2011-01-24 Reg - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ms. Williams stated they work with their architects as well as the community to come up with designs, ultimately trying to make them blend into a neighborhood and be affordable. She also noted that since 2008, they have built to meet LEED-certified standards. Mr. Price asked if these homes would go through the site plan review and Mr. Walker said they would not as the area is already zoned single-family residential. Mr. Walker did assure that staff would be working with the Habitat for Humanity to be sure the homes did blend in with the neighborhood. Ms. McKinney said they have not started the design work with their architects and the community yet, so could not provide a specific example on what the University City houses would look like until this takes place. Mr. Price said he did not know what he was voting on because he has no idea of what it is going to look like. Ms. Williams stated that the photos the Council received were examples to show the homes they built previously that blend in with the neighborhood for which they were designed. Mr. Walker stated that the City does not have any specific design guidelines for any neighborhood other than the historic neighborhoods. Any private developer could come in and build according to the City’s zoning and building codes. Mr. Crow asked why the Infill Review Board would not come in to play. Mr. Walker said they would enter when the building application came in and if a petition signed by enough neighbors requesting a hearing. Mr. Crow asked about the range of tax abatements Habitat has had in previous developments. McKinney noted they go from full tax abatement for ten years, some with fifty percent for ten years, some with full tax abatement for five years. What they have proposed, which is in line with the original RFP for these lots is a full abatement for eight years. Mr. Glickert noted that most lots have garages in the rear off the alley. He asked if they planned on building a garage. McKinney said they do not currently do garages but do place a rear access parking pad off the alley, with a fenced back yard and walkway into the rear of the home. Mr. Glickert asked if there was a correlation between the sweat equity and the relationship to gaining access to the home. McKinney said there was a sweat equity requirement for all of the home buyers. She said they have a list of applicants who have already performed a portion of the sweat equity before they are even assigned an address. Mr. Glickert noted the University City has a diverse population in many ways and asked if residents of the City would be considered as strong applicants for the homes. Kimberly noted that Equal Housing Laws do not allow them to move anyone to the front of the list. Mr. Sharpe asked if they already had a list of applicants. Ms. McKinney said these homes were to be built in 2012 and Habitat is not that far into selecting people for 2012. Mr. Sharpe asked about the location of the meetings for the residents. Ms. Williams said they work with neighborhood organizations; send out post cards to announce meeting place and time. They try to have meetings at a place large enough and in or close enough to the community to attract residents. Mayor Welsch noted that tonight the Council is just voting on the partnership and would be looking at tax abatements in the future. She asked how long Habitat for Humanity holds the title to a home if removal of a family becomes necessary, according to their guidelines. McKinney said a criminal activities clause is in their Deed of Trust so Habitat can remove a 3