6.0. HRSR 06-24-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • Line-of-credit from the Twin Cities Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC), see below • Personal equity • Sales Tax Revitalization Program (STAR) funds, see below • HRA grant ($250,000) • MHFA grant ($200,000) • Habitat donations • Volunteer labor Twin Cities LISC is a program area of The Local Initiatives Support Corporation, a nonprofit intermediary that channels financial and technical support to community development corporations (CDCs) throughout the country.The Twin Cities local office was opened in 1988, and has worked for over a decade to revitalize struggling communities in and around Minneapolis &St.Paul. What is the STAR Program? The Minnesota State Legislature provided legislative authorization for the City of Saint Paul to levy an additional 1/2 percent sales tax in May, 1993. The authorizing legislation states that revenues may be used to pay all or a portion of the capital expenses for expansion and remodeling of the Saint Paul Civic Center Complex.The remainder of the funds must be spent for capital projects to further residential,cultural, commercial and economic development in both Downtown Saint Paul and Saint Paul neighborhoods. • In 1994, the City Council established the Sales Tax Revitalization (STAR) Program,which includes the Neighborhood STAR and Cultural STAR Programs,to distribute the remaining sales tax proceeds. City of New Brighton Funding • CDBG funds were used to assist with the utility connections of 5 new homes • The City's role was minimal City of Fridley General Comments Habitat purchased a home in Fridley in the late 80s or early 90s,which was rehabilitated and then sold to a low-income family. The current appearance of the home is poor. Although HRA Manager Grant Fernelius did not work for the City at that time, he suspects the project was controversial and does not leave a very good impression of the program. Community Concerns • Ms. Graphenteen (Central MN Housing Partnership) sits on some committees with the Brainerd and East Central chapters and feels that Habitat's biggest barrier seems to be finding a site and a site that is affordable to make the project work. Also, the only government funding accepted by Habitat is land development assistance. • Executive Director of NEAR,Jonathon Sage-Martinson, feels that Habitat needs to • work on their design issues to better incorporate their homes into existing neighborhoods. He also feels that communities need to communicate their needs