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Home My WebLink About10-08-2007 Housing & Community Development Commission AGENDA HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION PHEASANT RIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER 2651 ROBERTS ROAD, IOWA CITY THURSDA V, OCTOBER 18, 2007 6:30 P.M. 1. Call Meeting to Order 2. Approval of the September 20,2007 Minutes 3. Public Comment of Items Not on the Agenda 4. Staff/Commission Comment 5. Housing Trust Funds - Presentation by Andy Johnson, Executive Director of the Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County 6. New Business . Annual Review of the 2006-2010 Consolidated Plan (a.k.a CITY STEPS) · Update on FV08 Projects - CDBG/HOME projects that have not entered a formal agreement with the City of Iowa City 7. Monitoring Reports · Builders of Hope - Transitional Housing (Crane) . Shelter House - Outreach Coordinator (McMurray) · Shelter House - FY04 Land Acquisition (McMurray) . Aid to Agencies - ESI, MECCA, UA Y (Hart) 8. Adjournment THE OCTOBER HCDC MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE PHEASANT RIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER AT 2651 ROBERTS ROAD, IOWA CITY I ~ ! -~= -.....!r ...--- -.... !~W!S ::: ~...~ -.:. CITY OF IOWA CITY MEMORANDUM Date: October 12, 2007 To: Housing & Community Development Commission (HCDC) From: Tracy Hightshoe, Associate Planner Re: October Meeting Packet Below is a brief description of the October agenda items. Housing Trust Fund Presentation Andy Johnson, Executive Director of the Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County, will be present to discuss and explain housing trust funds. Update on FY08 Projects - CDBG/HOME projects that have not entered a formal agreement with the City of Iowa City. As of this mailing, Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County, Wetherby Friends and Neighbors Neighborhood Association, Blooming Garden IHA LP, HACAP and The Housing Fellowship have not entered agreements with the City. . All housing project recipients are unable to enter HOME agreements until the site has been identified. HOME regulations require the City to complete a project-specific environmental review before the City enters an agreement with the applicant. Staff and/or applicant will discuss the delay in entering agreements with the City for the various projects at the meeting. Annual Review of the 2006-2010 Consolidated Plan (a.k.a CITY STEPS) CITY STEPS (2006-2010) is a five year plan that guides allocation decisions for the funds the City receives through the Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnership programs. Two community meetings have been held over the last two weeks to gather input and feedback on CITY STEPS. The summarized comments from the first two meetings are enclosed. The third public input meeting will be held before the HCDC meeting at Pheasant Ridge Neighborhood Center starting at 5:30 PM. You are not required to attend the CITY STEPS meeting, but it will be a good opportunity to hear about the concerns and needs of the Pheasant Ridge neighborhood. We will be taking a City car from City Hall to Pheasant Ridge, so please contact us if you do not have access to transportation to Pheasant Ridge. Also, please let us know if you plan on attending so we can determine if a quorum will be present. Please review your CITY STEPS document (in particular the Strategic Plan pages 96-144) along with the enclosed comments from the two CITY STEPS meetings and be prepared to discuss any proposed amendments. If there is a need, HCDC can recommend proposed amendments to forward to the City Council for consideration. The November HCDC agenda will have another public meeting for CITY STEPS and staff will be presenting administrative changes to CITY STEPS at the November meeting for review and approval. Directions: The Pheasant Ridge Neighborhood Center, 2651 Roberts Road, is located off Mormon Trek Blvd. Turn west off Mormon Trek onto Bartlett Road. Turn west off Bartlett Rd. onto Roberts Road. (Over) October 12, 2007 Page 2 Monitoring Reports Builders of Hope - Transitional Housing (Crane) Contact Josh Weber 338.7884 x211 Shelter House - Outreach Coordinator (McMurray) Contact Crissy Canganelli 338.5416 x102 Shelter House - FY04 Land Acquisition (McMurray) Contact Crissy Canganelli 338.5416 x102 Aid to Agencies - ESI, MECCA, UAY (Hart) ESI - David Purdy 338.0515, MECCA - Heidi Cuda 351.4357, UA Y - Jim Swaim 338.7518 If you have any questions about these agenda items, or will be unable to attend, please contact me at 356-5230 or by email at tracy-hightshoe@iowa-city.org. HCDC Monitoring List for FY08 FUNDED FY08 CDBG/HOME PROJECTS AMOUNT Transitional Housing - Builders of Hope 9Jlerational Expenses - Shelter House Aid to Agencies (Elder Services, UAY, MECCA) $125,000 $7,500 $105,000 $1,500 $2,474 ___i~l?OO _QQerational Expenses - Extend the Dream Foundation o erational Expenses - Visiting Nurse Association Affordable Homeownership - IV Habitat for Humanity Facilit Rehabilitation -:: Domestic Violence Intervention Prog. ____ ___~117,000 $5,895 $18,529 $7,500 IralJ~itionaLt!Ql!~l'l9_-:JjaV'{~~_A~_a Com 1}l~!lJ!~Ac::ti2I1J~!Qg,_____ __ $115,000 F_a_~i)itYB~b~_~!Iit~!i()I}=-_<3g().9willlndustries of Southeast IA +- $30 000 Acce~sib]li!)' -Iowa Cil)' Free Medical Clinic --t--- :::'::: Facilit Rehabilitation/Accessi~lIJ!Y - Crisis Center CHDO Operating Expenses - The Housill9 Fellowship Facility Reha~U!~!Lo!l__ Neighborhood Centers of Johnson Co. , J $31,000 $88,000 I .----~-----r- $347,772 $50,000 $244,042 $30,000 Ij()LJ~ir:!g Rehabilitation - City of Iowa City* S lash E~_d-=--'N.etherby Friends and Neighbors NA --------!- Prior Year Car Affordable Homeownership - Habitat for Humanity (FY07) $220,QQQ._ Facility Rehabilitation - CQnl_r:!llmity Mental Health (FYO.7)... ...-... ... ..-. -.-.-.-.-t-_1!8'2~- - i Tenant Based Rent Assistance - ICHA (FY06 & 07) ___ ____ ___ ._. ._____ _ $359,564 ~__ I Affordable Rental - The Housing Fellowship (FY06) _ -L- $175,900 I Affordable HomeownersblQ - The Housing FellowslJiQ.(E)'Q6) $181,200 I MONITOR MONTH Crane October McMurra October Hart Hart October November McMurra I November l~-----_.~.- Drum [_November CranE~ _____~December Shaw ----tDeCember Drum Janua ::::::: J J:~ur;lry ! p01.!91as A ril Ri c:h'!l!f}~___....A1?!i! Dou las M~y__ .