CC Minutes - 03/07/05 Mtg - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Manager Taylor expressed concern that a delay could jeopardize the project's ability to access loan funds. Ms. Dawson concurred, adding that the sooner Metro Affordable Housing received a local decision the sooner it could apply for the tax credits. Councilor Pap6 conveyed his respect for the process by which the HPB had chosen this project. He asked Ms. Dawson to highlight the process for the council. Ms. Dawson reviewed the process, explaining that once the site was purchased, the Allocations Subcommittee set the criteria for the Request for Proposals (RFP) and put out the RFP in the fall of 2004. Of the four proposals submitted, two included housing, one proposed to use the existing building, and the last was from the Community Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA) for the lot behind the WOW Hall building. She related that the subcommittee had spoken with representatives of all four proposals and had recommended the Metro project. She said the proposal went to the HPB which, as required by grant regulations, held a public hearing. She stated that discussion subsequent to the public hearing had resulted in unanimous support for the recommendation before the City Council. Councilor Taylor averred that there was never anything wrong with transparent government. She supported holding another public hearing. Councilor Bettman appreciated the amendment, but felt due to the timeframe a delay could jeopardize the project and because of this she could not support it. She thought the project had received much more scrutiny than such a project usually received. Roll call vote; the amendment to the motion failed, 6:2; councilors Ortiz and Taylor voting in favor. Councilor Bettman commented that all low-income housing in the City had been built with public assistance. She wished to inform the public that low-income housing would not be built without such assistance. She stressed that the City made an effort to disperse such housing around the City. She acknowledged that it was more expensive to build in the downtown area, but pointed out that living in the downtown area was more affordable for low-income people. She believed the WOW Hall would continue to function as a small performing arts venue, adding that it was a valued entity within the community. Councilor Kelly thanked the WOW Hall, its back lot committee, and the Metro Affordable Housing people for their collaborative effort. Councilor Taylor opposed the motion. Councilor Ortiz thanked everyone for putting the effort into the project. She appreciated that there were many opportunities for public process. Roll call vote; the main motion passed, 7:1; Councilor Taylor voting in opposition. MINUTES--Eugene City Council March 7, 2005 Page 15 Regular Session