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Referring to the Housing Needs Analysis and its identification of the need for housing for youth, <br />Councilor Nathanson asked what youth population was in question. She also questioned the <br />implications of the University's plans for increased enrollment for the community, and whether the <br />University worked actively with the City on housing issues. <br /> <br />John Van Landingham, chair of the Housing Policy Board, responded to Councilor Nathanson's <br />first question by saying the board had not discussed the analysis with the Homebuilders <br />Association, but the analysis was taken from the Residential Lands Study, which was developed <br />with the participation of the association. He said that the homebuilders were aware of the <br />conclusion. <br /> <br />Regarding Councilor Nathanson's question about the University's proposed increase in <br />enrollment and its work with the City, Mr. Van Landingham said the board had not recently <br />discussed housing with the University. He clarified that the reference to youth was to youth who <br />were not students, but rather to homeless youth. <br /> <br />Councilor Kelly commended Eugene and Springfield staff for the draft plan, and praised the depth <br />and breadth of the public involvement process. He urged the council to support the plan to assist <br />those who were not benefitting from the strong economy. He also acknowledged the public <br />forum comments of Ms. Perpinan and said he agreed that there was more to the issue than <br />bricks and mortar. <br /> <br />Councilor Meisner suggested a disconnect between the plan and the conversion of existing <br />housing stock in the core to commercial and retail uses. He pointed out that the five-year goals <br />called for expanding the conservation and improvement of affordable owner and rental housing. <br />Housing stock in the core was some of the most affordable in the community, and nothing was <br />being done to prevent its conversion or encourage its rehabilitation. He said that the result of the <br />disconnect was the construction of Iow-income housing at a higher cost. <br /> <br />Councilor Lee thanked Councilor Kelly and staff for their work on the issue. He asked if <br />adjustments would be made to the plan after the census results were in. Staff indicated that was <br />the case. Councilor Lee spoke of the importance of the census to federal funding of local <br />priorities. <br /> <br />Councilor Pap8 said that there were banks interested in funding Iow-income housing <br />development and asked about the 203(b) program. Mr. Van Landingham described the program, <br />which was to help support first-time home ownership. The program also included a grant of <br />$1,500 for down payment assistance. There are quite a few things in the document about <br />promoting home ownership. There is nothing specific to banks and their role. He added that the <br />plan relies on both for successful implementation. Developments require mortgages and private <br />sector construction. Councilor Pap8 said that banks were looking for ways to be involved, and <br />encouraged the board to enter into partnerships with those financial institutions interested in Iow- <br />income housing. <br />Mr. Torrey said that he had discussed ways to meet the transitional needs of youth with staff from <br />the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), who agreed it was an important need <br />but raised a question about liability. He asked the Housing Policy Board to identify a program he <br />could carry back to HUD to request financing for on a demonstration project basis. <br /> <br /> Roll call vote; the motion passed unanimously, 6:0. <br /> <br />MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 24, 2000 Page 4 <br /> Regular Meeting <br /> <br /> <br />