__l\IIaj' _, . __ Maj'__ Anthon DeFrance Anthon __ > __JLJ_r1~_ . D!f!!nce __~ June DeFrance i June ~MC~"'~ -----------1- ::: fJ::::'- I I , _JanlJ....I"Y__ Shaw Anthony__ _ Anthony June June Land Ac uistion - Shelter House FY04 October MINUTES HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 20, 2007 CITY MANAGER'S CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL PRELIMINARY Call to Order: Jerry Anthony called the meeting to order at 6:38 P.M. Members Present: Jerry Anthony, Steve Crane, Andy Douglas, Holly Jane Hart, Rebecca McMurray, Brian Richman, Michael Shaw Members Absent: Marcy DeFrance, Charles Drum Staff Present: Tracy Hightshoe RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL (become effective only after separate Council action): None APPROVAL OF THE JULY 19, 2007 MINUTES Anthony asked if anyone had any comments regarding the minutes of the July 19, 2007 meeting. Anthony brought up a statement on the first page, bottom paragraph, third sentence: "Shaw said that the person that the city hired to evaluate the community needs "derailed" what the subcommittee's plans were." Hightshoe stated that she thought this was in regards to the committee deciding to wait till the results of the housing study to proceed with prioritizing needs identified in CITY STEPS. Shaw stated that he could not clearly recall what was said at the July meeting, and that this sentence could be deleted. MOTION: Crane moved to approve the July 19, 2007 minutes as amended, seconded by Douglas. Motion passed 7-0. PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NO ON THE AGENDA None. ST AFF/COMMISSION COMMENT Hightshoe updated the members on the Community Development celebration, stating that staff received several compliments. She stated that the celebration is playing on the City Channel 4 currently. Hightshoe also noted that in the Members' packets, they have a sheet regarding the Housing Iowa Conference, in case anyone would like to attend. Hightshoe asked the members to let her know if they are interested in attending this conference. Anthony stated that he would be interested in attending on Tuesday, and Hightshoe will check with Steve Long. Hightshoe also introduced the new minute taker, Laura Berardi, to HCDC members. Anthony stated that at the last meeting, the Commission had decided to set up a subcommittee to look at the allocation process. This subcommittee consists of Anthony, Douglas, and Hart. Anthony stated that they have met twice - once as a subcommittee and the other time with members of the community, elected representatives, and a few others. Douglas is the Chair of this subcommittee, and Anthony stated that from the next meeting onwards, they should have a report to share with the other members. Anthony then stated that he is hoping that from the next meeting onwards, they could have individuals come to speak to them about individual housing techniques. He stated that this is a suggestion he received, and he thought it would be a good idea to have speakers. With their task of finding affordable housing for the community, he feels these speakers would be of help to them. Anthony stated that he has sent Steve Long a list of topics, and possible speakers, so staff is looking into this for the commission. A few examples given by Anthony were community land trusts, inclusionary zoning, housing trust funds, and a Housing and Community Development Commission September 20, 2007 - 6:30 PM Page 2 linked deposit program, which is a program where the city government selects banks to hold their accounts for them and to make loans for affordable housing. He stated that the city of Davenport uses this type of program. Crane noted that banks like that type of program, as well, and he feels there would be a local interest in this. The discussion turned to the upcoming meetings for budget and allocation, and that they would not be able to have speakers during these meetings, due to the length of time needed for each presentation. McMurray asked what the status is on the Nile Valley Restaurant. Hightshoe responded, stating that the Economic Development Committee has recommended funding $25,000, and it goes before the Council on October 2nd. She further stated that their lease started September 1 st, and that they have already started the build-out. Hightshoe responded to questions regarding this venture. Hightshoe also noted that she provided members with a review of the Economic Development Fund, since the Council began earmarking the funds, and she briefly reviewed this with members. She stated that they have had a lot of activity lately. Shaw asked where more information could be found on this fund, and Hightshoe stated that a lot of people call in to the office, but the City web site also contains the information. Discussion continued, with Hightshoe answering questions about the Economic Development Fund, and the process that applicants must go through. Anthony noted that Lear Corp.'s allocation is the largest so far. NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS Anthony stated that they need to elect new officers at this evening's meeting. He noted that he has been chair for the last two years, and would be willing to remain as chair, but that this will be his last year to serve on the commission. However, he stated that if someone else has strong feelings about being the chair, he would gladly step down. Shaw stated that he would put the motion on the table to keep the "status quo" - with Anthony as chair and Richman as vice chair. Richman stated that he would be interested in the chair position. Anthony stated that he could step down, or the Members could vote for their choice. Richman stated that what he would like to see done is to bring this commission more into the dialog in the community on affordable housing. He said that he feels Anthony has done a good job the past two years, but that he feels they need to draw more participation from other members and to use the various expertise within the group to more clearly define goals for the commission. He added that he would also like to see the commission less driven by HUD requirements, and more driven by the needs of the community. Shaw asked how long Richman's term is on the commission, stating that he asked the question as he would like to see a seamless process in the future when Anthony is off the commission next year, adding that Richman could then move into the chair position. Hart asked if, regardless if Richman is chair or vice chair, there is anything that would restrict him from pushing for what he is advocating. Richman responded that yes, in the sense that the chair is the one who has say- so over the agenda and provides leadership for the commission. From his perspective, he stated that Anthony has done a great job, but that he feels it is incumbent upon a leader