Minutes - Economic Development Authority - 01/12/1999

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Case #2: Anoka County Community Action Program (ACCAP) Mr. Norman introduced the representatives of ACCAP, Jo Ann Wright and Jeff Johnson. Mr. Johnson delivered his presentation. The presentation included the reasons TIF assistance is required, which is to provide the price and quality of project development. He also gave an overview of the previous project in Coon Rapids that was similar in twin home design and included a handicap accessible group home. The group home was for persons with physical and mental disabilities. The proposed project would probably include one group home. He presented a site design concept, the building elevation, described the final product of the twin home with two and three bedroom units, the interior floor plans, the exterior treatments, and explained that the appliances were included. The positive qualities of the project included the single-family scale and look of the project. He also stated that this development was distinct in relation to other low-income housing projects, because it is the twin home style, it is a lower density than most low income housing projects. Mr. Johnson stated that generally on a property of this size, 40 to 60 units would be put up. They would be in a row-housing style, with four to six units attached, which is very different from the ACCAP proposal. ACCAP believes that this style is more livable and more acceptable to neighboring residents. He also said that these units are larger than most low-income housing projects, as they are 1,250 square feet for the two- bedroom and 1,500 square feet for the three-bedroom units. Mr. Riley asked if there would be on-site management. Mr. Johnson responded that there would be on-site management. Councilmember Haas Steffen asked if the one group home would be licensed. Ms. Wright stated that the facility would not be licensed; however, that the services are licensed by Anoka County in partnership with ACCAP, who is the provider of the facility. Councilmember Haas Steffen asked if ACCAP had done a study in Ramsey for the need of low- income rental housing. Ms. Wright said that they have not. The decision was based on Anoka County's findings of shortages of low-income rental housing. Councilmember Haas Steffen stated that most of the residents in this project would have their own transportation, except that the residents of the group home would probably be dependent upon others for transportation. Ms. Wright responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Haas Steffen asked if there was an age limitation. Ms. Wright stated that the head of the household for all renters would be at least 18 years of age. Economic Development Authority/January 12, 1999 Page 7 of 11