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HAMMITT Bob <br /> From: MORGAN Dick A <br /> To: HAMMITT Bob <br /> Subject: FW: West University Park and Housing <br /> Date: Thursday, December 14, 1995 8:06AM <br /> Bob, this the latest on the W. University Park situation. We need to let Chris know that we support this <br /> proposal? RAM <br /> From: WEINMAN Richie D <br /> To: ETTER John F; MORGAN Dick A <br /> Cc: FARKAS Abe K; DONAHUE Christine; BOWERS Lew C <br /> Subject: West University Park and Housing <br /> Date: Thursday, December 14, 1995 8:05AM <br /> Christine Donahue has been working on this issue. However, Chris is now on a medical leave until the first <br /> of the year so I am picking up the ball. With this memo I will try to get up to speed etc. <br /> The primary issue: West University Park is closed. It is a potential site for low income or specialized <br /> housing. This has been discussed by members of the neighborhood group. I've directly talked to Shannon <br /> McCarthy, Neighborhood Chair. Shannon is supportive of using the site for housing. Other neighbors are <br /> also supportive. I think is fair to add that the neighbors are/were united about the need to close the park <br /> and less clear about future uses. The site was originally purchased with CDBG funds and CDBG funds can <br /> also be used for land acquisition for housing. <br /> Process to make it happen: Administratively the land can be transferred from one department to another <br /> by the City Manager in the form of a signed memo. Practically speaking, the two Department Directors <br /> (Abe and Chris) need to agree. <br /> Process to make it available for housing: We would treat it as a landbank site. Development Division <br /> would request proposals for development on the site for public purpose housing. A citizen committee that <br /> included neighbors (Shannon McCarthy for sure if she is interested) and members of the Housing Policy <br /> Board would review the applications. I expect two applications, but there could be others. I think St. <br /> Vincent dePaul will make a pitch for moving Phase 2 Amazon housing units there. I think Mainstream <br /> Housing will make a pitch for a group home for people with developmental disabilities. Both proposals will <br /> have merit, but given the proximity to the hospital services I'll bet the edge will go to the group home. <br /> Timing: Mainsteam Housing, in particular, is hot to find a site. They have a time sensitive opportunity for <br /> state construction money. Otherwise the money could be allocated elsewhere in the state. If the <br /> administrative transfer can take place soon, we can do the RFP and have decisions made in January. <br /> Issues and Assurances: I understand that Parks Planning can support the plan to create housing, but is <br /> legitimately concerned about future open space/park land in the West University area. We can certainly <br /> agree to their suggestion that the land revert to park use if no longer used for housing in the future (even if <br /> it is 25-50 years away). I think we can go further. I will certainly support the future use of CDBG funds to <br /> purchase a more suitable park site for the neighborhood. It is an eligible neighborhood for CDBG <br /> expenditures. A different site, on a corner (with better visibility) may be a better choice for park land. The <br /> notion of acquiring park land in the future could be memorialized in an information memo to the City <br /> Council and the Community Development Committee. <br /> So, the question is, what does it take at this point to make it happen? I am happy to take the lead on <br /> drafting the City Manager memo. But I think it is premature until I know that Christine Anderson is <br /> supportive. Please let me know what happens next. Thanks. <br /> - Richie <br /> Page 1 <br />