to leverage the other voices around the table, and to bring in other expertise and ideas. Richman stated that he feels this cannot be accomplished as vice chair. Anthony noted this was a good point. McMurray asked if Richman became chair, would Anthony become vice chair, to which Anthony responded he would step down. Douglas then asked Richman if he were chair, would he see himself being comfortable expressing his opinions on matters they are voting on, or would he be more of a facilitator. Richman responded, stating that he will articulate his opinion, and that he understands the dual role of the chair, especially with his experience as a teacher. Hightshoe noted that they had called a vote, and they need to clear this up first. McMurray stated that she does not have enough information to vote and is abstaining. MOTION: Shaw moved to retain Anthony as chair, and Richman as vice chair; seconded by Hart. Motion carried 4-1 (Richman in the negative); 2 abstaining (McMurray and Douglas). 2 Housing and Community Development Commission September 20, 2007 - 6:30 PM Page 3 NEW BUSINESS - PUBLIC HEARING & APPROVAL OF THE FY07 CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE & EVALUATION REPORT (CAPER) Anthony noted that this is a public hearing. (No one appeared for the public hearing.) Anthony asked if anyone had any comments on the CAPER. Hightshoe stated that every year the City is required by HUD to compile their yearly results on how successful they have been in meeting their yearly goals. She explained to the members how this process works, stating that 2007 is the second year of the current 5-year plan (2006-2010). Anthony asked about a couple of statements on page 8 of the CAPER, under Geographic Distribution of Resources. He stated that in past CAPERs, he did not believe the City defined what constituted a concentration. He pointed out that the City Council appointed Scattered Site Housing Task Force did not provide a definition of concentration. Hightshoe stated that in CITY STEPS, the City's Consolidated Plan for Housing, Jobs and Services, HUD requires the City to identify areas of concentration. Defining concentration is a local decision. CITY STEPS defines concentrations of low-income populations as any census tract or block group where 51 % or more of the households have an income at or below 80% of median. Concentrations of minority households include any census tract with a percentage of minority households at least 10% greater than the citywide population. In CITY STEPS, it is noted that the areas that meet this criteria have typically been primarily areas with student housing, and therefore the City does not target certain census tracts, but provides assisted housing throughout the jurisdiction. Hightshoe responded to questions on the CAPER and census information, noting that if members go to the web site www.americanfactfinder.com they can get specific information about census tract demographics. Hightshoe noted that in October and November, the goals and objectives in CITY STEPS will have to be reported differently to reflect HUD's requirements. Shaw asked about the analysis on page 8, regarding impediments. Hightshoe stated that community development staff, working with the Human Rights Commission, developed this back in 1998. She stated the Analysis is to be reviewed annually, however there has not been a significant update since 2001. She further noted that the same firm that has been hired to do the Housing Market Analysis will also do the Analysis to Impediments. Anthony noted that there might be one addition as far as input. He stated that two or three years ago, the City conducted a survey on fair housing, and this information has now been tabulated. The discussion then turned to Shaw asking about five-year targets on page 9. Shaw asked what income levels the City targets with HOME funds. Hightshoe noted that all housing funded with HOME funds must be targeted to those households under 60% of area median income. Crane noted that the homebuyer assistance is at zero, and asked if there would be more focus on this in the next few years. Hightshoe stated that when the commission completes their annual City STEPS review the commission will look at this. Shaw stated that a couple of the zoning decisions recently have impacted the affordable housing possibilities in town, noting that the Sonic Restaurant site is one of these, and he feels that this goes against what their goals are. He noted that 32 units were lost due to the rezoning for this restaurant project. Hightshoe noted that they were private-market units, not publicly funded or subsidized, therefore, they had no affordability or occupancy restrictions. Shaw noted that the Council had a split decision on this. He noted for the record his concern that the City would make decisions that are contrary to the goals of CITY STEPS. Anthony stated that in regards to "impediments for fair housing choice," since 1995 many developers have been using restrictive covenants in their new developments, and that these covenants make the housing less affordable. He noted that some of these covenants state that each house must have at least 3 or 4 garages, or a minimum of 2,000 square feet, and that people buying into these subdivisions have to abide by these guidelines. He noted that this issue was discussed back when the zoning code discussion took place in 2005, but that no action has taken place on this issue. Anthony and Shaw encouraged the commission to be more pro-active with the Council on housing issues. 3 Housing and Community Development Commission September 20, 2007 - 6:30 PM Page 4 Anthony noted that the public hearing would now close. Hightshoe noted that additional housing will come online with FY08 funds and carryover funds from previous years. In FY07, the commission only funded three housing projects - tenant based rent assistance, housing rehab, and Habitat for Humanity. Habitat for Humanity found six lots to acquire. The Housing Authority did not spend their tenant based rent assistance funds in FY07, and plan to spend it in FY08. Hightshoe further noted that several projects from previous years came on-line in FY07. Hightshoe noted that the 18 units of the Melrose Ridge project were finished, as was the Whispering Meadows' project, providing additional affordable rental units. MOTION: Crane moved to accept the CAPER with modifications as discussed, seconded by Douglas. Carried 7-0. NEW BUSINESS - SELECTION OF PROJECTS TO MONITOR IN FY08 Hightshoe noted that each year, Commission Members select three or four projects to monitor. She