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HRA Minutes Page 2 <br /> September 22,2003 <br /> • Mr.Harlicker discussed the Needs Analysis in his report to the HRA dated August 25,2003. <br /> He stated that the City needs to make a policy decision regarding their role in assessing <br /> housing needs and goals;whether to serve as a mini-regional center for the area,or to meet <br /> local needs. He discussed the ratio of multi-family to single-family,and the ratio of <br /> townhouse units to single-family. Mr.Harlicker then reviewed staff's analysis of <br /> "affordable"housing. <br /> The following options were presented for consideration if the City determines there is a <br /> need for additional housing: <br /> 1. Zone land appropriately to allow development of additional multi-family units. <br /> 2. Redevelopment of older dwellings for replacement with multi-family units. <br /> 3. Allow accessory or"mother-in-law"apartments to single-family dwellings. <br /> 4. Amend the zoning code to allow higher densities,and offer density bonuses if builders <br /> include affordable units in a development. <br /> 5. Establish a housing preservation and rehabilitation program. <br /> 6. Utilize tax increment financing to redevelop blighted residential areas and/or new <br /> construction of low and moderate-income housing. <br /> Chair Toth asked where the mobile homes were located that were mentioned in staff's <br /> report. Mr.Harlicker stated that some are in Wapiti Park and the others are scattered <br /> throughout the rural residential areas of the city. Chair Toth asked if mobile homes are still <br /> allowed. Mr.Harlicker explained that the City does allow them with restrictions such as <br /> placement on a permanent foundation. He noted that the homes that are coming into Elk <br /> • River are generally doublewides and have the appearance of a traditional single-family home. <br /> Commissioner Leiser asked if the median values are comparable to market values. She felt <br /> that the median value may seem affordable but in reality the market value is not. Mr. <br /> Harlicker stated that the data was obtained from Sherburne County Assessor's office and <br /> that staff combined the assessed valuation of the building and land to determine the median <br /> value for the study. He stated that if the HRA was interested in a market value study,a great <br /> deal more research would be necessary. <br /> Commissioner Motin asked if the most recent Trott Brook Farms townhomes and Eull <br /> property was included in the housing inventory. Mr.Harlicker stated that all property that <br /> has been final platted was included. <br /> Chair Toth asked if the City is receiving inquires for affordable housing. He stated that it is <br /> difficult for the HRA to determine if the housing inventory is adequate or if they need to <br /> expand it. <br /> Director of Planning Michele McPherson stated that the City needs to make a determination <br /> whether or not they wish to provide a higher percentage of"affordable" or multi-family <br /> housing,and if so,review the options provided by staff to expand it,not let the market <br /> dictate what the City should do. <br /> Chair Toth asked how they can determine if there is a need for more affordable housing. <br /> Ms.McPherson stated that the City's policy makers need to establish a policy based on what <br /> percentage they feel is a good balance for the community. <br /> • <br />