Charlotte City Council Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee Summary Meeting Minutes January 17, 2007 COMMITTEE AGENDA TOPICS I. II. Johnston and Mecklenburg Mills RFP Follow Up Housing and Neighborhood Development Focus Area Plan COMMITTEE INFORMATION Council Members Present: Michael D. Barnes, Susan Burgess, Anthony Foxx, Don Lochman and Pat Mumford Council Members Absent: None Staff Resource: Julie Burch, Assistant City Manager Staff: Stanley Watkins, Neighborhood Development Stan Wilson, Neighborhood Development Zelleka Bierman, Neighborhood Development Kim Eagle, Budget and Evaluation Randy Harrington, Budget and Evaluation Debra Campbell, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department Others: Chad Maupin, Historic North Charlotte Neighborhood Association Hollis Nixon, President, Historic North Charlotte Neighborhood Association Meeting Duration: 12:10 p.m. – 1:25 p.m. 1. 2. ATTACHMENTS Agenda Packet – January 17, 2007 Follow Up Items Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee Meeting Summary for January 17, 2007 Page 2 DISCUSSION HIGHLIGHTS I. Johnston and Mecklenburg Mills RFP Follow Up Chad Maupin and Hollis Nixon of the Historic North Charlotte Neighborhood Association (HNCNA) provided a brief presentation on the Johnston and Mecklenburg Mills RFP in the North Davidson (NoDa) area and the importance of Artspace to NoDa and the Charlotte community. The Committee was reminded that both of the Mill buildings are designated historic landmarks. They explained that the NoDa neighborhood proposes that Mecklenburg Mill be removed from the RFP for separate negotiation between Artspace and the City, while Johnston Mill and the associated out buildings and vacant land move forward under the current RFP . It was noted that the neighborhood association supports the replacement of affordable housing as spelled out in the RFP. They stated that Artspace, given its business model, will not consider a project in Charlotte without support from the City and, as a policy, does not respond to RFP’s. It was further explained that, should Artspace be included as part of the RFP, there would be no guarantee that developers will include them. Concern was expressed that a delay in the City’s commitment to Artspace would clear the way for other potential suitors, such as neighboring cities Concord and Gastonia. Artspace has a history of spurring economic development, which would be a boon to the area, as businesses in NoDa are struggling to survive. They added that the success of businesses in this area is incumbent upon NoDa retaining and building its identity as the Arts District. In addition, it would help Charlotte retain and attract an educated and active “cultural class”. Committee member Lochman expressed concern about prioritizing one profession over others for tax dollar subsidized affordable housing, adding that qualification for affordable housing and government subsidies is an economic issue, not a “class” issue. He questioned whether artists are more desired as neighbors than any other poor population, given the need for affordable housing. Mr. Lochman stated that, in his opinion, Council has a responsibility to the average tax paying citizens and should look at the economics of the situation to determine priorities for disposing of the property. Committee member Mumford questioned whether the current RFP is worded to allow flexibility based on the current condition of the property. He expressed his uncertainty about the attractiveness of the site to developers in its current condition, adding that it is not in the City’s best interest to retain ownership of either building any longer, as they are currently non-performing assets. Mr. Mumford stated that the Committee must determine whether the driving force is economic return on the investment, or replacement of affordable housing, either on a one-to-one basis or accommodated elsewhere. Committee member Foxx reiterated Mr. Mumford’s comments, adding that if the economics of the deal end up better without Mecklenburg Mills in the bid, it makes sense to offer options on the property or exclude it from the RFP. Mr. Foxx asked if there would be any barriers to entry for artists if affordable housing were developed on the site? Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee Meeting Summary for January 17, 2007 Page 3 Stanley Watkins responded that artists, similar to anyone else within the affordable income range, could make application to the management of the site to secure a space. Mr. Watkins noted that the current RFP offers up the entire site, but the language could be modified to allow a bid on all or a portion of the site. He added that staff is looking for clear direction from the Committee as to what should be included in the RFP and the criteria to be used in the selection process. Mr. Lochman questioned the time frame of the RFP process and stated that the City should offer both buildings and accompanying vacant land in the initial RFP and reserve the option of bidding on a portion of the site as a fallback. Council member Barnes confirmed this sentiment and expressed concern that the RFP process has been delayed to cater to one constituency, while there are others, such as the Charlotte Housing Partnership that are waiting to express interest through the RFP process. Mr Barnes inquired as to how long the RFP process will take. Stanley Watkins answered that the RFP process typically averages six months. Ms. Burgess stated that Artspace typically is invited in by cities to solve a problem and does not have a practice of responding to RFP’s. She added that an Artspace representative came to the January 2, 2007 City Council meeting to describe the program, not to ask for Mecklenburg Mills. Referencing the aforementioned presentation, Mr. Lochman noted that the Artspace representative stated that $500,000 is the approximate amount needed to bring an Artspace project to construction, when asked if Artspace would have positive cash flow without initial government capital. Committee member Burgess stated that the Artspace representative later clarified that the City’s only contribution would be to sell the Mecklenburg Mill for $1.00. Mr. Foxx commented that moving forward with both buildings in the RFP would not preclude Artspace from partnering with another organization or developer to make a proposal. Ms. Burgess stated that the RFP should be specific as to the portion(s) being offered up for bid and expressed a need to include in the RFP a stipulation that the proposal must complement the unique character of the neighborhood, with a note that the provision of studios and/or gallery space for artists would be a factor for consideration in the selection process. She also stated that the RFP should include information on the Committee’s desire to have any off-site affordable housing in close proximity to the existing Mills. Mr. Lochman commented that the provision of artists studios will not go toward furthering affordable housing and any references to character of the neighborhood are implicit and subjective and do not belong in an RFP, which should be clear and concise. He added that the character of the neighborhood will be retained because the exterior of the historic buildings cannot be substantially changed. Ms. Burgess expressed concern about the character of additional buildings that may be built on the site and added that design standards would require compatibility with the Mill buildings. Julie Burch pointed out that page 13 of the current RFP references project design and requires an architectural and site design study to be provided for new and existing buildings. Mr. Barnes asked whether the City has received an estimate on the cost to repair the termite damage? Stanley Watkins responded that staff is awaiting an appraisal. Stan Wilson added that a report has been done on the condition of the building, which is included as an attachment to the RFP, but the properties have not been assessed for the cost of renovation because individual developers Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee Meeting Summary for January 17, 2007 Page 4 will likely want to conduct their own analyses. Mr. Lochman commented that, at some point, the City will need a specific assessment of the damage, in order to evaluate the accuracy of damage estimates that are submitted with proposals. Mr. Foxx expressed concern about conveying the property to another party via the RFP process to later find that the extent of the damage is too extensive for the purchaser to afford, which could result in requests for additional funds from the City. Julie Burch stated that the RFP should clearly specify that the buildings are to be purchased “as is”. She added that the condition of the buildings may be worsening with the passage of time and potential developers need to enter into the process fully aware of the extent of renovations that may be required to upfit the buildings. Stanley Watkins stated that typically through the RFP process, financial data (and in some instances deposits) is requested from proposed purchasers for use in the selection process to ascertain their capability to follow through on the proposal. Stan Wilson added that staff is working with the City Attorney’s office to include language in the RFP that will best protect the City. Upon a motion made by Mr. Lochman and seconded by Mr. Barnes the Committee voted 3-1 to approve the RFP as submitted by staff. (Mr. Mumford was not present for the vote). Vote: Yeas: Barnes, Foxx, Lochman Nays: Burgess Absent: None The RFP is scheduled to go to