stated that this will include contacting the recipient to see how things are going, how they have used their funds, etc., and to then give a brief report at a HCDC meeting. She asked Members to look over the list and pick several projects. Crane - Builders of Hope, Habitat (both) McMurray - Splash Pad, Local Foods Connection, Shelter House Richman - Free Medical Clinic (both), HACAP Shaw - Facility Rehab for DVIP, Tenant Based Rent Assistance Hart - Aid to Agencies, Extend the Dream Anthony - Housing Fellowship (three), Operating Expenses Douglas - Goodwill, Blooming Garden IHA LP DeFrance - Housing Rehab (2), Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County Drum - Community Mental Health, Crisis Center, VNA NEW BUSINESS - TIMELINE FOR THE ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE CONSOLIDATED PLAN Hightshoe noted that Anthony, Hart, and Douglas met regarding the CITY STEPS review. They met with Amy Correia and Regenia Bailey, City Council Members, and Linda Severson, the JCCOG Human Services Planner. They discussed how they could prioritize community needs and what process they would go through. Due to limited time, she stated that they decided to work with Correia and Bailey to see what funding sources are out there and what projects they could combine in order to get more impact from their funds. Therefore, they plan to have a couple of public input meetings, after which they will get funding providers, such as the School District, the County, the City, and United Way, and go over what needs were identified at these public input meetings. Hightshoe noted that on October 2nd from 5:30 to 6:30 P.M., they will hold a meeting at the Forest View Mobile Home Park and will have a Spanish translator present. A second meeting is planned Oct. 10,6:30 to 7:30 P.M., at Lakeside Apartments. She stated that if any of the members would like to attend either of these meetings, they need to let her know before the meeting. Hightshoe stated that they hope to have the public meeting at the Pheasant Ridge Center and should have a date soon. Shaw stated that he is looking into the possibility of having vans to transport people to this public meeting, in order to get a wider range of voices heard. He also asked if staff or officials from Coralville will be invited to the meeting with funding providers. Hightshoe stated they will invite Coralville officials when they can. It was their hope not to have extremely large meetings in order to get better dialog and feedback. She did note that there is a joint meeting between the municipalities and the school district about every quarter; housing issues have been previously discussed and she hopes they continue the discussion on affordable housing throughout the metro area. 4 Housing and Community Development Commission September 20, 2007 - 6:30 PM Page 5 ADJOURNMENT Shaw moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 P.M., seconded by Richman. Motion carried 7- O. s/pcd/mins/hcdcl2007/09-20-07. doc 5 CITY STEPS 2007 ANNUAL REVIEW PUBLIC MEETINGS FOREST VIEW MOBILE HOME PARK OCTOBER 4, 2007 Approximately 34 residents in attendance Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County staff: Perla Flores, translator City Staff Present: Tracy Hightshoe, Steve Long, Jeff Vanatter, Andy Douglas (HCDC) Comments Received: Area Services Community services most utilized include Crisis Center and the Free Medical Clinic. Great community services; however would like to see expanded availability at the clinic. At Free Medical Clinic the appointment line is often busy and often once you get through, they're full.. The clinic sees patients on Mondays and Thursdays. Request some type of emergency call or appointment service to reduce emergency room trips. If you can't get in for an appointment, but need to see someone with a pressing issue, an emergency room visit can be $800. Many matters could be resolved by a phone consultation or an urgent care facility, not the emergency room. Many residents need Spanish translators. Cost of prescriptions always an issue as well as transportation to the clinic as bus service is every hour. Request information about what dental services are available at Free Medical Clinic or the University. If so, is Spanish translation available? Legal Aid is a helpful service, however if a family/household member is undocumented, they can't assist. Many times households just need advice, not formal services. Expressed a need for ESL (English as a Second Language) classes. Safety Concerns Traffic - no sidewalk along Laura Drive and there is only one street light on this road. The road is dangerous for children walking in the evening or early morning. In the winter the street is not plowed frequently, but kids and adults still need to walk on it. No yield or stop sign on Haywood to Laura Drive. Residents feel it is unsafe as drivers/pedestrians can't see around the curve. Residents were concerned about safety during storms. There is no storm shelter on site with enough capacity. The laundry room is small. If little to no notice, the room can't accommodate all the residents in need. Residents suggested a combined storm shelter and community room with computer use. Suggested a possible coordination of services with Neighborhood Centers or United Action for Youth. Request a bus shelter at stop for residents. Residents stated the park is a safe area where their kids can play. Residents had positive comments about the school district and Horace Mann Elementary. Over 60 elementary kids live within the park and attend Horace Mann. Onsite issues: Maintenance of the playground, shelter area and roads. Slide needs replaced/repaired. Request dumpsters as trash builds up within the park. Housing: Need affordable, safe housing. Many residents were interested in owner- occupied rehabilitation services for mobile homes. Residents suggested a higher cap on mobile home rehabilitation. General Issues: Expressed interest in a neighborhood association to plan youth activities, sponsor events and get information to everyone in the park - in English and Spanish. LAKESIDE APARTMENTS RESIDENT MEETING OCTOBER 10, 2007 Approximately 24 residents in attendance City Staff Present: Tracy Hightshoe, Steve Long, Stefani Bowers, Holly Hart (HCDC) Comments Received: Safety Issues: In the last five years many long term residents have noticed more crime, vandalism, drug use/distribution, and solicitation for funds. Police are called frequently, but many have been told there is not a police officer available to investigate. Suggested more officers for patrol outside the downtown