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19.2Phase II Development – Neighborhood Housing Renovations - 2-10 year plan Phase II development is an opportunity for the HRA to create a targeted renovation plan for existing single family and multi-family housing in the area. In addition, the Galilee Church could become a community focal point with the additional and shared access and parking and opportunity to be a community social gathering and service center. There are several important objectives in this redevelopment phase: Provide an entryway or gateway to the Armory open space. Work with the National Guard to share the open space, driveway access, and parking through public use easements or leases. Retain and improve upon some of the successful housing in the area. Be financially feasible for the owner and/or apartment owners to renovate. Freshen up, add more appealing development, public gathering places, and water retention areas that are currently not addressed on the site. Mix new “fill-in” apartments and owner occupied housing in a pedestrian-friendly design. Encourage development that can take advantage of transit on Rice Street The existing multi family complexes within the study area are aging. Aside from the McCarrons Manor Townhomes built in 1987, the other major complexes (McCarrons Street Apartments, McCarrons Apartments and Hilltop Apartments) were built in the 60’s and 70’s. With limited improvements, complexes of this age are seeing signs of deferred maintenance. This is evidenced by the lower than average value per unit ($35,000 - $42,000). The average value per unit in the city is at least $65,000 with new units having values of more than $80,000. The HRA should offer to provide exterior and interior renovation funding for these complexes in the form of low interest loans. This will help to preserve the needed function of the building as a quality source of affordable rental housing for your professionals and young families. In addition, exterior renovation that updates the visual appearance of the buildings helps to increase the value and livability of the neighborhood. The neighborhood meeting space (Armory and Galilee Church) are ideal for intergenerational civic and/or educational uses such as senior meeting space, health care, daycare and charter school uses. This is due to the easy access and visibility from McCarrons’ Boulevard and Elmer Street as well as the functional layout and design of the Armory building. In addition, the under- utilized ball field area could be used by the City Parks & Recreation for programmed games and other recreational uses. The City, Church, and State should explore partnerships that include long term leases and shared custodial service to enable additional community use of the Armory building and site. In addition, the City should explore entering into a first right of purchase with the State for the Armory site. Although the representative of the State Department of Military Affairs has indicated that there is no plans to vacate the site, at some point in the future (next 2-10 year) that plan could drastically change. The City should ensure that if sold, the City has the opportunity to purchase the site, first, before it is put on the open market. Even though there is no current DRAFT MARCH 10, 2004 18