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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes – Wednesday, March 05, 2008 Page 8 Dede Goodwin, 2206 Haddington Road (south/west of parcel) Ms. Goodwin spoke in support of rehabilitation of the five (5) existing buildings; however, was not supportive of adding a new building, and echoed concerns about the proposed access to the new building expressed by the previous speaker. Ms. Goodwin provided extensive demographic information she’d researched with the City’s Police Department on crime statistics and comparisons between 2006 and 2007, alleging that the increase was due to the Har Mar Apartments. Ms. Goodwin made comparisons between the Har Mar Apartments and Rosewood Village crime statistics, and expressed grave concern regarding the existing and ongoing major crime in that small geographic section Roseville. Ms. Goodwin calculated that at Rosewood Village there was one police call for every nine people in 2007 compared to Har Mar Apartments showing police calls almost four (4) times that many, with only half as many tenants, and with on-site management. Ms. Goodwin opined that by increasing the population and density of that population in this 4-5 block area, it would substantially increase the crime rate. Ms. Goodwin questioned if there was a screening process right now for tenants, specifically when talking about affordable housing; and recognized that Roseville was changing from an inner-ring to urban suburb, with increased density and diversity. Commissioner Gasongo asked Ms. Goodwin if she thought not building a new building would reduce crimes in the area; and sought specific suggestions for how to alleviate the crime situation. Commissioner Gasongo noted the increase in crime from 2006 to 2007 occurred without the proposed new building. Ms. Goodwin opined that, with subsidized transitional housing in such a small geographic area representing approximately 4% of the overall City, increased crime was a probability. Ms. Goodwin further opined that a good preventative measure would be to not increase the population in the area. Chair Bakeman opined that land use didn’t generate increased crime; and while Ms. Goodwin had some valid points related to density and crime statistics, the solution was not an easy one nor all-inclusive. Kate McGough Ms. McGough responded to Ms. Goodwin’s concerns, expressing appreciation for neighborhood concerns related to density and crime statistics. Ms. McGough clarified that when their firm took over the building, it was in great disrepair with many vacant units, and they had attempted to repair as much as possible. Ms. McGough noted that the population of the units had doubled, in addition to the crime statistics. Ms. McGough advised that the other side of that scenario may be that there is now a property manager on-site who was strongly encouraged, along with residents, to call the Police Department when they see anything amiss or suspicious actions on the property, in an effort to foster a sense of community and responsibility. Ms. McGough, therefore, noted that the increased calls were not a surprise, and may prove more positive and beneficial to the community than evidenced by Ms. Goodwin’s perceptions. Ms. McGough advised that, while she couldn’t make any guarantees on future crime statistics, all their new residents went through criminal background checks; and that they were seeking tenants who were going to interact well with current residents, so people would feel safe in their own homes. Ms. McGough committed to continuing to reduce crime in the facility and neighborhood to the best of their ability. Ms. McGough addressed the proposed location of the driveway in the concept plans, and expressed willingness to continue working with staff on the site plan to mitigate placement of the driveway. Ms. McGough addressed the proposed height of the new building in Phase II, noting that it was six feet (6’) taller than existing buildings, and while not anticipating that it would have a huge impact on current or adjacent structures, recognized neighborhood concerns, and expressed willingness to continue to work with staff accordingly.