full Council on February 12, 2007. II. Housing and Neighborhood Development Focus Area Plan Julie Burch explained that the draft Focus Area Plan has been updated and is being submitted to the Committee for preview and preliminary feedback. Ms. Burch reviewed focus area initiative #5, which is a new initiative to educate and engage residents in maintaining model neighborhood standards. She explained that the measure for this initiative is the percent of neighborhood organizations that implement successful problem solving initiatives, adding that this initiative will reflect the work of the Neighborhood Development Department and its interaction with neighborhoods,. Committee member Barnes expressed concern that the reference to model neighborhood standards may be too subjective and questioned how, in light of prohibitive federal laws, the City will accomplish strengthening areas of the City and holding people accountable for their actions. Stanley Watkins responded that Neighborhood Development has not done a good job of imparting to Council all of the initiatives that the department is involved in with neighborhoods, both in and outside of the revitalization areas, and the outcomes as a result of the involvement. Mr. Watkins added that all of the initiatives involve strengthening neighborhood organizations and equipping them to begin to solve problems on their own. He noted that changes have been proposed to ordinances, such as housing occupancy standards and boarded up structures and stressed the need for the resources necessary to properly enforce the ordinances. Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee Meeting Summary for January 17, 2007 Page 5 Julie Burch also pointed out that, as a result of last years City Council retreat and by subsequent Council adoption, there is a separate Housing and Neighborhood Development Priority Action Plan that provides a more specific look at the initiatives. Ms. Burch added that the focus area plan will be before the City Council at this years retreat. Mr. Barnes asked if issues associated with Section 8 are included in the plan and whether the City will be partnering with the Charlotte Housing Authority (CHA), in an effort to address challenges presented by Section 8? Committee member Burgess stated that the CHA Director, Charles Woodyard,is seeking permission to try innovative measures in Charlotte pertaining to Section 8, which may result in flexibility to address issues associated with Section 8 that are specific to Charlotte. Committee member Foxx noted that the targets for expanding affordable housing have decreased, as noted in initiative #2 and asked whether the resulting numbers are net of affordable housing decreases? Stanley Watkins responded that the numbers reflect the projection of the number of units that the City will be able to produce with the given funds. The meeting was adjourned at 1:25 p.m. City Council Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee Meeting Wednesday, January 17, 2007 – Noon Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center – Rooms 270/271 Committee Members: Susan Burgess, Chair Anthony Foxx, Vice-Chair Michael Barnes Don Lochman Pat Mumford Staff Resource: Julie Burch _______________ AGENDA I. Johnston and Mecklenburg Mills RFP Follow Up (Attachment - A) II. Housing and Neighborhood Development Focus Area Plan (Attachment - B) Note: Attached is December 11, 2006 Follow Up Report (Attachment C) _______________ Distribution: Mayor/Council Pam Syfert, City Manager City Leadership Team Corporate Communications Debra Campbell – Planning Department Anna Schleunes- City Attorney’s Office Saskia Thompson- Manager’s Office CDC Executive Directors Housing Trust Fund Advisory Board Neighborhood Representatives Budget Office Ruffin Hall Phyllis Heath Lisa Schumacher Charlotte Housing Authority Charles Woodyard Troy White Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing Partnership Pat Garrett Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Chief Darrel Stephens Gerald Sennett Neighborhood Development Stanley Watkins Richard Woodcock Stan Wilson Stephanie Small Walter Abernethy Pat Mason Interested Parties Roy Close, Artspace Hollis Nixon, NoDa Attachment A Johnston and Mecklenburg Mills RFP Priorities Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee January 17, 2007 Committee Request: Provide guidance to City staff on priorities for revising the Mills Request for Proposal (RFP). Policy Framework: City’s Mixed Housing Development Policy adopted by City Council on September 24, 2003. • Charlotte Region Transit Station Area Joint Development Principles and Policy Guidelines: The Joint Development Policies, adopted by the Charlotte City Council in April 2003. • The City’s FY2006-2010 Consolidated Plan was approved by City Council on June 13, 