1 | Discussion: Plan on how to move forward with the development of affordable housing on the Schultz Pass Parcel (the triangle at Schultz Pass Road at Hwy 180) including the discussion of a $500K general obligation bond ballot question or something similar for repayment of affordable housing monies allocated/spent on Schultz Pass Property in a future election. | ||||||
The following individuals addressed Council in support of developing affordable housing on the Schultz Pass Parcel:
Written comments in support of moving forward with developing affordable housing on the Schultz Pass Parcel were submitted by the following:
Councilmember Whelan indicated that she would like to see the matter move forward now planning started for development. Councilmember Odegaard asked about the $500,000 funding. Management Services Director Rick Tadder explained that the monies were paid out of the Housing Fund. Staff is still researching if and how the funds may have been restricted for specific uses. Mayor Evans indicated that a case study on the history of the Schultz property had recently been done and it will be posted on the website in the near future. Vice Mayor Shimoni expressed support to wait to see if the matter makes it to the voters in the future. Councilmember Salas stated that she would like to move the discussion forward to consider development where all units are attainable and affordable and for there to be some restrictions on the building height. Councilmember Aslan stated that he sees the value of moving forward with housing on the parcel but is curious to know what the voters think. He expressed frustration that those pushing the ballot initiative did not follow through with submitting the requisite signatures to place the matter on the ballot. |
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Moved by Councilmember Austin Aslan, seconded by Mayor Coral Evans to recess into Executive Session for legal advice. | |||||||
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously | |||||||
Council recessed into executive session from 5:18 p.m. through 6:10 p.m. Councilmember McCarthy asked about the three-site project. Housing Director Sarah Darr explained that the three-site project no longer exists, the developer defaulted and the project died. Staff is working through other sites that include a site west of Safeway on Cedar, one on Isabel by the skate park, the Schultz parcel, and a parcel at Lonetree and Butler. Council will discuss and determine what sites they would like to consider for possible development. Councilmember Whelan asked about HUDs position on the placement of affordable housing. Ms. Darr stated that affordable housing should be spread throughout the community. The city has been cautioned by HUD representatives that the bulk of the city’s affordable housing efforts had taken place in Sunnyside. The city is not being investigated, it has simply received a statement it needs to be mindful of future projects. There was not a majority of Council in support of immediately moving forward with planning for development on the parcel. |
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