Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-24-82 Human Resources & Economic Development f tnm nittu epart an the TIMM n Qloumrli of fly, Mug of*nuth limb: Human Resources and Economic Development Committee The March 24, 1982 meeting of the Human Resources and Economic Development Committee was called to order by its Chairman, Councilman John Voorde at 4: 30 p.m. in . the Council Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Councilmen McGann, Voorde, Szymkowiak, Taylor, Crone and Beck; Jon Hunt, Colleen Rosenfeld, Glenda Rae Herandez, Marchmont Kovas and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Councilman Voorde explained that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the establishment of neighborhood strategy areas for the Community Development Funds . Colleen Rosenfeld then passed out maps indicating, the proposed boundaries for the neighborhood strategy areas . She noted that HUD is giving very little direct information on NSA' s sites . She indicated that her department believed it was best to maintain these areas and looked at five basic criteria in their establishment :: (1) the number of low and moderate income families , (2)the number of 'deteriorat ng;: households, (3) the amount of population decline, (4) the amount of commercial deterioration,and (5) the amount of other deterioration Other factors which were considered included whether de- terioration was isolated or continuous, and whether the area was governed by an organized neighborhood group Mrs . Rosenfeld noted that the boundaries "were not edged in stone." All of this information would be submitted to HUD in April. She also noted that the loan and grant program will be city wide, and thus her department. will have to document the amount of low and moderate income families . She stated that they had held one public hearing so far, which was held on March 17 , 1982. Councilman Taylor stated that not one household in the Fifth District was included. He believed that the 1200 block of. Dayton and Fox Streets needed assistance. He stated that considering whether an area is governed by an organized neighborhood group really undercuts the authority of the Common Council. Councilman Crone stated that the Purpose of today' s meeting resulted from a letter which she and Councilman Beck sent on March 18, 1982 to Councilman Voorde requesting a meeting. She was most concerned that nothing east of Miami was included. She agreed with Councilman Taylor that if an area was not governed by a neighborhood group that it was even more important to be considered for inclusion within a NSA. Councilman Crone requested specific reasons why the southeast side was being reduced when all other areas • FREE FREER a( FURLIRNIN6 CO. - . r were increased in size. She noted that the Haines catalog shows that the average income for the area in question was $10,400. 00 per year. Councilman Voorde stated that he did not believe that the boundaries for the southeast side made sense. He believed that it should go to Ewing on the south and Twyckenham on the east . Councilman McGann suggested that district and precinct lines should have been taken into consideration when determining the boundaries. Councilman Crone noted that the average value of the homes in question were 9 . 8 whereas the homes in the downtown area were valued at 10.2 . She also noted that the new boundaries would include such areas as the Studebaker corridor, which in effect made a policy of favoring industrial areas at the expense of neighborhoods . Councilman Beck questioned the rationale in determining the boundaries , and expressed deep concern about the areas around Indiana Avenue, Haney, Broadway and Leer Street. Councilman Taylor believed that there is a certain unfairness about the lines as proposed. He said for ten years the southeast side has been in an area that did not qualify, and each year promises are made that they will be considered next time. Jon Hunt stated that the Mayor has now reviewed the proposed boundaries . The real restriction was not legal but rather how far could the money be spread. Councilman Voorde again stressed that all areas were increased except the southeast side. He noted that the parks and public works monies for the NSA's are not always spent, therefore there was good reason to include the area in question into the southeast side. Jon Hunt indicated that the boundaries under the present guidelines can be changed each year, whereas in the past they were established for three year periods . Councilman Crone then asked: when will the decision on the boundaries be made? who will make it?She further asked whether the Council has any real input or whether we are just wasting our time. Colleen Rosenfeld stated that the Mayor will make the final decision on the boundaries and this will be submitted along with other information in resolution form to be considered at the April 26th Council meeting. Basically it boiled down to an all or nothing vote . Councilman Taylor made a motion seconded by Councilman Crone that the Committee recommends to the Mayor that the southeast side neighborhood strategy area be bounded by Ewing on the south,TWyckenham on the east and the St. Joseph. River on the north. The motion passed unaminously. Councilman Szymkowiak again brought up that every year the commerical strip of Western Avenue is given promises about development, but every year nothing is done. He stressed the need for assistance. Jon Hunt stated that a key problem was developing a development corporation of businesses -2- for the area Councilman Szymkowiak said he has heard enough talk and now would like some action. Colleen. Rosenfeld then passed out a memorandum on Departmental Organization (attached) . There are 42 1/2 persons listed for the proposed budget. In light of Pat McMahon stepping down and being replaced by Jon Hunt, the chart is only good for today. There being no further business to come before the Committee the meeting was adjourned at 5 : 20 p .m. Respectfully submitted, John Voorde, Chairman -3-