PROJECT VISION MINUTES 11/14/13 I. Mayor Discussed recent opening of the treatment hub II. Chief Reported on status of grant; we were not awarded the Federal grant but this will not move us much off our plan; Chief discussed a couple of successes we have had that did not involve money, including increased use of mapping by PD, increased presence of law enforcement and others in neighborhoods, the recent opening of the methadone clinic, and the unprecedented communication between systems. He also reported that the number of burglaries is declining. III. Housing Study Brennan Duffy talked about receiving preliminary info from the recent housing study; what started as a study of blighted properties has turned into a plan for neighborhood revitalization. This planning work positions us to be able to apply for implementation grants early next year to continue this work. There will be public forums scheduled in the future to further discuss this. For the results of the earlier Housing Needs Assessment please go to rutlandvtbusiness. Eric Hangen, Alys Mann and Marcia Nedland (housing consultants) presented the results of their findings that were focused on neighborhood revitalization in the northwest neighborhood. Ultimately they will provide a property-by-property strategy for blighted properties in this area, recommend revitalization strategies, and assist with a “Healthy Neighborhoods” approach. The end point for us is a healthy neighborhood, and every time an action is contemplated we should be asking how that action affects outcomes. Outcomes include: -Neighborhood Image-positive, people want to live there, there is confidence around investment for the future; -Real Estate Market- home values recoup investments; buying there is seen as a good investment; the area attracts good neighbors; -Physical Conditions- it looks like people are proud to be there; -Neighborhood Management- neighbors know and trust each other and are willing to get together to address issues. Strategies include: -Build confidence, safety and identity- build skills so neighbors can handle issues; implement safety initiatives (but avoid making the image one of crime-fighting); build identity around closeness to downtown and other amenities, friendliness, etc.; -Move to higher owner occupancy- protect current owner occupants by proactively addressing problems; transfer tax-delinquent properties to responsible non-profit developer; outreach to owner occupants in danger of foreclosure; work with existing renters interested in home buying; rezone to single family residences (SFR); -Help landlords become an asset- training for landlords on issues; create social networking group of landlords from the neighborhood; low cost loans to landlords for improvements (exterior a priority); offer grants to reduce density; engage landlords in community building activities; avoid scenario where undercapitalized unskilled landlords can buy poor quality homes. -Get recalcitrant or overwhelmed landlords out of the neighborhood- be aggressive about code enforcement; buy out landlords with tax or mortgage delinquent properties; work on receivership or other ordinances that will allow for faster action; recruit outstanding landlord to buy out these landlords; -Improve physical conditions to pride standards- create lending opportunities for rehab; set standards for expected improvements that must be met for low-cost loans; support beautification by neighbors with mini-grants/group buying, etc.; target street, sidewalk, curb, tree improvements by city; -Improve market conditions via dedensification- demolition of very poor properties and splitting the lot between adjacent owners; subsidy to reduce number of units in a building; change zoning to SFR. Other ideas for consideration: - Expect landlords to be good neighbors; - Look at jobs/housing balance and develop a REGIONAL affordable housing strategy; -Engage entire block to develop unifying project; -Implementation should be the whole block approach and involve RRA, Neighborworks, Building Dept, Tax Assessor, Treasurer, Realtor and residents. Joe Kraus then reported that the next scheduled meeting will take place on November 21, 2013, at which time Joe will present the proposed mission, vision and areas of major focus and our plans going forward. NEXT MEETING: THURSDAY, NOV 21, NOON, AT RPD
Posted on: Thu, 21 Nov 2013 19:12:39 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015