area. Resident stated that youth from outside the area come and create problems. Request additional street lighting along Lakeside Drive as well as signs stating public areas closed at 10 PM. Mentioned that the Wetherby Park area needed increased lighting as well. On-Site Issues: Garbage, littering problem. Residents stated that parents need to be responsible for their children and keeping the area clean. No littering. Residents would like to see additional landscaping and some restoration or removal of the pond, "swamp" area. Several residents requested a safe place for kids to play. Proposed several upgrades to the public spaces/playground area, including a basketball court and new play structures. Suggestion to install a fence around the complex or a key card entry system, but stated the cost would be very high. The heating/cooling system for the apartments need replaced and there are general maintenance issues. Housing: Some of the residents in attendance have been living at Lakeside for 20+ years. Stated that affordable, safe, non-subsidized housing is a big need. Rent throughout Iowa City is expensive. Need affordable rental options. Area Services: Many residents were not sure what services are available to them. They requested information about United Action for Youth and Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County for youth issues. Daycare was a huge issue for some of the residents. Need affordable daycare in close proximity, especially if the parent relies on bus services. Bus service is only available each hour, would like to see more frequent bus service. Possible suggestion to use community center for daycare services. General Issues: Interest in pursuing a neighborhood association to apply for different funding such as CDBG and PIN grants. Would also serve to get neighbors involved with community efforts. Efforts could include a neighborhood watch, area clean up, and sponsored activities such as movie nights. The Grant Wood Neighborhood Association meets the first and third Thursday at the Wood Family Resource Center. Resident encouraged others to participate in the larger neighborhood Issues. Suggested coordination with Neighborhood Centers or United Action for Youth to facilitate activities in the community center. Activites could include tutoring, computer use, daycare possibilities, etc. Community Land '-rust Link Volume 1, Issue 3 A publication of the National Community Land Trust Network Summer 2007 Glen Gilbert hired as CL T Network's first Executive Director The Board of Directors of the CL T Network is delighted to announce that Glen Gilbert has been hired as the organization's first Executive Director. Glen is extremely well suited to the position, having successfully started and grown two nonprofit organiza- tions and directed two others. He is a progressive leader with a passion for human rights and social justice is- sues. In his application he wrote: "I believe in strong local land trusts rooted in their local communities." Born and raised in Massachusetts, Glen is a graduate of Harvard Law School who has devoted his career to nonprofit management. After five years as an attorney, Glen became the Executive Director of the Tibet Justice Center where he mastered all aspects of nonprofit management and began honing his skill as a fundraiser. At the Berkeley Public Library Foun- dation he helped raise over $4.3 mil- lion to refurbish the busiest library (per capita) in California. At the World Glen with daughter Marina as a baby. Forestry Center and Museum he rein- vigorated all aspects of the organiza- tion-museum, conference facility, demonstration forest and a research and fellowship program-and helped to raise $7.5 million. He grew the Cascadia Green Building Council from a $75,000 startup organization to a $750,000 annual budget, and comes to the CL T Network after serv- ing as the President and CEO of Yo- semite National Institutes. In his interviews and through subse- quent conversations, Glen has re- vealed himself to be a quiet and steady force with a sharp intelligence who tells pithy and poignant stories. He has described himself as an "entrepreneur for a cause," and his references advise that he is a tireless mover who is a strong communicator and a compelling public speaker. He and his wife Tori have two children, Marina (10) and Matthew (8). Glen will setup his office in Portland, Oregon and looks forward to finding the right mix of meeting face-to-face and using technology to build a strong, vibrant CL T Network. He will attend the 2007 Annual Meeting and Training in Minneapolis, Oct. 9-12 when he hopes to meet many of you and begin to learn from you how the CL T Network can help you to better serve your community. We invite you to meet Glen at the opening ni~ht re- ception on Tuesday, October 9 at 6 p.m. InThis Issue: CL T Academy Courses, Page 2 2007 Annual Meeting Details, Page 3 Northwest CL T Coalition Spring Gathering Report, Page 4 North Carolina CL T Conference Report, Page 4 ICE Revolving Loan Fund Up- date, Page 5 Homeowner profiles: Family finds stability in Ath- ens Land Trust home, Page 5 Clackamas CL T buyer initi- ated program, Page 6 New CHT home for young I family, Page 7 COMMUNITY L:lND TRUST LI.!l/K, SUMMER 2007 PAGE 2 2007 National CL T Academy Course Descriptions "CL T 101" Introductory Level Training (Introductory full-day course) Participants in this course will learn about the nuts and bolts of the 'classic' CL T. Topics covered will include why CL Ts exist and how they operate. Participants will explore how CL Ts are used as an affordable housing tool and why have CL Ts grown from small neighborhood based efforts to large-scale city- wide initiatives in Florida, California, Chicago, and Wash- ington, D.C. Find out what role you can play within this CL T framework. Wednesday, September 28 (Charleston, SC), Wednesday, October 10 (Minneapolis, MN), January Date TBD (Irvine. CA). Designing Resale Formulas and Managing Resales (Intermediate full-day course) Participants will learn how to evaluate the various resale formulas and design one that meets their community's needs and priorities. Find out how decisions made when developing a ground lease effect the long-term management of a CL 1's program and learn how to manage the resale process over time. Par- ticipants should have a basic familiarity with the nature of the CL T approach to homeownership, the CL T ground lease, and the types of resale provisions commonly con- tained in the CL T ground lease. Thursday, October 11 .