Laserfiche WebLink
<br />Rev. Julia Older, representing the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Redwood <br />City, which is committed to affordable housing and HEART. She stated the <br />organization's excitement, the belief that it will greatly help, and that HEART will <br />not be taking funds from the City but rather that we will get the benefit of other <br />areas with more expensive land that will create more opportunity to build more <br />affordable houses locally. <br /> <br />Rob Dickinson, HHCC member speaking as an indiYidual, urged Council to go <br />forward in joining HEART. He stated that while he is pleased with the leadership <br />Redwood City provides in affordable housing, he agrees that this is a regional <br />issue. He stated that HEART provides opportunities for working with other cities <br />and the benefits in potential additional funding. <br /> <br />Kevin Bondonno, Chair of the HHCC, gave an update on HEART stating that it <br />has been discussed and the housing subcommittee took action to go back and <br />further study. He stated that there is no official position as yet but would be happy <br />to further work with the Council on either a further recommendation or on any <br />other direction received. <br /> <br />Council Members asked various questions such as how public funds are brought <br />into the HEART fund and how those are distributed out. Questions about the <br />housing projects and whether other cities have withdrawn from the JPA at this <br />point were asked. Council support was expressed with basic principles of being <br />cost effective and housing effective stated as necessary components while <br />thanking all those who worked on the program. The need for HHCC involvement <br />with HEART was expressed. <br /> <br />Vice Mayor Pierce summarized that Redwood City has done its share of <br />affordable housing and should continue to do so in a way that creates good <br />neighborhoods and makes a better community. She further stated that a concern <br />of Council had been local control of the efforts and that has been addressed with <br />funds to access and leverage the funds toward areas that the community feels are <br />important. This JPA will assist Redwood City in encouraging other communities <br />throughout the County to consider their roles in affordable housing. She further <br />stated that the City Council believes in being a partner and working on those <br />areas that are important. <br /> <br />Recommendation: <br />M/S Pierce/Aguirre that staff return with the necessary findings in order for the <br />City to join the Housing Endowment and Regional Trust of San Mateo County <br />(HEART, formerly known as HEAT); and then pursue modifications in the JPA <br />bylaws. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote.MINUTE ORDER 05-216 <br /> <br />OCTOBER 24, 2005 <br />PAGE 11 <br /> <br />JOINT CITY COUNCIL AND <br />REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING <br />MINUTES <br />