06/29/1988 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e II. RESOLUTION APPROVING A COOPERATION AGREEMENT FOR LOW-RENT PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECT Mr. Gleason introduced the item. Rich Weinman, Eugene Development Department, gave the staff report. An acute rental housing shortage in Eugene is creating a particular hardship on lower income families, as rent s are being driven up by demand. The Housing Authority and Community Services Agency (HACSA) is applying to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the funding for 40-50 three- and four-bedroom size units of low-rent housing for families. A requirement of the application to HUD is a resolution of the City Council to support the provision of low-income housing and a willingness to cooperate with HACSA with the project. Responding to a question from Ms. Schue, Mr. Wei~man explained that the agreement would have no bearing on whether the project is at a single location or scattered sites, but the project being contemplated would be at one site. Bill Bunting of the Housing Assistance Program added that scattered site new construction would be more costly than the proto-type housing costs allowed by HUD. Ms. Wooten voiced her support of scattered-site low-income housing and asked if repossessed and land-banked lots would present an opportunity for creating that type of housing. She suspected that large projects would have a negative impact on the community. Ms. Wooten asked staff to investigate how the community of Charleston and other cities used HUD funds for scattered e site housing. Mr. Weinman said the single project being considered would be on a current land-banked site on the west side of Coburg Road past Beltline. Presently zoned R-2, its allowable density is about 66 units, so the 44 unit complex would leave open space available. He continued by saying other land-banked City-owned property could be considered for additional low-income housing. At this point, Mr. Gleason pointed out that a discussion of social goals and housing would be a separate item from agreeing with the Housing Assistance Program that the City supports low-income housing and authorizes the County to design a project. Mr. Holmer asked for clarification of the relationship between the County and the City, specifically the role of the City relative to HACSA activities. Mr. Weinman again said the resolution under consideration states the City.s support of low-income housing and the proposed project. He mentioned the expectation that the City would provide the necessary street lights and sewers. Because the project will be publicly-owned, there will be no property taxes. Mayor Obie said he supported scattered-site housing that places people in environments in which they can grow and become a part of society. He ~MINUTES--EUgene City Council June 29, 1988 Page 7