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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-01-09 Community Affairs and Parks Minutes Community Affairs and Parks Committee January 9, 2007 5:00 p.m. Present: Pam Carter, Chair; Dennis Robertson, and Pam Linder, council members. Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Steve Lancaster, Director of Department of Community Development; Brandon Miles, Assistant Planner; Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Evelyn Boykan, Program Manager, Human Services; Stacy Hansen, Human Services Specialist; Sharon Lee and Karen Anderson- Bittenbender, Low Income Housing Institute; Trish Blanchard, Chief Clinical Officer, and Declan Wynne, Director of Integrated Services, Seattle Mental Health; Diane Jenkins, Administrative Assistant to the Council; and Chuck Parrish, community member. Business Agenda: A. Proposed Interurban Court Proiect Ms. Boykan presented the proposed Interurban Court project. The Low Income Housing Institute (LIM) is proposing to purchase the Towne and Country extended stay motel for the purpose of housing homeless vets and adults, both single and couples, with mental health concerns. There would be 88 units which include six units for service provision. LIHI is partnering with Seattle Mental Health who will provide on -site management and services to provide an integrated approach to address individual needs. She noted that last fall the Council received a report from Bill Block on the 10 -year plan to end homelessness and the different approaches that would be taken to address this issue. Ms. Lee distributed a copy of LIHI's annual report which described the types of projects they have undertaken. King County Council has set aside $3.5 million of Jumpstart funds to enable communities to address underutilized or problem properties and create safe affordable housing for low income and homeless populations within their communities; King County has made a tentative commitment of $750,000 Jumpstart funds and $300,000 from King County Housing Authority for weatherization of this project depending on this project moving forward Ms. Linder referred to the second recommendation "...prioritizing the project and committing matching funds in a ratio of at least 1 to 7; designating the proposed project site as a problem property needing redevelopment under the program criteria..." Ms. Lee conveyed that the concept is to take Jumpstart Program funds and invest those funds in properties which need improvement. Various funding sources could also be obtained for purposes of improvement such as weatherization, rehabilitation, etc. Ms. Berry asked about the city's commitment. Ms. Lee related that the $75,000 commitment could be comprised of in -kind and/or monetary contributions such as waiving of permit fees or constructing sidewalks and curbs. Payments could be made over time. Mr. Robertson asked about eligibility of residents. He supported that the facility's priority would be to first serve homeless veterans. Ms. Lee indicated that the Veteran's Administration has identified a priority for housing for older, younger, and female veterans. Once veterans exit shelters, there is no place for them to go. Approximately half is slated to house homeless veterans and the general population. The committee was supportive of this program and felt that the details could be addressed with heavy emphasis on housing for veterans while maintaining flexibility to accommodate grant funds. Ms. Blanchard indicated that Tukwila veterans and homeless could be given a higher priority and that homeless as well as veterans needed access to this project. Minutes - January 9,2007 Community Affairs & Parks Committee 2 Mr. Robertson noted that there would one caseworker for every 12 residents. Ms. Blanchard revie\ved the types of services that would be provided based on individual resident needs (mental health services, supportive employment and chemical dependency services). Ms. Blanchard clarified that caseworker to resident ratio would range from 1-12 to 1-40 depending on the needs of each resident. Mr. Robertson asked how the facility would be managed. Ms. Blanchard noted that together LIHI and SMH would provide on-site management and 24 hour clinical services. Ms. Linder asked for an additional information to be provided to council: a description of projects undertaken by Housing First, eligibility requirements and how residents would be screened, definition of the city's commitment (e.g., total amount, in-kind commitments, span for payment), and identify number of units set aside for resident and those for services. She offered to review the packet of information prior to submittal to council. Forward to Committee of the \Vhole for discussion. B. Clarification of "buildable lots" and Zoning Code amendments Mr. Lancaster noted that in 1995 the City established the minimum lot size for low density residential (LDR) district at 6,500 sq. ft. for single family dwelling. To clarify the intent and effect of "substandard lots," from August 2005, a moratorium was imposed in order to allow the city an opportunity to reaffirm its intention and clarify the code. 11r. Lancaster pointed out that there has been more development in Allentown as a result of sewers being installed. There are many lots which are 2,500-3,000 sq. ft that were platted and recorded. Mr. Lancaster continued and stated that at the January 16 regular council meeting, a public hearing will be held on the moratorium. Then, a process will begin to clarify the amendment to the ordinance. He discussed the proposed changes, striking "dimensional standards" and inserting "average lot width standard." He noted that an owner of a substandard lot can apply for a variance. He reviewed the other proposed changes. Ms. Carter suggested using "standard for average lot width" rather than "average lot width standard." Forward to January 16 regular meeting for public hearing. Adjournment: 7:00 p.m. fbf ~ Committee Chair Approval Minutes by OJ. Reviewed by RB, EB, and SL.