2005. The Plan identified the need for affordable, safe and decent housing for low and moderate-income families. The Plan reaffirmed the three basic goals of the City’s Housing Policy - Preserve the existing housing stock, Expand the supply of affordable housing, and Support family self-sufficiency initiatives. • Project Description: On January 2, 2007, the City Council discussed priorities for disposition of the Johnston and Mecklenburg Mills at the request of the Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee. The presentation to the Council considered the following factors, not necessarily in priority order: o o o o Return of the City's investment - Maximize the return of the City’s investment ($6.7 million). The Mills’ value is estimated between $4.2 and $4.8 million. Private and non-profit developers have expressed interest in the property. [Note: A new appraisal has been ordered and should be available in three to five weeks.] Replacement of affordable housing – Previously, there were 150 affordable housing units on the site. Consideration should be given to replacing those units either on-site or off-site. Also, a priority for residency should be given to the former Mecklenburg Mills residents. Promote transit oriented development - Proximity of the site to a future transit station (36th Street) supports mixed use development at the site. Space for Artist – The City could donate a building for artist housing or encourage artist housing as part of an RFP process. Artspace, a non-profit housing developer presented an overview of their organization and gave examples of how it could assist the City in creating low-income housing for artists. City Council members discussed the pros and cons of the various factors. The importance of the City recovering as much of its investment as possible was considered by some members as the most important factor. Replacement of 1 Attachment A affordable housing was considered by members as important as well. Some Council members saw the property as an opportunity to create a unique development (mixed use of housing, office & retail) which could be an asset to the neighborhood and future light rail plans. Opinions were spilt on whether considerations should be given to artists on the site. It was suggested that the RFP include opportunities for all the above mentioned factors. Finally, the Council acknowledged the competing priorities that the Council committee faces and indicated it would await the Committee’s recommendation. Typically, RFPs give guidance to would-be proposals on the important factors that will be evaluated in making a decision. City staff is seeking guidance on the most important factors. Attachments: Background on the Johnston and Mecklenburg Mills Property Summary of the Request for Proposal (Updated as of 11/14/06) 2 Attachment A Background on Johnston and Mecklenburg Mills Property • • • • • • • • Mecklenburg Mill Apartments is a 60-unit complex located at 3327 North Davidson Street and Johnston Mill Apartments is a 90-unit complex located at 3315 North Davidson Street. August 6, 1990 – The City approved a $1,000,000 loan to Trenton Property, Inc. for the acquisition and rehabilitation of Johnston and Mecklenburg Mills. June 24, 1991 - The City provided an additional loan of $2,533,500 to develop Johnston Mill and renegotiated the $600,000 balance of the original loan. The City invested $2.4 million for the rehabilitation of the Mecklenburg Mill Apartments. September 27, 2004 - City Council approved an additional $800,000 to acquire the first mortgage for Johnston Mill Apartments to protect the City’s interest and maintain the units as affordable. In January 2006, the City foreclosed and took possession of both the Mecklenburg and Johnston Mill apartments. On May 12, 2006, the residents in Mecklenburg Mill were evacuated for their safety. At the January 17, 2007 Housing and Neighborhood Committee meeting, staff will provide an update on the current conditions of the Mills properties and a progress report on obtaining an appraisal. 3 Attachment A Summary of the Mills Request For Proposal (RFP) (Updated as of 11/14/06) • • City staff has prepared a Request for Proposals based on the recommendations of a Proposal Review Committee. Committee representation was as follows: - Kevin Sutton, North Davidson Neighborhood Association - Chad Maupin, North Davidson Neighborhood Association - Paul McBroom, North Davidson Business Association - Paul Sires, North Davidson Business Association - Fred Dodson, Charlotte Mecklenburg Housing Partnership - Diane English, Belmont Neighborhood Representative - Angela Coleman, Villa Heights Neighborhood Representative - City Staff representatives from Economic Development, Planning, CATS, Real Estate and Neighborhood Development • RFP Scope: The City is