What a ridiculous choice to have to make! Your input needed tonight! I believe the federal law and intent dictate what the choice is. The CDA has essentially already decided Economic Development. However, the CDA will be having a public hearing to hear from YOU about what you think is the best choice for the city?
This whole situation is happening because the Truman Olson ROTC Property is no longer needed by the Army and they have a process by which they dispose of property. The process is outlined in the law called BRAC or more accurately the Base Closure Community Redevelopment and Homeless Assistance Act of 1994. Under this law local governments must form redevelopment authorities (LRA) to create a reuse plan for closed/reassigned military property. LRA must work with homeless assistance representatives and take into account needs of the homeless population.
4 community groups have submitted applications for the property as intended under the law. The subcommittee of the CDA has recommended to reject all 4 applications and use the property for “economic development”. What that means is unclear (The City should put money in 2011 -2012 budget and CDA will decide what to do?) and we don’t know what it will cost! Apparently the CDA is trying to enter into side deals with the two programs that serve to homeless to withdraw their applications. Under the “plan” that I’ve heard city staff and CDA members talk about, but don’t have any details about, the City would put up money for the CDA to purchase the property (for more than $1), then the City would purchase more property (where is uncertain, since one site was rejected by the community in a classic not-in-my-back-yard reaction) for Porchlight and Goodwill. And somehow, the CDA is going to make money – and presumably not pay the City back. But I can’t figure out how we break even – sounds like another losing proposition. Without those details and a solid plan, clearly, the only thing to do is to recommend to HUD and the Army that the top applicant, which most believe is Porchlight, receive the property.
There’s so many reasons why this is the right thing to do, here’s a sample:
Need for Affordable Housing. Expanding affordable housing options for homeless single adults was a priority in the Community Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness. The 24 new units of permanent affordable housing proposed by Porchlight can give more people a chance to move out of a shelter situation.
Federal Priority. A federal commitment to affordable housing and homeless services has been increasingly rare. This is seen in no place more than in the decreases in HUD’s budget and extensive de-funding of the Section 8 program nationally. In the discussion of homelessness and housing policy, local public officials will often lament the lack of resources from federal and state governments. Here we are presented with a VERY rare opportunity—one that we should not let pass.
Amenities. The Park Street location is uniquely situated to services that low-income people rely upon; namely, the location is very close to regular bus service, a grocery store, a pharmacy, and a medical clinic. These features to the location will help to insure that people who move into the developed permanent affordable housing will be able to maintain that housing.
Need for New Building. Currently, Porchlight spends $36,000 of HUD money to rent the building where Safe Haven is housed. By owning their building, Porchlight could begin to decrease those costs. Additionally, the aging, dilapidated building that currently houses Safe Haven was not built for the purpose of providing these services, and does not accommodate the type of programming Safe Haven strives to provide for homeless persons who struggle with mental illnesses.
Sensitive to Neighborhood Plan. As city staff has confirmed for the CDA Redevelopment subcommittee, Porchlight took great care to build their proposed development within the confines of what is expected in the Wingra BUILD Plan and other neighborhood plans. Porchlight has considered density of the housing, aesthetics, and the need for road building on the site.
Case Management Element. Every person receiving services from Safe Haven, and all residents of the proposed 24-unit permanent housing location will receive some form of case management to monitor client needs and prevent crisis situations for those struggling with mental health or addictive disorders. The presence of case management services should decrease concerns about neighborhood safety.
Land-Swap Risks. The Department of Defense policies allow for giving this parcel of land to Porchlight at no cost. If the land were to be used as outlined in the current development plan, it would not necessarily be given to CDA at the same discount. As a result, the city may end up LOSING money in a time when tough budgets are forcing us to cut other important services in the community. A land-swap should not be considered at the cost of additional budget problems and further difficulties for other programs.
I will be out of town, but I hope neighbors and people who care about the homeless situation and affordable housing show up and testify about what they think should happen with this property. I resent the position that advocates have been put in as both homeless services and economic development should be high priorities. However, the federal laws have made the priority choice, and we should honor that intent and what is fiscally prudent.
The public hearing will be:
Thursday, July 10
5:00
Catholic Multi-Cultural Center Dining Room (Lower Level)
1852 Beld Street
The meeting starts at 4:30, but the hearing is scheduled for 5:00. Lots more info here.