(Minneapolis, MN) and Thursday, December 13 (Portland, OR). Financing. Permanently Resale-Restricted Homes (Intermediate full-day course) Participants will explore the various subsidies available to develop CL T homes and the long-term implications of funding choices and combi- nations. Next, participants will discuss mortgage financing options for CL T homebuyers, and learn how to negotiate with banks to secure mortgage financing for your CL T homebuyers. Participants in this course should have a basic understanding of housing financing, community land trusts and/or have completed an introductory level community land trust course. Wednesday, October 10 (Minneapolis, MN) and Friday, December 14 (Portland, OR). CL T Stewardship and Homeowner Services (Advanced half-day seminar) The responsibilities associated with managing a 99-year, renewable lease for a community asset can be daunting to undertake. Participants will ex- amine different perspectives taken with regard to home- owner services and CL T stewardship of existing homes. From community organizing to maintenance reserves to backstopping/foreclosure prevention to home improve- ment loans, there are myriad approaches a CL T can take in stewardship of its assets and in relating to its home- owners. This session is intended to be a beginning dis- cussion which identifies and clarifies a range of perspec- tives that exist inside CL Ts to inspire CL T practitioners toward better practices and to clarify our collective sensi- bilities regarding best practices in this area. Wednesday, October 10 (Minneapolis, MN). CL T Organizational Growth and Sustainability (Advanced half-day seminar) If we take our mission as CL Ts to provide permanently affordable housing seri- ously, it has dramatic implications on how we plan our work. How do we plan financially for our work in our com- munities - in the short tem and in 5, 10, and 20 years from now? How do we measure our success - numbers of units created, success of CL T homeowners, number of CL T home that resell per year, amount of operating re- serves, profit? We will work with these and other ques- tions with the intention of gaining perspective on how we can improve our planning for organizational growth and sustainability as well as how we might work with and learn from one another in this area. Thursday, October 11 (Minneapolis, MN). National Community Land Trust Network c/o CHT PO Box 523 Burlington, VT 05402 (802) 862-5430 Website: www.nationalclt.orq Alice Stokes, Network Administrator al ice. stokes@champlainhousingtrust.org Lisa Byers, Board President ooalclt@ooalclt.org Newsletter Content: Heather Benham, Athens Land Trust Lisa Byers, Board President Erika Malone, Kulshan Community Land Trust Alice Stokes, Network Administrator Loretta Walker, Clackamas Community Land Trust Christine Westfall, Orange Community Housing and Land Trust Newsletter Format: Alice Stokes COMMUNfTl' LAND TRUST LINK, SUMMER 2007 PA G E 3 2007 Annual Meeting and CL T Academy Training Registration Now Open! Conference Overview We are honored to invite you to the 2007 National Com- munity Land Trust Network Annual Meeting and CL T Academy, hosted in Minneapolis, Minnesota from Octo- ber 9 through October 12, 2007. The conference is co- sponsored by the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, Burling- ton Associates in Community Development, the National CL T Academy and the Minnesota Community Land Trust Coalition. This event isa departure from the National CL T Confer- ences that are held every other year..This year, members and supporters of the National CL T Network will gather for the purpose of showcasing new courses developed by the National CL T Academy, strategizing common solu- tions to organizations challenges of issues of homeowner services and sustainability, and strengthening connec- tions among the CL Ts that make up the membership of the National CL T Network. This year's conference will bring together some 150 participants representing estab- lished and developing CL Ts, banks, state housing finance agencies, community loan funds, housing developers, and others. We look forward to your participation. Location The conference will be held at the Sheraton Midtown Ho- tel, located in the heart of midtown Minneapolis at the Midtown Exchange. The hotel compliments the revitaliza- tion of the enormous $187 million redevelopment of the "old Sears" building into the Midtown Exchange Center. The hotel sits directly on the Midtown Greenway, a stretch of below grade railway that has been converted to a bike! walk path stretching the entire width of Minneapolis. This area is in the heart of a vibrant culturally, socially and economically diverse neighborhood. October weather in Minneapolis is typically sunny and cool, with an average high temperature of 62 and a low of 42. Early October is the height of fall foliage. Registration The Registration deadline for the conference is August 31, 2007. For more information about the conference, course descriptions, and registration materials, go to: www.lincolninst.edu/subcenters/CLlcltlcourses.asp. You may register by phone, fax, e-mail, postal mail, or on- line. National CL T Network member organizations qualify for reduced registration fees. Enrollment is limited, so reg- ister soon! CONFERENCE SCHEDULE Tuesday, October 9 Participants are encouraged to arrive on Tuesday after- noon in order to join us for the National CL T Network Reception on Tuesday evening, which will include a short program on the accomplishments of the Network during our first year. This will also be an opportunity for members to meet Glen Gilbert, the new Executive Di- rector of the Network! Wednesday, October 10 The program on Wednesday will include a Keynote Speaker, four National CL T Academy sessions, and the Minnesota CL T Coalition reception. CL T Academy courses on Wednesday will include: . CL T 101 (Introductory full-day course) . Financing CL T Homes (Intermediate full-day course) . Homeowner Services (Advanced half-day seminar) . Wild Card (Advanced half-day seminar) Thursday, October 11 Three more National CL T Academy session will be of- fered on Thursday. Participants will also have the oppor- tunity to take a tour of Minneapolis CL T homes at break- fast or a tour of St. Paul and Minneapolis CL T Homes in the evening. CL T Academy courses on Thursday will include: . Managing Resales (Intermediate. full-day course) . Organizational Growth & Sustainability (Advanced half-day seminar) . Wild Card (Advanced half-day seminar) Friday, October 12 The National CL T Network Annual Meeting will be held on Friday morning. The 2007 Annual Meeting is a chance for the Network's