SAC MIN 1995-07-12 - Laserfiche WebLink

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construction of new housing and the City has one parcel which will be restored. They are currently negotiating for a third piece of property located between the two and are awaiting an appraisal. She noted the Rolison Road project is planned for family housing and will not include senior housing due to crime and transportation issues. Ms. Jones-Thomas explained that one of their housing goals is to provide housing for low income people in addition to childcare and job training in order for them to become self-sufficient and no longer needing public assistance. She gave a list to staff of the programs and services recommended for CDBG and Human Services Financial Assistance funding for fiscal year 95-96 which will be forwarded to the Commissioners for their review. Ms. Jones-Thomas spoke about the successful Housing Rehabilitation Program which encourages seniors to remain independent by providing low interest loans to repair their property. She mentioned they are working with the North Peninsula Association to set up a weatherization program. The Second Harvest Food Bank offers a Brown Bag Outreach program and a senior meals program which have experienced a declining enrollment and Ms. Jones-Thomas asked the Commissioners if they had any ideas to increase the enrollment. Chairperson Lloyd stated the Commission on Aging's food program enrollment is down in addition to attendance at local senior centers, but the Meals on Wheels program enrollment is up. Commissioner Penna asked about the funding for Bethsaida House provided by the City. He said that seniors in the Bethsaida House neighborhood were very opposed to the project and felt that housing values would decrease as a result of the project. Ms. Jones-Thomas explained that $10,000 was granted to this project in FY94-95 from CDBG/Human Services Assistance funds for safety issues and $5,000 was set aside from the General Fund from FY94-95. She explained the City Council promised a public hearing regarding this matter and it was conducted at the April meeting of the Housing and Human Concerns Committee. Proper notice was given for the meeting for people to be able to express their comments on the project. Ms. Jones-Thomas said the Housing and Human Concerns Committee recognized that the facility is there and that it is operating within the City's zoning regulations, but they want to ensure that it is a safe facility. Housing and Human Concerns Committee member Ian Bain explained what occurred at their April meeting with regard to the project and that the committee members listened very carefully to the comments and suggestions from the neighbors. Mr. Bain said he disagreed with Mr. Penna's comments about seniors opposing the project as very few seniors attended the meeting. Housing and Human Concerns Committee member Ira Ruskin explained the committee debated this issue long and hard and that they were very