seeking proposals from qualified developers or development teams to purchase, design, rehabilitate, market and manage the Mill properties. The City seeks mixed-income development. o Proposals can be for rental and/or ownership housing units. o Proposals offering “off-site” rental housing will also be considered. • Developer Expectations: o Secure the financing for the acquisition and rehabilitation of the apartments. o Secure all approvals, (zoning, subdivision, etc.) permits and pay fees necessary for the development and construction on the site. o Provide liability, builder’s risk and workman’s compensation insurance in amounts acceptable to the City of Charlotte. o Develop a “turnkey housing project” in accordance with plans approved by the City. o Adhere to the agreed upon time schedule for construction. Construction shall be initiated within six (6) months of the real estate closing. o Secure and maintain proof of appropriate licenses as required by local and state laws. o Develop and execute a sales and marketing plan for the project (homeownership) o Provide on-site management or equivalent for entire existence of the apartments. o Provide a project development pro forma and financial qualifications of the development team. • City Financial Contributions o The City financial contribution to any proposed development is limited to the value inherent in the buildings and the land. • Former Mecklenburg Mill Residents: o Former Mecklenburg Mill residents who meet the leasing and/or ownership 4 Attachment A requirements will be given priority for any housing development. • 1:1 Replacement o The City seeks a 1:1 replacement of 150 affordable units, either on-site or offsite. • Affordability Targets (minimum affordability targets) o The City’s goal is to maximize the number of affordable units. The City’s priority is housing units that serve households earning 30 percent or less than the area median income. Percent of Affordable Units Percent of Area Median Income Development Type At Least 20% of the Units <60% Rental At Least 20% of the Units Up to 80% Ownership (Note: The Median income for a 4-person family in Charlotte is currently $64,400. This figure is adjusted annually by the City and changed depending on the size of household.) • Architectural Design Guidelines o RFP document includes design guidelines to create livable housing units that are attractive, easy to maintain and enhance the architectural character of the NODA neighborhood. Guidelines address; transit, unit design, plans, construction and historic tax credits. o The site is in proximity of a proposed future transit station site, which has not been approved. As part of the Northeast Light Rail Project Draft Environmental Impact Study (DEIS), a Station Area Concept was developed for the 36th Street station. The Station Area concept calls for small-scale (two to three stories) infill development to strengthen the character of established neighborhoods. o The Planning Department recommends a focus on compatibility with the historic character and limited land availability. Proposed development should not exceed four stories. The property may need to be rezoned to accommodate the development future. Consideration should be given to the opportunity for redeveloping surrounding industrial land uses to neighborhood-oriented mixed use developments that can help reinforce Historic North Davidson’s vitality. • Historic Landmarks Commission Review o All proposals must be reviewed by the Historic Landmarks Commission. • Engineering Reports o The City will provide the most recent available engineering reports on the site. 5 Attachment A • RFP Submission Requirements o Developers or Development teams must submit the following information as its proposal submission to the City of Charlotte. Submission Information Description General Developer Information Information to include; experience and qualifications of all team members, type of organization, recent financial information, previous developments (similar in nature), references, certificate of good standing. Proposed Project Information Information to include; general description of the proposed project, number and type of units, income levels served (particularly 30% and below), proposed economic development, market study, graphic illustrations, (site plan, floor plans and conceptual design), and proposed project schedule. Project Financing Information to include; project pro forma, cash flow projections, offered price for the property, sources and uses of funds, scope of work (projected construction costs and specifications). Project Design • Information to include; integration of light rail station with the Mill site, architectural site design, streetscape design, parking, public spaces and amenities, pedestrian paths. Selection Criteria