| The original award of $120,000 to ACLT was targeted
to the acquisition of land for the subsequent the development of 4 affordable
units. ACLT encountered a number of difficulties in identifying and purchasing
land as noted in the attached project update provided by ACLT (Exhibit B).
Recently the property between Hersey and Patterson was purchased by Medinger
Construction Co. and this current owner has indicated a willingness to sell
ACLT three 5000sq.ft. lots (Map- Exhibit C). The $120,000 2001-2002 CDBG
award is explicitly for the purchase of property, in this case the vacant
parcels prior to issuance of a building permit for the homes to be relocated
to the properties.
Southern Oregon University recently received demolition approval
to demolish or relocate three small homes located on Webster Street. ACLT
intends to work collaboratively with the Rogue Valley Community Development
Corporation (RVCDC) to relocate these homes to the three parcels on Hersey
to be acquired by ACLT with CDBG funds, and RVCDC is to renovate/restore
these homes.
Staff recognizes that the collaboration between two non-profits, a
private developer, and the City CDBG program can readily develop three affordable
single family homes within Ashland. The reduction in the number of units
to be provided by ACLT triggers a modification of the 2001-2002 Action plan
as it is a 25% reduction in the number of units and therefore considered
a "substantial" change in Ashland's Consolidated Plan.
After receiving staffs presentation and public testimony at the May
28, 2003 public hearing before the Housing Commission , the Housing Commission
reviewed the proposal and has forwarded a recommendation of approval to the
City Council for a decision.
The section of the 2001-2002 CDBG Action Plan (Goal 1 page 5) relating
to the proposed modification is shown below. The modification will be to
change the number of units (to 3), eliminate the wording regarding the Child
day care center (see strikethrough), and change the target date for
completion:
Ashland Community Land Trust
Action to meet priority and time-line: The City will provide CDBG
funding to the Ashland Community Land Trust (Project 1). The funding will
be utilized to purchase property for the construction of 3 low-income
residential units and the construction of a children's
day care center. The Ashland Community Land Trust is a private
non-profit corporation. The purpose of the land trust is to create and sustain
long-term affordable housing in the city limits of Ashland for low and moderate
income families. The land trust acquires and holds land, while the improvements
are sold or rented to qualifying low-income residents.
Funding sources for this project include: CDBG funds
Projected Number Households to be Assisted: 3 low-income
households
Probable Funding Level: $120,000
Target Date for Completion: January 1, 2004
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