No. 0908 expanding the boundaries of the WWCDA, expanding the allocation area for purposes of TIF, and amending the development plan

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Housing o Maintain Sound Housing Continued high level of maintenance of basically sound buildings is required to stabilize residential property values and to prevent the creation or spread of deterioration. The City should develop a targeted code enforcement program to address problem properties and owners. o Market Vacant Buildings Housing abandonment and demolition has resulted in the loss of a substantial number of residential buildings in the past. The extent to which this trend can be stopped and reversed will affect the potential for revitalization of the neighborhood and the amount of time required to return the area to a long -term sound condition. Every effort should be made to protect existing vacant buildings from further deterioration, and to market these properties for rehabilitation and re -use. Vacant buildings that are seriously deteriorated and represent a threat to health and safety should be demolished. o Rehabilitate Deteriorating Buildings Existing housing rehabilitation efforts should be continued and intensified to upgrade existing buildings to a long -term sound condition and to improve the living conditions residing in the area. As previously noted, recent surveys indicate that approximately 450 residential buildings are in need of minor or major rehabilitation. Many of the buildings are owned and occupied by low- and moderate - income households with limited ability to finance needed home improvements. The low value . of buildings, together with the high cost of rehabilitation presents financial feasibility questions in many cases. o Market Vacant Sites for New Housing New housing on vacated parcels is needed to augment the supply of housing available to low- and moderate - income families, to restore the continuity of residential frontages, and to strengthen the appearance and quality of the area as a complete neighborhood. It is essential, however, that the design of new residential units be of reasonably good quality and be complementary to the neighborhood. Development of affordable housing will require creative financing arrangements. o Market Small Vacant Parcels to Adjacent Property Owners Many small, vacant parcels located between older houses may not be large enough for new infill housing. These sites tend to be overgrown with weeds and littered with trash and debris. Lack of maintenance of these sites contributes to the poor image and ap- pearance of the neighborhood. A marketing program designed to encourage and facilitate purchase of these sites by adjacent property owners for clean -up and use as private yard areas should eliminate the problems of poor maintenance. Safety and Security o Eliminate Crime Elimination and prevention of crime as the highest priority project of the City and neighborhood will require consistent and continuous efforts by law enforcement officials. 27