Item 7 - HOME Fund./8th Ave. - Laserfiche WebLink

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review was completed prior to acquisition. As part of that process, a noise study was conducted using the HUD preferred calculation method. It used the whole site as the development footprint. The calculation method is primarily based on traffic and road noise. The study resulted in a decibel level of 71.4, below the 75 decibel level determined "Unacceptable" by HUD. Once the Metro proposal was recommended by the Allocations Committee, the calculations were reevaluated based on the proposed design plan. The resulting decibel level was 68.2. HUD regulations allow for a secondary method for noise analysis when a unique source is present, such as a music hall. This measurement method was conducted over a 24-hour period on February 16, 2005. The final results are not available yet, but the field measurements were within a reasonable range. Metro has worked with an acoustical engineer and the CCPA to address the potential noise issues throughout the design process. The Metro proposal includes several sound mitigation measures, including up to $50,000 for improvements to the WOW hall itself and sound baffling materials on the west side of the housing development. Since the WOW Hall is a historic structure, Metro and the CCPA will coordinate with State Historic Preservation Office on the appropriate improvements. In order to provide more time for discussion, HPB scheduled a follow up meeting for February 21, 2005, to complete their deliberation and finalize a recommendation for the Eugene City Council. The full intergovernmental HPB voted unanimously to recommend funding the Metro WestTown on 8th proposal. This recommendation to fund WestTown on 8th followed substantial review and discussion. WestTown on 8th is a $13.375 million proposal for a structure stair-stepped back from West 8th Avenue, sensitive to the context of the Historic WOW Hall, and that provides southern exposure to the courtyard and living units placed on the alley. Metro proposes innovative live-work units along West 8th Avenue on the ground floor. Of the 94 total housing units, Metro proposes 70 housing units targeted to tenants between 41% and 57% of area median income, 16 renting at market rate, and eight units as live-work units. The design concept features private balconies and patios, a community room, a landscaped courtyard, and 75 parking spaces. Metro did extensive consultation with the WOW Hall on potential noise attenuation and received support from many of the surrounding businesses and neighbors. The required environmental review will ensure that both noise and historic impacts are appropriately addressed. Metro has requested the following resources: Landbank Site $ 620,000 Federal HOME grant 1,025,000 Eugene SDC waivers 210,000 EWEB SDC waivers 58,000 Lane County Road Funds 275,000 An application for a low-income housing property tax exemption will be submitted to City Council separately, and potentially an application for a Multi-Unit Housing Tax Exemption (MUPTE) will be received for the market rate housing. Metro will be seeking financial assistance through the State of Oregon for Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and the Oregon Lenders Tax Credit program. Metro has been in operation since 1992. It currently operates five affordable housing communities in Eugene and Springfield. A sixth development is scheduled to be completed in May. These properties provide housing and resident services to over 240 households. L:\CMO\2005 Council Agendas\M050307\S0503077.doc