Weinland Park Community Civic Association

Housing Committee

August 14, 2012

Rory Krupp and Omar Elhagmusa called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m. in Godman Guild Association facilities.

Mr. Krupp gave an update on the houses that are under construction at North Fourth Street and East Eighth Avenue. The committee members discussed the new housing.

Mr. Krupp said representatives of the Housing Committee have gone to the University Area Review Board regarding the Hometeam property renovated on East 11th Avenue. The UARB required Hometeam to seek a zoning variance. The representatives have asked the UARB not to permit major changes to existing historic housing stock. The committee members discussed the regulation of housing renovation in Weinland Park.Mr. Elhagmusa said that Greg Davis has had an expansion of his code enforcement territory. Martin Weston said two properties on North Fifth Street were cleared of high weeds shortly after a conversation with Mr. Davis.

Steve Sterrett said that Julie Orban wanted a discussion of the role and scope of the housing advocate, Lois McCampbell, working under Susan Colbert. Ms. Colbert explained that the housing advocate:

Works with prospective homebuyers and conducts homebuyer education seminars every other month, plus financial literacy classes.

Offers programs and services for existing homeowners.

Works with rental property owners and tenants regarding rental assistance and displacement issues.

Provides information on property tax abatement for housing improvements.

Jim Bach said Ms. Orbans primary concern is with current residents who are not able to purchase homes at this time. He suggested that she go to the existing landlord meeting to find landlords willing to work with residents who want to stay in the neighborhood.Mr. Sterrett suggested that Ms. Colbert speak to this issue in more detail at the next meeting.

Ms. Colbert said R. Anthonio Barno is hearing of $100 per month rent increases, rather than more modest increases. Laura Bidwa said rent may be going up because students are more comfortable moving into the neighborhood and the tighter rental market throughout the city. Terry Althouse said that she has worked with residents for two years and informed them that rents likely will be increasing. Not everyone has prepared for the changes. Mr. Elhagmusa said we could serve as a clearinghouse for property owners who have apartments for rent. Ms. Colbert said we need to make it more attractive to have the property owners work with us.

Committee members discussed the idea of a tree-planting campaign with the city since many of the trees in Weinland Park are getting old and eventually will need to be replaced. The thinking was the start adding new trees now.

The business of the Housing Committee being completed, Mr. Krupp and Mr. Elhagmusa adjourned the meeting.Respectfully submitted,

Stephen A. Sterrett

Secretary