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<br />Gundlach explained the Commission struggled with concern of creating a solution where there isn’t a <br />problem. Early on, various commission members expressed concern about housing affordability. At <br />staff’s suggestion, this topic will be examined more thoroughly as the housing and redevelopment <br />content of the Comprehensive Plan is updated throughout the New Brighton 2040 process. Staff <br />reviewed the areas of consensus from the August meeting and presented a draft Resolution for the EDC <br />to consider. <br /> <br />Commissioner Allen believed there was a problem with people trying to stay in rental properties and <br />apartments within the community. He feared people were being priced out and wanted to explore <br />potential options for affordability. Gundlach commented on two housing projects that were completed <br />in the City that offered affordable housing. <br /> <br />Chair Zisla understood there was also concern with the aging population and their ability to age in place <br />within New Brighton. <br /> <br />Commissioner Garcia-Perez believed that most affordable housing units within the community were <br />rental. She recommended more discussion be held regarding this topic. Gundlach explained another <br />whereas statement could be added to the Resolution stating more discussion would be held regarding <br />affordable housing through the Comprehensive Planning process. The Commission supported this <br />recommendation. <br /> <br />Commissioner Allen requested further information on the Comprehensive Planning process. Gundlach <br />commented on the Comprehensive Planning process and noted a consultant would be meeting with the <br />EDC in the first quarter of 2018 to request input. She discussed the feedback staff has received to date <br />regarding affordable housing. <br /> <br />Chair Zisla discussed the City of Roseville’s extensive business retention plan. He explained that <br />Roseville had a large budget to promote their businesses. <br /> <br />Commissioner Allen suggested renters living within affordable housing units be provided with <br />information on the programs available to them through the City. Gundlach reported the City had good <br />relationships with all of the landlords in the community. She anticipated the City could do a better job <br />to actively promote its programs and stated this could be discussed with the local landlords. <br /> <br />Commissioner Nelson offered several language changes to the Resolution. <br /> <br />Motion by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Garcia-Perez to recommend the Council <br />adopt the Housing Program Resolution as amended. <br /> <br />Chair Zisla asked if the EDC members had completed the Comp Plan survey. Further discussion ensued <br />regarding the survey along with the observations made by the group. Gundlach explained staff was <br />gaining preliminary comments from the public through the survey. <br /> <br />Commissioner Carter questioned if staff planned to reach out to local business owners through the <br />Comprehensive Planning process. Gundlach stated staff had not completed this task to date, but rather <br />has been gaining input from residents of New Brighton. <br /> <br />Chair Zisla believed it would be important for City staff to reach out to local business owners given the <br />number of areas that were being considered for redevelopment in the future. Gundlach clarified the <br />areas proposed could be reinvestment or redevelopment and proposed giving a presentation at an <br />upcoming Chamber of Commerce meeting. <br />