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: December 8, 2015 PLACE OF MEETING: Oak Room, City Hall MEETING CALLED TO ORDER BY: Chairman, Idrobo at 6:40 p.m. THOSE PRESENT: Commission Members Staff Julio Idrobo, Chair Dana Lewis Tori McKinney Vice Chair Nancy Vincent Don Brobst Visitors M.T. Gutmanis Kathleen Luisa Tommy Goodwin Laura Hicks FCHC Liaison Council Liaison Thom Vaccaro Mary Beth Connelly – Council Liaison _X_ Planning Commission Liaison Lindy Hockenberry ______X___ Approval of Minutes: Minutes of November 10, 2015 were approved with changes. Old Business Planning for Comprehensive Plan Presentation to Council The purpose of this presentation will be to educate council, especially as there is a new council member. Staff Wildman asked should we get feedback from council first or give the data first? There was a debate on this issue. Chair Idrobo suggested that the Housing Commission should have goals to add to the presentation. The group decided that there should be data first, then a call to action followed by a revision of the policy. Liaison Hockenberry shared that Wildman's presentation to the Planning Commission was great. It should be mentioned that since that since that time units at W. Broad Residences have not been able to be filled (80% and 100% ADU units). Another variable that was brought up is the fact that more City employees received units than others. The group discussed their long term vision for affordable housing. A suggestion was for those persons at 80% and 100% receive a subsidy to assist with those units. Liaison Hockenberry wanted to know is it feasible to request that council renegotiate these units with the developer or they may be lost. Affordable Rental Units – W. Broad Residences There are currently 30 persons on the waiting list for the Tinner Hill ADUs. There are ten units still available at W. Broad Residences. These units are at 80 and 100 percent AMI. An ad was placed on Craig’s List which staff is hoping will help with getting the units filled. The income requirement is too high and the need is for units at 60%. Chair Idrobo shared that he has been asked by the developer from the proposed Mason Row development to say something supportive from the Housing Commission with regards to their project. This would be at the January Council meeting. They asked this because the Commission requirement to have all units at 60% was met. There was some debate but the commission voted to not do this. FCHC Annual Meeting November 11, 2015 Liaison Vaccaro shared that at the Falls Church Housing Corporation board meeting in November there were no members or community members present. They are still looking to recruit one more board member. Thom will also write a letter to all members requesting their support for affordable housing. The FCHC is looking at doing a big project but it is difficult in the City. The Virginia Village area is a possibility. Any other big type of project may require a zoning change. 2016 Planning for Commission Elections for the commission will take place at the next meeting along with planning for the year. The Fields Inquiry Commissioner McKinney shared that a school board member had questions about The Fields apartments and when will the affordable units purchased with tax credits be lost? This will not happen until 2026. SIGNATURE OF RECORDER: ___Dana Lewis__ _______________ 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). i:\housing commission\minutes\minutes 2015\hc minutes12082015.docx