Hawley 030311 From Ruiz - Crest Drive

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W City Manager's Office March 3, 2011 Sherie Hawley 3484 Storey Blvd. Eugene OR 97405 Dear Sherie, City of Eugene 777 Pearl St, Rm 105 Eugene OR 97401 (541) 682-5010 (541) 682-5414 FAX www.eugene-or.gov Thank you for your e-mail regarding the Crest Drive project you sent me several weeks ago. have taken the time to review your inquiry, and to visit with our staff in an effort to learn whether there might be any available options for you under the City's assessment subsidy programs. Specifically, you indicated that you didn't qualify for subsidized payments when the project was initiated, but that your situation had changed such that you believe you would qualify based upon your current income. Unfortunately, I have concluded that, while sympathetic to your difficult financial position, there is no provision for continually reviewing the eligibility of prospective applicants to the subsidy program. The program requirements stipulate that low-income subsidy requests be processed immediately prior to the formation of the Local Improvements District. In the case of the Crest Drive project, we actually offered a second application process last fall after construction was completed inasmuch as the project had been completed over an extended time period and while also taking into account the national economic downturn. The program uses annual income as the basis for eligibility, so even if someone's financial situation changed during 2010, eligibility would be determined based upon 2010 income to that point. Once the application process is complete, there is no mechanism for subsequent or ongoing review of low-income subsidy eligibility. I surely wish I could provide you a more encouraging answer, but sincerely wish you all the - best as we continue the economic recovery which will hopefully provide some welcome relief for those dealing with issues such as yours. Sincerely, Jon R. Ruiz City Manager cc: Mayor Piercy & City Council Kurt Corey, Public Works Director