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<br />Chair Zisla commented on how the Comprehensive Plan addressed affordable housing. <br /> <br />Gundlach explained there has not been a big push for housing programs given the fact the school district <br />has been so strong which has caused the housing stock to turnover in a healthy manner. She indicated <br />the City was also only minimally impacted by the economic downtown in 2008 and stated the City only <br />had 80 houses in foreclosure which was minor compared to neighboring communities that had as much <br />as 30% of their housing stock. <br /> <br />Further discussion ensued regarding recent affordable housing efforts that have been pursued by the <br />City. <br /> <br />Commissioner Carter stated he was more interested in working towards enabling versus adding another <br />blue line. He suggested staff work to improve communication between the City and those that need <br />assistance. <br /> <br />Commissioner Peck stated he struggled with what the City was trying to do or what the end goal was. <br />He didn’t believe the City had a housing problem at this time. <br /> <br />Commissioner Murlowski questioned if the City currently had a need and commented on the programs <br />that were already available to New Brighton residents. He noted the affordable housing units that were <br />available in the City. It was his opinion the City should be focusing on new developments or the <br />redevelopment of existing sites. <br /> <br />Gundlach commented on the City’s multi-family crime free housing program and the code compliance <br />inspection services that occur on a yearly basis throughout the multi-family housing stock. She reported <br />the City has a great model that is helping to keep units safe, habitable, and well-maintained. <br /> <br />Chair Zisla requested further information on CEE. Gundlach described how the CEE (Center for Energy <br />and Environment) assistance loan program operated. <br /> <br />Commissioner Allen thanked staff for all of the detailed information on the available housing programs. <br />He stated he supported the multi-family buildings having access to funding for upgrades and energy <br />efficiency. He believed the issue alwa ys came down to affordability and the need to maintain rent <br />levels. He indicated this was a metro-wide issue. He understood low-income individuals and seniors <br />were seeking more affordable housing rental options in the metro area. <br /> <br />Commissioner Peck asked what the income levels had to be to qualify for affordable housing. Gundlach <br />stated this level changes on a yearly basis and did not know the affordable rent amounts for 2017. <br /> <br />Further discussion ensued regarding calls for service (police and fire) and the crime free multi-housing <br />program for rental properties. <br /> <br />Commissioner Allen commented on who was actually struggling and believed this boiled down to low- <br />income individuals living in rental units. He questioned what programs were available for these <br />individuals. <br /> <br />Commissioner Nelson discussed the difficulty she had trying to find an apartment in New Brighton. <br /> <br />Chair Zisla questioned if the City should require a certain number of affordable units. <br /> <br />Commissioner Peck believed the Korean Church would be a prime site for redevelopment and potential <br />affordable housing.