Laserfiche WebLink
Mr. Fialho explained that the project was originally approved prior to adoption of the IZO which calls <br /> for perpetuity clauses being adopted. In addition, the IZO has a minimum threshold of 15 units and <br /> the applicant is only proposing 12 additional units for the project. <br /> Vice -Mayor Cook Kallio asked if the site contains any available space for units in addition to the 12 <br /> currently proposed. Mr. Dolan said that it may be possible to add a few additional units in various <br /> nooks but that the 12 proposed seem to fit nicely into the current project and still allow for similar <br /> spacing between structures and ample parking. <br /> Vice -Mayor Cook Kallio acknowledged the difficulties with providing affordable housing but <br /> expressed concern that the applicant may be deliberately proposing fewer units in an effort to <br /> subvert the IZO. She stated it is the Council's responsibility to ensure the City has a reliable stock of <br /> affordable housing units available in the future. <br /> In response to Vice Mayor Cook Kallio, Mr. Bocian noted that rental market rate values have just <br /> been adjusted but fall somewhere in the range of $1050 per month for a one bedroom unit. <br /> Councilmember McGovern asked if staff had any ideas on how the Housing Commission could use <br /> the Low Income Housing Fund to work with the developer on encouraging the perpetuity of the low <br /> income units. Mr. Fialho said it would be an appropriate use of those funds to help subsidize the <br /> cost of construction and explained that funds have been used in the past to pay impact fees, which <br /> has helped to increase affordability, in general. <br /> Mayor Hosterman questioned how this relates to the rule against perpetuities. <br /> City Attorney Roush said in this particular situation the City cannot require that units be held out for <br /> the life of the project to be made available to people with certain income thresholds. Because this <br /> cannot be required, staff has negotiated to have those units held for a 30 -year period. He said that <br /> the Council does have the option to explore the use of the Affordable Housing Fund to extend that <br /> but he urged it to consider that application in the broad picture. <br /> Mayor Hosterman questioned what the life of the project would be, and Mr. Roush explained that it <br /> is indeterminate at this time or until a project is redeveloped. <br /> Councilmember Sullivan questioned if the IZO contains any discussion on the expansion of existing <br /> projects. Mr. Bocian said aside from falling below the 15 -unit threshold, one of the issues with this <br /> project is that of a lack of clarity in the IZO and its application to existing projects. He suggested that <br /> if the Council anticipates seeing more of these applications in the future, it direct staff to clarify the <br /> language of the IZO. <br /> Councilmember Sullivan said this project seems to subvert the intent of the IZO and asked if the <br /> reopening of the PUD allows the Council to impose additional conditions. Mr. Roush confirmed, so <br /> long as those conditions are reasonably related to the scope of the project. <br /> Councilmember Sullivan said the nexus appears to be there and asked if the Council has the same <br /> ability as staff to negotiate the agreement's terms. Mr. Roush said the Council has the discretion to <br /> turn the project down and therefore has certain abilities to negotiate. <br /> Councilmember Sullivan clarified that he does not oppose Councilmember McGovern's suggestion <br /> but wants the Council to be fully aware of its options. He acknowledged that the developer is <br /> operating a business but said there should still be some margin for further negotiation. He stressed <br /> City Council Minutes Page 5 of 13 May 19, 2009 <br />