CC MIN 2015-05-18 Special - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Mr. Aknin, Assistant City Manager, gave a presentation on a vacant site on Bradford Street (presentation on file). He spoke about the history of the parcel and elaborated on the request for proposals. The primary objective for this parcel is to develop more affordable housing, noting that it could be stand alone housing or mixed use. He noted that there could be a public downtown park here as well. If the Council chooses, the RFP would be released in May or June of this year and the developer selection would happen in October. Vice Mayor Foust asked if the project could be made 100% affordable and workforce. She stated there is already quite a bit of market-rate housing in the downtown. She stated that this parcel was considered for some kind of intergenerational property and stated that there needs to be more senior affordable housing. She stated that the proposals should come back to the Council. Council Member Aguirre stated that there needs to be diversity of housing in the downtown and supported the idea of having senior affordable housing and child care. Council Member Pierce asked about the designation of workforce. Mr. Aknin stated that there is demand for housing for lower income people who do not meet the affordable housing requirements. She asked how many units this site might have. Mr. Aknin replied that it would depend on the types of units. Council Member Pierce asked if the City should look at potential partners for creek restoration on this site. Council Member Howard asked if the top of the bank on this property has clearly been established, for setbacks. Mr. Aknin stated that would be looked at prior to taking in the RFP. He noted that the site is fairly large and flat so there should be a significant setback. Council Member Howard noted that the recommendation includes public comment on the architectural character and asked what that would look like. Mr. Aknin stated that there would be a community meeting, but there has already been feedback on the type of architecture that people are happy with in the downtown. Several Council Members agreed with the idea of having an easily accessible public park on this property. Council Member Howard spoke about potential representatives on a selection committee. Council Member Bain noted that he does not want to include retail in this project, stating that there is a critical need for affordable housing, including for seniors. He noted that he would be supportive of a selection committee involving various experts. Council Member Seybert stated that he would like to see 100% affordable units. He spoke about some other interesting things that have been done, and would like to see a creative use if there was retail. He stated that he agrees with Council Member Howard but also wants to see a smaller group with BCCs. Public Comment Kate Comfort Harr, Executive Director of HIP Housing, stated that 103 Wilson is a great opportunity for non-profits to partner with the City. The sprinkler systems with a rent stabilization component is excellent as well as the Habitat for Humanity project. She noted that HIP Housing is planning to put in a proposal for this RFP. JOINT CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY BOARD/ May 18, 2015 PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES Page 11 MINUTE BOOK NO. 65 Page No. 416