulak described the role of the Community Services Unit. They frequently
refer residents to entities who can help with repairs. Jefferson County Housing Authority
(JCHA) and Brothers Redevelopment have funded home repair programs for low-income
households.
Chair Thompson suggested it may be appropriate for the Authority to enter a period of
reduced activity. She observed that there is no pressing need to determine a new
direction at this time. This would allow the Board to focus on Fruitdale and consider all
options.
Mr. Abbott observed that the real estate market is cyclical and agreed that it may be
appropriate to refrain from new programs immediately.
There was some discussion of recent market changes and whether it would ever be
realistic to renovate single family homes again.
Chair Thompson asked why new multifamily units were necessary if the City already has
a high rental rate. There was discussion of the lack of new multifamily units and the lack
of new affordable products. There is a lack of modern housing options in the City,
particularly near public transit, including Wadsworth, Kipling, and at the future TOD
area.
Mr. Abbott expressed interest in Option C. There was discussion of how liens can be
placed on a property to ensure a loan is repaid.
Mr. Harr asked for more explanation of Option B.
Mr. Johnstone explained that funding gaps are common in affordable housing projects. A
few hundred thousand dollars can make or break a project. There was further discussion
of Option B.
Chair Thompson expressed reservations about spending the Authority's remaining funds
without any way to replenish the funds.
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August 18, 2015
Mr. Harr expressed interest in partnering on a development and referenced other
interesting projects such as Town Center North—the age and income restricted project by
Wazee Partners—and development near RMCAD in Lakewood. Mr. Harr also indicated
that Britta Fisher, Executive Director of Wheat Ridge 2020, may be a good resource as
she also sits on the State Housing Board.
There was additional discussion of Option B and C.
There was consensus to ask Britta Fisher for her ideas related to Option B and to the
Authority's strategic planning in general.
There was consensus to explore Option C and to understand how similar programs are
operated, such as those run by JCHA, Habitat for Humanity, and Brothers redevelopment.
It was agreed that a follow-up to the strategic planning session could occur later this year
or in early 2016. Fruitdale would be the focus of the September meeting.
D. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Ms. Walters and seconded by Mr. Harr to adjourn the meeting at
5:45 p.m.
Motion carried 4-0.
Next regular meeting is scheduled for September 22, 2015.
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Janice Thompson, Chair La ren Mikulak, Recording Secretary
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August 18, 2015