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Regular City Council Meeting <br /> Monday, October 08, 2012 <br /> Page 12 <br /> demolition/rehabilitation (Item 4.b on the Action Plan) would only be utilized if <br /> and when such opportunities came forward, and that they would not be ongoing. <br /> Ms. Kelsey concurred, noting that funds were designated for acquisition and <br /> demolition; however, the line item on the Action Plan were income-restricted <br /> funds; and the goal of such a program was designed to allow the marketplace to <br /> bring up the overall value of a neighborhood. Ms. Kelsey advised that such a <br /> program had been used in the past by the City for code enforcement properties, <br /> with negotiations with owners to sell those properties. <br /> At the request of Mayor Roe, Ms. Kelsey reviewed criteria for such a program, <br /> using a previous example of a single-family home on a single lot on Rice Street <br /> near County Road C available, but since no funds were in place the HRA had <br /> been prevented from taking advantage of the opportunity presented, even <br /> though other redevelopment activity was occurring in that area. <br /> Chair Maschka noted that, since this was a missed opportunity, the property <br /> would continue to deteriorate and degrade that area of the community. <br /> Member Lee also concurred, noting that the property was no longer on the mar- <br /> ket and was now a rental property; advising that such a situation had spurred <br /> this program by the HRA. <br /> Mayor Roe recognized the HRA's determination to build a fund balance to ad- <br /> dress future similar situations, suggesting that it could be realigned with the levy <br /> as appropriate. <br /> Reiterating her original statement, Councilmember McGehee advised that she <br /> was not opposed to the HRA bringing these proposals forward, suggesting they <br /> be addressed on an urgency basis with the City Council. As an example, Coun- <br /> cilmember McGehee noted a request several years ago from a condominium as- <br /> sociation seeking a loan for necessary repairs, a very desirable site for use of <br /> such a program, since this represented a former apartment complex converted to <br /> condominium units. Councilmember McGehee noted her observation that the <br /> tenants/owners included young couples who had purchased units as first-time <br /> homebuyers unaware of the calamity about to befall them. While being sup- <br /> portive of the HRA's efforts, Councilmember McGehee noted her need to bal- <br /> ance public money requests, and asked that the HRA cooperate in recognizing <br /> the many needs of those public monies. <br /> Mayor Roe suggested that the HRA revisit their Action Plan as part of their <br /> 2013 budget request. Councilmember McGehee was amenable to that at this <br /> time. <br />