CC_Minutes_2009_0309 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 09, 2009 Page 10 Councilmember Ihlan opined that, from the tenant's perspective, the impact could be deemed substantial based on their economic circumstances, and the dis- location of some of those families from their homes. Councilmember Ihlan further opined that the developer's misinterpretation and inexperience should not be rele- vant to this decision, or whether their non-compliance was intentional or uninten- tional; but opined that when the developer was seeking publicly-backed financing, they should be aware of all requirements. Public Comment Karen Thomas, former resident of Centennial Commons Ms. Thomas reviewed her experience in receiving an eviction notice and $150/month rent increase; and subsequent conversations she'd had with the de- veloper when seeking a rent refund following determination of non-compliance. Ms. Thomas noted the many stresses to herself and family throughout this situa- tion; and her disappointment with the City of Roseville; her need to relocate to St. Paul from Roseville; and impacts to her family in being displaced after living 12 years at the complex. Ms. Thomas alleged that, if not for the notice of non- compliance provided by Mr. Cann, the developer would probably not have stopped their business practices. Connie Wyland Ms. Wyland requested that the letter from Senator Marty be read into the record. Marsha Kresse, resident at Centennial Gardens. Ms. Kresse advised that Senator Marty had drafted and e-mailed a letter to the City this afternoon. The referenced letter had not been received by Councilmem- bers prior to the start of today's meeting schedule. Ms. Kresse reviewed her rent increase of $150, and subsequent reduction by the developer from $850 to $834/month, following disclosure. Ms. Kresse reviewed impacts to her in not being able to afford that much rent, but not being able to af- ford to move either; early assurances by the developer that rents would not in- crease until renovations were completed, however, the ultimate reality of the ten- ants living in a construction zone, and utility interruptions during that renovation. Ms. Kresse alleged that the former community-centered apartment neighborhood had been torn asunder, and short-term, problematic tenants had replaced long- term tenants. Ms. Kresse opined that the developer had been involved with affordable housing for years, based on comments of the developer's attorney, and should be aware of requirements. Ms. Kresse further opined that, once caught in non-compliance, the City should enforce State Statue rather than deem the situation insubstantial, al- leging that the developer was fully aware of what they were doing; and asked that the City Council hold the developer accountable for the subsidies they received, whether inadvertent errors or not.