HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-08-2007 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
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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.
,
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$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
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Drum [_November
CranE~ _____~December
Shaw ----tDeCember
Drum Janua
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Dou las
M~y__
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_, . __ Maj'__
Anthon
DeFrance
Anthon __ > __JLJ_r1~_
. D!f!!nce __~ June
DeFrance i June
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, _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