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I I I Council Meeting Minutes February 22, 1994 Page 5 Council Business. continued Ms. Helgeson explained that 14 months ago Council requested the formation of a Housing Task Force and the initiation of a housing study. The final draft of the study has been completed and it reflects the City's housing goals as stated in the Comprehensive Plan and the Five Year Financial Plan. The Housing Study has two purposes: to identify and understand existing and potential future housing problems facing New Brighton; and to develop specific policies and programs to address such problems and to maintain the current high quality of New Brighton's neighborhoods and housing. The 19 member task force represented a diversity of interests and occupations where each viewpoint was heard. Helgeson outlined the report's goals. 1. Maintain the physical quality of all housing. The analysis found that the City's housing stock is generally in excellent condition, and the goal is to become proactive in maintaining this status. Promote community pride in New Brighton. The community believes it is important to maintain the image and the value of the neighborhoods and housing and the City should play an important role. Maintain neighborhood safety. The task force recognizes that maintaining the sense of safety could be a positive force in preserving property values and encourage people to invest in their property. Maintain diversity and affordability of all housing stock. New Brighton presently has a valuable diversity of housing stock. We recognize in maintaining such diversity it allows us to be the type of community that makes it possible for residents to change housing without changing communities. 2. 3. 4. Zisla said that part of the study was to identify the issues and problems associated with existing housing. The number of people moving into entry level housing is declining, but a large group of baby boomers are moving into more expensive homes. Another major demographic trend is the increasing aging population and providing housing for these people. Because a great bulk of New Brighton's housing was developed in the 1960's and is aging, the City will need to pay attention to maintenance issues. Over the next decade, the City will absorb another 150 new households. The windshield study conducted by staff found the housing stock in good condition, but about 75 homes were found to need some type of exterior maintenance. An inspection of rental housing found some needed exterior and site work. The Metropolitan Council findings confirmed the decline of entry level housing and the aging population in New Brighton. Representative Myron Orfield's report noted the decline of the inner ring communities. However, Orfield does not identify New Brighton as an inner ring suburb that is suffering from decline, but feels that New Brighton should be aware of those trends. Council Business Housing Task Force Report Report 94-053