06-01-2009 HRA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Housing & Redevelopment Authority June 1, 2009 Page 2 Chair Wilson asked when the citywould receive its funding. Ms. Deckert stated that funding is expected in approximately three weeks. Commissioner Motin asked how the open houses were attended Ms. Mehelich stated that both the first and second open house were attended by approximately 45 people. Ms. Deckert noted that she has received many inquires about the program, but many of the callers are not inquiring about homes in the target neighborhoods. Commissioner Motin asked if counseling is available for homeowners in foreclosure in Elk River. Ms. Deckert stated yes, that mortgage counseling information was presented to the HRA by Ed Nelson, Communications Manager for MN Home Ownership Center, at the October 6, 2008 HRA meeting. Ms. Mehelich stated that in a recent presentation she attended GMHF reported that the MN Homeownership Center has had a 50 percent success rate helping homeowners through their free services. Commissioner Toth expressed his concern that property owners are not getting the information. He asked howthe foreclosure counseling information is distributed. Ms. Deckert stated that the information is available on the city's website, the cable channel, at city hall, by the city's building inspectors, and at local employers and realtors' offices. Ms. Mehelich asked if the HRA was interested in a direct mailing. Ms. Deckert noted that a mailing would be costly. She explained that an insert in the utility bills was not an option, due to the way the bills are processed. Ms. Mehelich stated that action was taken by the 2008 legislature to have the foreclosure counseling phone number and information available to "at risk" property owners. Commissioner Motin stated he could not justify the cost of a mailing to all property owners, when only a small percentage of them are affected. Commissioner Toth asked that the Star News consider publishing an article with the information. 6. Review Draft 2009-2012 Economic Development Strategic Plan Ms. Mehelich reviewed the priority issues identified at the April 13th work session. She stated that after adoption of the Strategic Plan, a work plan with specific action items and timetable for completion will be prepared by staff and reviewed by the EDA and HRA next month. Ms. Mehelich noted that Final Strategic Plan will be considered by the EDA on June 8th. 7. Shepherd's Krdae Development k oncent — Brenda Hoffman of Rum River Health Services, presented a concept for a 22 -unit townhome project in Elk River (Shepherd's Ridge), for HUD -eligible homeless families impacted by addictions. She reviewed information regarding the success of a similar project in Princeton, Minnesota, named Belle Haven Townhomes. Ms. Hoffman stated that of the 16 heads -of -household in the Princeton project, 14 are employed and 2 are in college. The project is proposed in partnership with RS Eden Property Management.