03-02-92 Residential Neigborhoods

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Tommtttcr 3 rport RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS COMMITTEE Wu tit Mammon Qlouurtt of Or althg of ftoutlt dcnh: The March 2, 1992 of the Residential Neighborhoods Committee was called to order by its Chairperson Council Member Loretta Duda at 4:07 p.m. in the council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Luecke, Washington, Duda, and Coleman; James Caldwell,Police Chief Ron Marciniak,Barbara Gatto, David Fritz,Don Porter, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member Duda noted that the purpose of the meeting was to hear a presentation from the Near Northwest Neighborhood Association. The Committee was provided two handouts,the first being a two page "Revitalization Plan Presentation" and the second being a draft of the "Housing and Community Revitalization Plan of the Near Northwest Neighborhood Inc. Executive Summary." Mr. David Fritz then summarized the handouts with the assistance of Barbara Gatto. He noted that the study is based on the premise that"A"residential is the best used for the area in question. He noted that "Bandaid" programs will not work in the area, and that a comprehensive program must be established. The area in question is census track No. 6 which is bounded by Leland to Wilbur and Portage to Lincolnway. He noted that a survey has been conducted which basically showed the following results. Approximately 148 multifamily dwellings are believed to be in the area with approximately 50% of them being illegally converted since 1968. He also noted that the 1973 public works survey still needs to be addressed. A series of map transparencies and photos of the area were then used to illustrate the results of the survey. With regard to housing conditions, a property by property external analysis of every housing structure within the area was taken with the following results: 1. Ok As Is 99 Structures 2. Landscaping Needed Only 124 Structures 3. Cosmetic Restoration Needed 462 Structures 4. Return to Single Family and Rehab 82 Structures 5. Rehab (Structural Repairs Needed) 82 Structures 6. Demolition and Replat or Set Aside for New Construction 74 Structures 7. Vacant Lots 55 Structures It was noted that the first three (3) categories do not constitute any code violations. It was noted that NNN is working with Brian Crumlish for architectural renderings of"before and after" drawings in order to seek voluntary compliance. Discussions of tree problems in the areas, the proposal to vacate east-west alleys, discussion of"criminally active alleys," and the lack of maintenance to the alleys was also discussed. It was noted that no accessory structures were surveyed, however most accessory structures are in worse condition than the primary structures. It was also noted that problems with vehicles and absentee ownerships,both plagued the area. It was suggested that tax incentives, landlord licensing regulations, code enforcement, and the need for funding programs would assist to bring balance to the neighborhood.