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She noted the City’s single-family housing was strong but noted duplexes were a concern. <br /> <br />Councilmember Allen commented further on the discussions held by the EDC regarding programs already in <br />place to assist the homeless. He explained there were two groups in the City that may need housing assistance <br />and those groups would be renters and seniors. <br /> <br />Mayor Johnson questioned what the target number was for those in need of housing assistance. <br /> <br />Councilmember Allen anticipated that those making $40,000 and less were in need of assistance in the metro <br />area. He stated those making less than $40,000 were paying more than 30% for their housing. <br /> <br />Mayor Johnson indicated a concern brought to her was the need to keep New Brighton seniors in the <br />community. She wondered if an advantage could be given to New Brighton residents for senior housing units. <br /> <br />Councilmember Jacobsen commented on the wait list for the Palmer Lake or Crossroads of New Brighton and <br />noted the developer does give New Brighton residents priority. <br /> <br />Councilmember Burg described how low-income housing was going away due to the fact loans from the <br />1960’s were being paid off and affordable requirements were no longer in place. Gundlach provided further <br />comment on the large amount of dollars available from the State and Federal government for multi-family <br />property improvements or renovations and for new developments. <br /> <br />Mayor Johnson anticipated the number of families in the school district would continue to grow given the <br />strength of the district. She suggested the City pursue additional mixed use rental housing, while also keeping <br />seniors a priority. <br /> <br />Councilmember Allen stated he has spoken with other Councilmembers in the metro area regarding housing <br />concerns and understood affordable housing was a crisis throughout the entire metro area. <br /> <br />Mayor Johnson discussed the importance of the decisions the Council will make regarding the Korean Church <br />property. She wanted to see the City meet the needs of New Brighton prior to meeting the needs of society. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dunsworth asked if there were any communities that were addressing affordable housing <br />really well. <br /> <br />Mayor Johnson commented Shoreview was putting in a new development on the old Deluxe property with 18 <br />affordable units. <br /> <br />Councilmember Allen stated it may benefit the City to communicate with landlords in the community <br />regarding funding sources available that could assist them with renovations or property improvements. <br />Gundlach described the efforts being made through the City’s rental housing licensing program and noted 10% <br />of the rental units in the City are inspected on a yearly basis. She noted any units at risk were brought to the <br />County’s attention. <br /> <br />Gundlach commented since the January 6 team building retreat, staff has been busy reaching out to the <br />development community regarding our development opportunity with the Korean Church. Staff is focusing on <br />developers who work in the multi-family arena, including market rate, senior and affordable products. Staff has <br />also reached out to a couple of developers who work primarily in single family and attached and detached <br />townhomes to ensure the outreach includes all types of housing. The idea is these meetings will generate a <br />legitimate redevelopment partner, which will be forwarded to the EDC and Council for consideration. The