The City will select the developer/development team that most successfully meets the criteria listed below: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Proven ability of the development team to successfully develop and manage higher-density residential projects. Proven ability shall mean successfully completed and managed at least three multi-family developments. Ability to secure construction and permanent financing for the project. Commitment and ability to bring developer equity to the project. Degree of responsiveness to the development program, specifically affordable housing replacement and the affordability targets (priority units serving 30 percent or less than the area median income), design requirements and other goals and objectives in the request for proposals. Quality of the design proposed and ability of the development team to implement a high quality project. A purchase price that provides the City of Charlotte acceptable compensation for City’s land while achieving the other goals of this project. A Management plan for the project that maintains the affordability goals of this project. 6 Attachment A 8. Proven ability and experience in managing mixed income higher-density residential properties. 9. Connectivity between site and light rail station. 10. Maximum Density. Projected RFP Schedule: The preliminary schedule for this project is as follows: • 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. • Issue Request for Proposals Pre-Submission Conference Proposal Due Date Selection Committee Reviews and Short List Proposal Presentations Selection Committee Recommendation City Council Approval of the Development Team TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD The Historic North Charlotte Neighborhood Association and the North Davidson Business Association request that the City delay issuing the Request for Proposals for redevelopment of the Johnston and Mecklenburg Mills until February 2007. 7 Attachment B FY08-09 Focus Area Plan Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee January 17, 2007 Committee Request: Receive as information the draft FY08-09 Housing and Neighborhood Development Focus Area Plan. Policy Framework: • Annually the City Council reviews and amends the focus area plans for each of its five focus areas – Community Safety, Economic Development, Environment, Housing and Neighborhood Development and Transportation. Project Description: The City staff has updated the Housing and Neighborhood Development Focus Area Plan, which included reviewing and updating as appropriate the focus area theme, description, strategic objectives and objective targets. The following strategic objectives are being proposed for the FY08-09 plan: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Reduce the number of Challenged neighborhoods Expand the supply of affordable housing Eliminate sub-standard housing and neighborhood nuisances Graduate revitalization neighborhoods Success of neighborhood problem-solving initiatives Invest in comprehensive infrastructure improvements There is one new strategic objective suggested this year, neighborhood problem solving initiatives. This objective tracks and measures the City’s success in working with neighborhoods to resolve problems. Also, the targets for affordable housing and infrastructure have been adjusted to reflect the Council’s spending priorities. The City Council will have an opportunity to discuss and amend the strategic plan at the upcoming City Council Retreat planned for January 31, 2007 thru February 2, 2007. Attachment: Draft FY08-09 Housing and Neighborhood Development Focus Area Plan 1 City of Charlotte FY2008 & FY 2009 Strategic Focus Area Plan DRAFT “Creating great neighborhoods in which to live, work, and play.” The City of Charlotte’s long-term health, vitality, and distinction as a leading city is predicated upon its ability to develop and sustain its neighborhoods. Social changes, crime and disorder, physical deterioration, and economic divestments create challenges for the City’s residential, commercial and industrial neighborhoods. The City’s housing and neighborhood strategy focuses on quality of life measures, expanding affordable housing, effective code enforcement, infrastructure investments, and successful neighborhood revitalization initiatives. The City will be responsive to addressing the needs of all neighborhoods, but will develop unique approaches and solutions to address each of the City’s challenged, transitioning, and stable neighborhoods. (Also see Community Safety, Economic Development and Transportation Focus Area Plans for more housing and neighborhood development strategies.) 