members to elect new board members, to vote on proposed changes to the bylaws, and to provide direction for the board and the new Ex- ecutive Director on the work that the Network's mem- bers would like to see prioritized in 2008. Please plan on joining us to celebrate the Network's accomplishments and to ensure that the issues most important to your organization get discussed. The session will end by noon so participants will be able travel home on Friday afternoon. The 2007 Membership Application is available on our website: www.nationalclt.org COAfMUNITY LAND TRUST LINK, SUMMER 2007 PAGE 4 More Than Twenty Organizations Participate in Northwest Community Land Trust Coalition Spring Gathering On April 26th, 2007 representatives from over 20 differ- ent Northwest Community Land Trusts descended upon the small town of Corbett, Oregon. More than 50 CL T board members, staff members and homeowners gath- More than 50 people attended the Northwest CL T Coalition 5 spring gathering in April, 2007. ered to network, learn, teach and discuss numerous top- ics at the expansive manor of the Menucha retreat center on the Columbia River just east of Portland. Over the course of the two-day gathering the group held concurrent sessions covering topics as varied as CL Ts and condos, modular and pre-fabricated home building, fundraising and how to encourage and assist with main- tenance on CL T homes. One of the highlights of the weekend was a plenary session presented by nationally acclaimed artist, author and activist damali ayo (www.damaliayo.comD called I can Fix it!: Racism. The group learned that there are many tangible steps both white people and people of color can take to fix racism. The Northwest Community Land Trust Coalition gathers twice a year for a mix of this type of pre-planned, facili- tated group sessions on various topics as well as group generated topics, timely issues or on-going concerns relevant to CL T work in the region. They are currently planning their fall gathering which will take place at the Sambica retreat center near Seattle starting October 25th. For more information about the NW CL T Coalition see http://qrouPs.yahoo.com/qroup/CLTsNorthwest! or email Erika Malone at erikamalone@kclt.orq. North Carolina Community Land Trust Conference Draws Participants from Nine States Chapel Hill, NG. On April 26th_27th, 120 participants from 9 states descended on Chapel Hill, NC, to attend the first North Carolina Community Land Trust Conference. The conference was hosted by the Durham Community Land Trustees and Orange Community Housing and Land Trust, two CL Ts located in the "Triangle" region of North Carolina. The conference provided basic information about the CL T model to non-profits and municipalities that are consider- ing or are in the early stages of starting a CL T. Confer- ence workshops were taught by John Davis and Mary O'Hara of Burlington Associates in Community Develop- ment. "I learned an enormous amount about the way community land trusts work" said Tom Warshaur, Eco- nomic Development Manager with the City of Charlotte. He noted that Charlotte is concerned about preserving economic diversity in its downtown neighborhoods and in areas around transit stops, where housing prices are ris- ing. A highlight of the conference was the bus tour, which showed participants how the CL T model has been used The staff of DCL T and OCHL T. celebrate the success of the conference with presenters John Davis and Mary O'Hara of Burlington Associates in Community Development. both to revitalize central city neighborhoods in Durham and to create permanently affordable housing in Chapel Hill's expensive real estate market. COMA4UNITY LAND TRUST LINK, SUA/MER 2007 PAGE 5 Athens Land Trust Home Helps Family Achieve Stability Athens, Georgia. The Johnson family was living in a du- plex and suffering from repeated break-ins when they heard about the Athens Land Trust. The final straw came when Angela was preparing for finals toward her associ- ates degree and her computer was stolen from their home. So, she decided to put school on hold while she found a stable place for her family to live. After working with the land trust for six months, Angela, her husband, Frankie, and their two children SaKeem and Jeremiah, moved into their own home. The land trust was able to find a home that worked for the Johnson family, one that was in the same school district so the boys wouldn't be disrupted, and one with hard- wood floors so that SaKeem's asthma would no longer be aggravated by carpet. Angela has said that, "Our family's stress level has gone down and we are happy to know that each month we are investing in ourselves. If it wasn't for the Athens Land Trust, it wouldn't have been possible for me to be a homeowner." Out of appreciation to the land trust, Angela has been serving on the Board of Directors and representing the land trust at OneAthens meetings, the Mayor's initiative to solve poverty. She has decided that, now that their home life is stable she is ready to return to Athens Technical College to complete her degree. The Johnson Family (from left clockwise, SaKeem, Angela, Frankie, and Jeremiah) in front of their new home. National Housing Trust Community Development Fund to Manage ICE Revolving Loan Fund The National Housing Trust Community Development Fund (NHTCDF) is pleased to announce that it has signed a year long agreement with the Institute for Com- munity Economics (ICE) that transfers management of the ICE Revolving Loan Fund to NHTCDF. We look for- ward to working with the CL T Network as part of an ini- tiative to make shared equity homeownership an in- creasingly important element of the nation's housing stock. The National Housing Trust (www.nhtinc.ora) preserves and revitalizes affordable housing to better the quality of life for the families and elderly who live there. We believe preserving and safeguarding existing affordable homes is the essential first step in solving our nation's housing dilemma. We are engaged in housing preservation through real estate development, lending, and public policy initiatives. Whether we are advocating for federal or state housing resources, lending through the NHT Community Development Fund or developing and pre- serving housing through the National Housing Trust! Enterprise Preservation Corporation, we are always working to help people stay in affordable homes. The essential first step in the collaboration for the ICE Revolving Loan Fund is a set of meetings with current investors to assure ICE's investors that NHTCDF has the appropriate combination of mission