Housing Commission

MINUTES HOUSING COMMISSION PURPOSE OF MEETING: The five-member Commission is appointed by the City Council for three-year terms. The Housing Commission maintains awareness of housing needs and opportunities, including affordable housing; proposes housing policy initiatives and changes; investigates fair housing complaints and conciliates these complaints; mediates conflicts relating to the Virginia Residential Landlord & Tenant Act and offers reconciliatory services in conflicts relating to other housing laws. DATE OF MEETING: April 14, 2015 PLACE OF MEETING: Oak Room, City Hall MEETING CALLED TO ORDER BY: ___Julio Idrobo AT ____6:35 PM____ THOSE PRESENT: Commission Members Staff Julio Idrobo, Chair ___x____ Dana Lewis: _____X_ ______ Tori McKinney Vice Chair ___X ___ Kevin Denton: _____ ____ Don Brobst ___ X____ Nancy Vincent:___________ M.T. Gutmanis __X__ Council Liaison Tommy Goodwin ___X________ Mary Beth Connelly – Council Liaison __ FCHC Liaison Planning Commission Liaison Thomas Vaccaro ____X_ ______ Lindy Hockenberry _________ FCPS Student Representative Visitors Camille Borga ___x___ Laura Hicks ____X___ Kathleen Louisa ____X__ Andrew Williams __X___ Marcella Williams __X____ Dotti Biller ____X____ TOPICS OF DISCUSSION: Approval of Minutes: The minutes for February and March were approved with changes. Consolidated Plan & Executive Summary – Staff Lewis The plan along with the citizen summary and action plan has been completed. Chair Idrobo and Staff Lewis presented to council on Monday April 13 and it was adopted. Copies of the citizen summary were distributed to commission members. Mason Row Update – Staff Lewis and Dick Buscale - Spectrum Developers The developer came to share with the Commission the details for the project and to make the case for cash instead of units. The units will mirror Northgate apartments in size. They did not want to provide units at 80% and 100% like the Harris Teeter development. To develop the cash in lieu amount of $1,936,304 they looked at 6% of units and the delta difference between what they would provide at market rate and the 6% ADU units. They then took it to 20 years and added a 2% per year growth rate with a cap rate of 15. This would give them $92,205 per unit cost. If they were to provide units they will have to offer the same as the Harris Teeter poject in order to afford them. Liaison Vaccaro shared that the cash rate is not enough. New units are more valuable than older ones. By his estimation it should be $375,000 per one bedroom unit. He also feels that we should work towards getting permanently affordable units. Chair Idrobo said that if units were offered 6% is the minimum only not the goal. Commissioner Goodwin asked why is it so difficult to get units? The developer shared this would reduce their other proffers. The group asked Buscale to please send the actual formula in writing used to determine the cash amount. The second reading is scheduled for Jul. The group realized that this requires a deeper discussion if they are being asked to provide recommendations. The group planned to meet on April 24 at 3:30 pm at City hall. Liaison Vaccaro will call in. Staff Lewis will prepare an agenda for the meeting.. CDBG Week and Fair Housing Month – Staff Lewis and Chair Idrobo shared that in honor of CDBG week we had a proclamation before council and we will celebrate at the FCHC Housing Forum Meeting on April 15 at Winter Hill at 7:00 pm. Liaison Vaccaro shared that he will be getting a cake for the occasion. Staff Lewis also shared that at the April 27 Council meeting we will have a proclamation for Fair Housing Month. There will be a training for all property managers in June. Commission and council members will be invited to attend. Housing Forums – Liaison Vaccaro shared the details for the FCHC Housing forum which is being sponsored along with the Housing commission. FCHC Board members and those interested in housing affordability have been invited to attend. The goal is to try to get the community educated about what the needs are. The group also discussed Broad Falls apartments and concerns of residents there. Many were visitors to the meeting. Residents wanted to know if there was new ownership and shared that it is obvious that will be raising rents. The commission asked if the tenants were organized. They talked about what types of incentive can be given to maintain affordability. The Commission offered to host a meeting and invite Casa de Virginia to assist. The hope is to have property management come as well. This will be an opportunity for residents to discuss their concerns hopefully. Council members will be invited. 5th Annual Housing Expo Debrief – Staff Lewis shared the Expo was well attended at Herndon High school this year. Many persons visited the Falls Church table and Chair Idrobo volunteered as translator. Sprague Liaison Reports – All Commissioners and FCHC Tommy Goodwin – He passed MT Gutmanis - There will be having intensive renovations at Merrill House. The property manager has indicated they will give residents a year’s notice before work happens. Camille Borga - She wanted to know if there was a trade for the number of units? Thom Vaccaro – He shared that he would like everyone to come to the forum tomorrow. Tori McKinney – The market continues to do well. Julio Idrobo - He will work with Staff Lewis to prepare agenda for meeting on April 24. Miller House Update – Staff Lewis The second part of the PPEA is being developed by procurement and the selection committee. MEETING ADJOURNED AT: ______8:25 PM_____________________ SIGNATURE OF RECORDER: _____Dana Lewis_______________ The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 703 248-5005, (TTY 711).