04-16-12 Residential Neighborhoods Committee

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Moving on to number 2 on the list for discussion, Tim asked Pam Meyer, Director of Community Development to prepare a report listing how federal funds have been used in the past. Perhaps new approaches would result in more bang for the buck. Pam said she could report where we've been, where we are, and what we try to accomplish with the money available to us. The idea of formulating a new strategic approach let to the third item on Tim's list, the role of the Council in vacant and abandoned housing problems. Both Tim and Catherine Toppel spoke to the Mayor's Task Force currently studying the problem. Both serve on the task force and are encouraged by its make -up, mission, and hard work. A report is due this summer. Toppel went on to say her NCE budget has $500,000 for demolition with $100,000 already expended this year. Demolitions currently cost approximately $6,000 per property. Dr. Ferlic and Kyle Chamberlin both wondered how the costs could be lowered. Toppel estimated demolition costs of $3,300 per unit could possibly be achieved if we did the work "in house." She added that $4,000,000 was needed to address all the properties on the demo list. Kyle Chamberlin said the city ought to develop a strategy for rehabbing homes, noting over 1200 homes on the possible to rehab list. Again, Jeri Tindell said banks have a responsibility to keep up properties they so typically let deteriorate. Henry Davis suggested modeling a Boston model which has had success refinancing foreclosures aimed at keeping people in homes. Number four on the list was the future of the Marquette School building. Specifically the Rev. Williams proposal for a Senior Center and the need to get a handle on a financial plan if the proposal is to move forward. This fifth item on the discussion topic list was a simple mention by Tim that he would ask Diane Hess at NRC for an update on neighborhood issues from their perspective. The last time on the list was the current perspective on a landlord registration bill that has been under consideration for some years. Dr. Ferlic expressed some frustration with the pace of progress saying unless there is a financial incentive tied to rehabbing homes; the private sector will not participate so perhaps one could be created through a public /private partnership. Getting back to a landlord registration bill. Catherine Toppel said the goals to be accomplished need to be considered before a registration requirement is considered. Kyle Chamberlin said costs of enforcement and administration needs to be enumerated. With a short wrap -up and promise to follow through Tim adjourned the meeting at 6:08 p.m. tfully Submitted, Tim Scott, Chairperson Residential Neighborhoods Committee