orientation and so- phistication to properly manage the ICE Revolving Loan Fund. We are working with ICE to coordinate meetings with investors tentatively scheduled for July and August of this year After those meetings, we look forward to meeting the CL T Network at the Annual Meeting and Training in Oc- tober. At that time we hope to learn more about the lend- ing needs of Network members and, to the extent our asset base allows. develop shared equity homeowner- ship and community land trust loan products that help meet those needs. In the meantime, we have agreed to monthly phone calls with Lisa Byers and Mary O'Hara to track our progress. We also hope to make some relatively short term com- munity land trust loans in the interim but will have to do so on a limited scale while we try to secure and expand our capital base. Michael Bodaken, Director National Housing Trust COMMUNITY LAND TRUST LiNK, SUMMER 2007 PAGE 6 Oregon CL Ts Start Smart Growth Buyer Initiated Program Milwaukie, Oregon. When asked about the difference be- tween living in a rental and owning her own home, Stacey Dolezal responded, "It feels different, feels better!" Sta- cey and her 14-year old son, Jaymi, moved into their home in January 2007 as part of the Clackamas Commu- nity land Trust Smart Growth Buyer Initiated program. They share their home with 3 cats, a lizard and several fish. Stacey has lived in MiI- waukie, OR most of her life. After Jaymi was born, Stacey lived with her mom for a while, then in a manufactured home in a park. For the past four years, Stacey and Jaymi rented a town- house. One of the most important things for Sta- cey was that Jaymi not have to change schools when she purchased a home. eCl T also had a grant of $15,000 from the Wells Fargo Housing Foundation for rehabilitation to the home so that it is affordable to operate and maintain. The rehab funds have allowed Stacey to get a high efficiency furnace and Energy Star kitchen appliances. There have been minor repairs to the foundation, a major upgrade to the electrical wiring, the addition of insulation to the attic and crawl space and improve- " ments to the indoor air quality through the in- stallation of a dehumidi- fier and repairs to the ventilation. New Energy Star-rated exterior doors have been hung at the front and rear entrances to the home. The final project is a driveway and on-site rainwater infiltra- tion system. "I'll be glad when all the work is done, but I know it's worth itl" says Stacey. Stacey was able to find a two-bedroom home on a corner lot in the same school district with the help of her realtor, Renita Gerard. Stacey and Renita shopped for about a month before finding this home. Sta- cey qualified for a mortgage of $120,000 to purchase the home and CCl T brought a grant for $50,000 from Meyer Memorial Trust for its purchase of the land. Stacey was also able to access $5,000 in down payment assistance through her lender, HomeStreet Bank. Stacey pays a monthly payment of. about $950, including her ground lease fee and a maintenance set-aside, for a home that appraised at $190,000. Stacey's yard is one of her favorite places and it shows. In her first spring in the home she's al- ready planted flowers in the beds and created a vegetable garden. "I love working in my own yard," Stacey explains. "The cats come and lay in the garden when I work there," The Smart Growth program, a joint partnership with Port- land Cl T, is also funded by the Home Depot Foundation, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Clacka- mas County, State of Oregon and The Fannie Mae Ore- gon Partnership Office. COivfMUN1TY LAND TRUST LiNK, SUM!vfER 2007 PAGE 7 Family Finds Home in Champlain Housing Trust New Development Burlington, Vermont. Paul and Peg Rosenau moved to Vermont for many reasons, one being Paul's residency at Fletcher Allen Health Care as a Pediatric doctor. The Rosenaus had come from Boston where Paul had the opportunity to do his residency but they could not afford to buy a home. Peg says, "It was a verj hard decision whether to stay in Boston, after living there for many years, or move to Burlington," but they decided the bot- tom line was they could not afford to live in Boston. Once the Rosenaus moved to Burlington, though, they saw that the cost of living here compared to income was expensive as well and they had a hard time finding an affordable home, They found a very small condo but as a young family they knew they would outgrow their space fast. After a year, and finding out they had a baby on the way, making their five year old daughter Emma a soon to be big sister, they were ready to buy a bigger place and grow roots. Soon after, they realized that buying in the Burlington area seemed an impossible undertaking. The Rosenaus in front of their newly built home in She/burne, VT. Then they learned about the Champlain Housing Trust at Emma's pre- school. Peg states, "We were happy to meet up with CHT because I be- lieve without the land trust option; we would not have been able to buy a home. There were many obstacles in our way. We didn't have the capital to put down on a home and couldn't find anything that would meet our needs and our affordability." "Owning our home means se- curity, stability, having an invest- ment and being part of a commu- nity. I like to know my neighbors and care about the town we live in." The Rosenau family are Peg Rosenau now homeowners in a new CHT development in Shelburne. They moved into their home in Shelburne af- ter some delays. "We are very thankful to CHT because even through some bumpy parts, we believed in CHT's mission and had trust that they would see this process through. CHT is still very involved even after we closed. They have helped set up an Association for our develop- ment and I know they are there when we need them." When asked what the best part of owning a home is Peg states, "Owning our home means security, stability, hav- ing an investment and being part of a community. I like to know who my neighbors are and care about the town we live in. It is establishing roots and getting involved with my surroundings. I like that Emma is in a good school which is right across the road. We moved to Vermont for the quality of life, my husbands' career and having choices about schools and our environment. If we had stayed in Boston, we would have structured our entire life around paying a mortgage. Our choices would have been lim- ited." Emma says, "I like having two rooms, a playroom. and bedroom and I have a yard to make snow angels in," National CL T Network P.O. Box 523 Burlington, VT 05402