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<br />ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER I 1,2000 <br /> <br />9 <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Mr. Lynch stated that the City of Arden Hills can not force the property owner to continue to <br />provide Section 8 housing units or sell the property, if the owner has made the decision to return <br />to market value rents rather than Section 8 housing, <br /> <br />Mr, Lynch pointed out that the City of Arden Hills has participated in Livable Communities and <br />the City Council has stated that they agree with this concept However, from a resource, staffing, <br />and finance standpoint, the City Council was very restricted at this point <br /> <br />Councilmember Rem suggested that the City explore options to deal with this issue through the <br />State or the Metropolitan Council. She would prefer that the City take a more active role in <br />attempting to assist the residents of this apartment complex. <br /> <br />Mayor Probst stated that it was his understanding from City Staff and the required legal notices <br />there was not much the City can do, short of purchasing and operating the property as is. Hc <br />suggested that the City could vote to pass a Resolution in an attempt to encourage the building <br />owner to maintain an affordable housing opportunity, However, it was his understanding that the <br />property owner's loan has been paid and he has provided all the proper notices. Therefore, the <br />property owner is free to operatc the apartment complex as he chooses, or sell the property for <br />the maximum economic benefit to himself. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Kathy Bruno, residcnt of Hunter's Park Apartments, apartment number 228, stated that she is a <br />member of the Hunter's Park Apartment Tenant CounciL She expressed concern that the sale of <br />the property will result in an elimination of affordable housing, She stated that the property <br />owner has indicated that he will accept the vouchers at Hunter's Park Apartments for one year <br />after the expiration of the Section 8, Although this will allow the residents onc year to look for <br />affordable housing, the future is uncertain and there are no guarantees, <br /> <br />Ms, Bruno stated that it would be very stressful living from year to year not knowing if she will <br />be allowed to continue living in a home she and her child have grown accustomed to. She stated <br />that her child has attended the local community schools and that she has lived in this apartment <br />complex for eight and one,halfyears and has worked for three and one-half years at Ace <br />Hardware, She stated that this has been very convenient because she is able to walk to work. <br />She stated that she does not want to be forced to leave the apartment complex since she and her <br />son enjoy living in this neighborhood, <br /> <br />Ms, Bruno stated that the waiting lists for affordable housing, which are generally available only <br />in the inner,city, are two years or more, Additionally, applications for affordable housing are not <br />being taken at this time, <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Ms, Bruno asked if the City Council will support the residents of Hunter's Park Apartments by <br />informing the property owner that affordable housing must remain, She stated that the property <br />owner has indicated that he was willing to sell the property to a non-profit organization and she <br />asked that the City help to encourage such a sale so that affordable housing may continue to be <br />made available, <br />