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<br />Request for Action <br /> <br /> <br />To Item Number <br />Housing and Redevelopment Authority 8.2 <br />Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by <br />Work Session August 5, 2019 Amanda Othoudt, ED Director <br />Item Description Reviewed by <br />Blighted Properties Discussion Cal Portner, City Administrator <br />Reviewed by <br /> <br /> <br />Action Requested <br />Information presented for discussion purposes. <br /> <br />Background/Discussion <br />Chair Toth requested a work session to discuss blighted properties in our community and action steps as <br />it relates to the demolition or rehabilitation of these properties. The HRA implements two programs to <br />assist with improving the communities housing stock. <br /> <br />HRA Blighted Properties Forgivable Loan Program <br />At their February 1, 2016, meeting, the HRA approved the HRA Blighted Properties Forgivable Loan <br />Program to meet the untapped need for assistance with demolition and other redevelopment activities <br />when either there is no current development plan or where future development visions are hindered by <br />current blight. <br /> <br />In some cases, despite a potential for future redevelopment, hazardous conditions or other public safety <br />factors may become a community’s immediate concern. Securing and maintaining vacant dilapidated <br />structures is costly. Therefore, the Blighted Properties Demolition & Forgivable Housing Loan program <br />includes funding for demolition activities when an imminent redevelopment opportunity does not <br />currently exist. <br /> <br />To date, no properties have been taken down or rehabilitated with this program, and the program has not <br />been proven successful in the community. <br /> <br />HRA Rehabilitation Loan Program <br />The HRA established the HRA Rehabilitation Loan Program in 2014 to provide low interest loans for <br />homeowners. It is administered by the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE). <br /> <br />The establishment of this program came about because the HRA found a need for redevelopment within <br />the city to prevent the emergence of blighting conditions, promoting the health, safety and welfare of <br />residents, encourage related development and redevelopment in order to protect and improve the tax base <br />and general economic vitality of the city. <br /> <br /> <br />The Elk River Vision <br />A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional <br />service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity <br />