4.1 HRSR 06-01-2015 DRAFT MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Housing and Redevelopment Minutes Page 3 May 4, 2015 ----------------------------- Commissioner Kuester asked what their goal was — to get the building demolished and sell the lots, or do they want them to rebuild, as well. Commissioner Chuba questioned whether all blighted property owners have the resources to rebuild. He stated that a contractor could purchase the blighted property, demo the building and have the option of selling or rebuilding. Ms. Eddy noted that the HRA could buy a property and complete the demolition, but that would require a new program and application. Discussion followed regarding identifying blighted properties, forgivable versus pay -back loan options, and a time period for a forgivable loan (5 years - 10 years), and who would be eligible for the loan program (property /homeowners, developers, or both). Commissioner Kuester asked how it is determined a property is blighted. Ms. Eddy stated that the city's building inspection department would make that determination. Commissioner Toth asked who would determine what properties were inspected. Ms. Eddy stated that the process would be application- driven. Commissioner Chuba stated he did not care whether the program benefitted homeowners or developers, but that he was in favor of a forgivable loan program. Chair Wilson stated that since the focus seems to be shifting more to blighted properties, he suggested that they "go back to the drawing board" and maybe look at what other communities are doing, as far as tearing down structures and replacing with new. Ms. Eddy stated she will research blighted property programs. Commissioner Kuester asked if staff or the HRA are aware of blighted sites in the city. Commissioner Kuester asked if they should base findings on safety hazards. Commissioner Chuba stated that properties can be function and non - functional and be obsolete. He did not see the purpose is throwing "good money after bad" by rehabbing properties that lived out their usefulness. He noted that there are a number of properties that are old but not very many are historical and worth saving. Chair Wilson stated the question is whether or not there are blighted properties that a program would benefit. He noted that updating sites with new structures would also increase the tax base. Ms. Eddy stated that she will talk with the building, fire and code inspectors and come up with a list of blighted properties they are aware of. 9. Adjournment There being no further business, Chair Wilson adjourned the worksession of the Elk River Housing and Redevelopment Authority at 6:15 p.m.