HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-25-13 Residential NeighborhoodsRESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS February 25, 2013
Committee Members Present: Tim Scott, Dr. Fred Ferlic, Karen White, Oliver Davis
Other Council Present: Henry Davis, Jr., Valerie Schey, Derek Dieter, Gavin Ferlic
Others Present: Linda Wolfson, Carol Davis, Regina Preston
Agenda: Bill No. 13 -18 — Call for Temporary Halt to Vacant & Abandoned Demolition
Chairperson Tim Scott called this Residential Neighborhood Committee meeting to discuss Bill No. 13 -18.
This bill sponsored by Henry Davis calls for a temporary halt to vacant and abandoned housing
demolition.
Henry Davis presented the bill expressing strong feelings about the absence of and need for a plan to re-
develop neighborhoods. Henry felt dislocating people, demolishing instead of rehabbing homes, hurts not
only the tax base, but also tears at the fabric of neighborhood cohesiveness.
Speaking for the bill, Linda Wolfson said the City needs to be mindful of the possibility of destroying the
spirit of a neighborhood along with the houses. Carol Davis suggested homeless people could live in
vacant homes. Regina Preston also speaking in support said a reinvestment plan for neighborhood was
crucial.
Dr. Ferlic and Karen White both expressed concerns about a moratorium on demolition when so many
houses have public safety issues.
Tim Scott, a member of the Mayor's Vacant & Abandoned Task Force defended the group's
recommendations to proceed with demolitions. He said the task force study contained a balance of
demolition and rehabilitation of homes.
Ultimately Dr. Ferlic moved the bill be continued indefinitely. Karen White seconded and all supported.
There being no further business to come before the committee at this time, Chairperson Tim Scott
adjourned the meeting at 5:01 p.m.
Res m fitted,
Tim Sco irperson
Zoning & Annexation Committee