2008 & 2009 Page 1 City of Charlotte FY2008& FY2009 Strategic Focus Area Plan Housing & Neighborhood Development DRAFT Strengthen Neighborhoods H&ND.1 ► Focus Area Initiative: Measure: Target: Target: Prior Year: Reduce the number of challenged neighborhoods Number of fragile neighborhood statistical area (NSAs) FY2009 - n/a FY2008 - 22 FY2007 - n/a FY2006 - 24 H&ND.2 ► Focus Area Initiative: Measure: Target: Target: Prior Year: Expand the supply of affordable housing Number of completed affordable housing units FY2009 - 600 FY2008 - 800 FY2007 - 1,000 FY2006 - 1,187 H&ND.3 ► Focus Area Initiative: Measure: Eliminate sub-standard housing and neighborhood nuisances Number of housing units, nuisance complaints and zoning citations brought into compliance FY2009 - Housing - 2,700 Nuisance - 37,000 Zoning - 5,750 FY2008 - Housing - 2,600 Nuisance - 36,000 Zoning - 5,500 FY2007 - Housing - 2,500 Nuisance - 35,600 Zoning - 5,250 FY2006 - Housing - 2,569 Nuisance - 37,204 Zoning - n/a Target: Target: Prior Year: H&ND.4 ► Focus Area Initiative: Measure: Target: Prior Year: H&ND.5 ► Focus Area Initiative: Measure: Target: Prior Year: Neighborhoods that have graduated from the revitalization plan process Number of revitalization neighborhoods completed (8 neighborhoods have revitalization plans) FY2009 - 1 FY2008 - 1 FY2007 - None FY2006 - 1 Educate and engage residents in maintaining model neighborhood standards Percent of neighborhood organizations implementing successful problem solving initiatives Number Success Ratio FY2009 - 360 80% FY2008 - 360 80% FY2007 - 310 80% FY2006 - 110 99% Page 2 City of Charlotte FY2008 & FY2009 Strategic Focus Area Plan Housing & Neighborhood Development DRAFT Invest in Infrastructure H&ND.1 ► Focus Area Initiative: Measure: Target: Prior Year: Invest in comprehensive neighborhood infrastructure City neighborhood infrastructure investments vs. infrastructure needs FY2009 - $15.0 million/$651 million FY2008 - $12.5 million/$651 million FY2007 - $12.5 million/$651 million FY2006 - $ 8.8 million/$548 million Page 3 Attachment C Follow Up Report Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee January 17, 2007 The following items are requests for information that resulted from the December 11, 2006 H&ND Committee Meeting: Committee Request: Provide information to citizens about composting. Result: Neighborhood Development will add a link to its website concerning composting and lawn maintenance. Committee Request: Provide names of citizen volunteers for the Housing Symposium. Result: See attached list of volunteers who have agreed to serve on sub-committees, help with event preparation and provide service on the day of the event the 18 volunteers. Committee Request: Provide base line figure used in the 2006 Transportation Action Plan, as it pertains to providing access to transit. Result: As part of effectively integrating land use and transportation, CDOT has been tracking this data since 2003. In 2003, it was calculated that 63.2% of the City's population was within 1/4 mile of transit (bus service). At that time, CDOT established the 65% benchmark as a goal it would seek to achieve. Unfortunately, the trend is going in the wrong direction, as that percentage has dropped to 61.2% in 2006. In the next couple of months, CDOT and other staff will be presenting information to Council's Transportation Committee about this trend and other factors affecting implementation of the Transportation Action Plan (TAP). Committee Request: Make information on the Housing Charlotte 2007 accessible to Council members. Result: Housing Charlotte 2007 website is operational. Refer to HousingCharlotte2007.org 1 Attachment C 12th Annual Neighborhood Symposium Citizen Volunteers The following is a list of volunteers who agreed to serve on sub-committees, help with event preparation and provide service on the day of the event. Other volunteers will include city and county staff, youth groups and non-profit partners. In addition, several civic organizations have committed volunteers, including Leadership Charlotte, Junior League of Charlotte, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Las Amigas, Inc. Volunteer Name Ms. Bailey Mary Boyd Katherine Cara Bee Jay Caldwell Debra Campbell Beverly Clark Dee L. Davis Martin Doss Diane English Darryl Gaston Geraldine Johnson Cheryl Harden Sabrina Kennedy Jean Leier Marsha Livingston Mattie Marshall Dewanna McNeely Nola Murphy Carol Scally Debra Smith Mark Sprinkle Helen Thompson Stephanie Walker E-Mail wilfredbailey@aol.com mlboyd@carolina.rr.com katherinealexandracara@yahoo.com Telephone 704-875-0367 704-523-6163 704-393-7123 ddavis@pcmnc.com martydoss@aol.com aqua4265@msn.com 704-375-1051 gerriemj@yahoo.com charden@bellsouth.net sskennedy@aol.com 704-432-0496 freshideas678@yahoo.com ysamarsh@carolina.rr.com 704-641-2355 704-493-1631 scallywag4nc@yahoo.com 704-7166513 Msprinkle1@carolina.rr.com 704-333-5430 swalk5130@bellsouth.net 2