2017.08.02 EDC - Laserfiche WebLink

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Implementation Strategies Windshield Survey: The windshield survey is a tool already being used by the City of New Brighton. The purpose of the windshield survey is to monitor and detect changes in the city’s neighborhoods and housing stock so that the city may be better prepared to prevent area wide deterioration. Windshield survey’s should be performed on a bi-annual basis and recorded in a database format that can be related to the city’s Geographic Information System (GIS) base map. Housing Maintenance Code/Code Enforcement: The city currently has a housing maintenance code applicable to multi-family (4 or more units) rental housing in place to ensure the housing stock is maintained in good livable condition. Code enforcement is typically done on a complaint basis. These codes however need periodic reviews to ensure they are consistent with the continually changing state building code laws and yet are flexible enough as to not place undue burden on homeowners with older housing units. Rehabilitation/Renovation Programs: While the city has shown it’s commitment to improving the housing stock by applying zoning regulations, code violations enforcement and through community partnerships, there are also many programs currently available for housing rehabilitation and renovation. As the community's housing stock ages, it is increasingly important to provide low to moderate income residents with the resources needed to maintain their homes. In addition to housing rehabilitation, many homes need renovation to meet the needs of changing household demographics. Older homes often are within the price range of first time home buyers and because they are older, they frequently need maintenance and modernizing. Much of the housing stock was built in the 1970's and 1960's and is still occupied by the first owners. As they begin to move out, the housing is turned over to younger first time home buyers. The city should consider the development of housing rehab funds for low-moderate income and first time homeowners. These funds should be designed to help homeowners maintain homes and in some cases improve or renovate homes. Priority should be given to maintenance issues as opposed to remodeling or aesthetics. This fund could be supported through dollars from the general fund combined with grant monies and leveraged against loans from local banks and lending institutions. The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, Ramsey County HRA, and the Metropolitan Council also have programs that support this effort (see below.) Because the housing stock today is in relatively good condition, these programs may not be needed within the short term, but should be reviewed at a future date when housing assessments determine the need. The apartment housing stock is also aging and in need of not only maintenance but remodeling and renovations as well. The City should work closely with apartment property owners (specifically through the MHFA Super RFP process) and obtain appropriate permit approvals for rehab and renovation work on multi-family properties. Infrastructure Improvements: An important part of maintaining strong neighborhoods and strong housing opportunities is ensuring quality infrastructure including streets, sidewalks, and utilities, since well maintained roads help foster a well maintained neighborhood. Old streets that are poorly maintained show a lack of investment into the community while maintaining streets will (in some cases) encourage upkeep of housing. The city should continue to implement a street reconstruction program throughout the community and consider the same efforts for sidewalk reconstruction where sidewalks are in place. 6-13