Redevelopment Planning Process
- Fall 2008, Planning department was approached by local organizations and concerned citizens regarding affordable housing, infill development, economic development, substandard infrastructure, and recreational opportunities. Subsequently, a group was formed to address:
- Housing and Infrastructure Development and Redevelopment
- Nuisance Properties
- Gateways, Signage, and Recreational Opportunities
- Neighborhood Commercial Development
- April 2009, The Victoria Place Urban Redevelopment Plan was adopted
Affordable Housing
- In the US, the commonly accepted guideline for “affordability” is a housing cost that does not exceed 30% of household income.
Supply and Demand
- Typically, the most “affordable” places are where there is the least demand relative to supply.
- Where the supply of available housing is less than the demand, low and moderate income households often struggle to obtain quality affordable housing.
Measuring Demand
- Can be measured in terms of Cost, House type (single, multi), Size and configuration of units, Location, and Quality
- Differentiating between the “ability to pay” and the “williingness to pay” for housing in certain housing types and locations
- Criteria based on Access to amenities; Infrastructure; Distance from work; and Distance to schools and quality of schools
Housing Improvements
- Model Home Collection
- 25 different house types
- Pre-Approved for Construction
- Affordability
- Rehabilitation: $200,000 through the Revitalization Area Strategy
Park and Trail Improvements for Walkability
- What makes a neighborhood walkable?
- Center: walkable neighborhoods have a discernable center, whether it’s a shopping district, main street, or public space
- Density: neighborhood is compact enough for local businesses to fluorish and for public transportation to run frequently
- Mixed income, mixed use: housing is provided for everyone who works in the neighborhood, young and old, rich and poor
- Parks and public space: there are plenty of pulbic places to gather and play
- Pedestrian-centric design: buildings are placed close to the street to cater to foot traffic, with parking lots relegated to the back
- Nearby schools and workplaces: schools and workplaces are close enough that most residents can walk from their homes