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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_HOUAB_05.17.2021City of Georgetown, Texas Housing Advisory Board Minutes May 17, 2021, at 3:30 p.m. Teleconference: http://bit.ly/3rDQvb7 The regular meeting convened at 3:30 PM on May 17, 2021 via teleconference at https://bit.ly/3a6R5rx. Webinar ID: 997 9634 7289. To participate by phone: Call -In number: (346)248-7799 or Toll -Free 833.548.0282. Password: 259625. Public Comment was allowed via the teleconference option; no in -person input was allowed. Board Members present: Wendy Cash; Charles Collins; Nikki Brennan; Linda Sloan; and Regina Watson Board Member(s) absent: Grayson Smith and Mary Calixtro Staff present in -person: Susan Watkins, AICP, Neighborhood & Housing Program Manager, Sofia Nelson, Planning Director. and Stephanie McNickle, Planning Specialist The Meeting was opened by Chair Wendy Cash at 3:31 p.m. Regular Session A. Discussion on how the Housing Advisory Board virtual conference will be conducted, to include options for public comments and how they public may address the Commission — Sofia Nelson, Planning Director Public Wishing to Address the Board B. As of the deadline, no persons were signed up to speak on items other than those posted orz the agenda. Legislative Regular Agenda C. Consideration and possible action to approve the minutes from the February 22, 2021 and March 15, 2021 regular meetings of the Housing Advisory Board. - Mima Garcia, Management Analyst Motion by Collins to approve the minutes from the February 22, 2021 regular meetings. Second by Brennan. Approved. (5-0) Motion by Collins to approve the minutes from the March 15, 2021 regular meetings. Second by Brennan. Approved. (5-0) D. Presentation and update on May 11th, 2021 City Council discussion on goals. Susan Watkins, AICP, Neighborhood & Housing Program Manager Staff gave a presentation to review housing priorities from the May 111h Council Workshop, Housing Element and updated housing data. Housing Advisory Board Page 1 Minutes May 17, 2021 Staff stated the Council areas of emphasis are Growth, Downtown, Housing, Governance and Economic Development. Staff reviewed with the Board the City Council priorities for Housing including strategic initiatives, goals, and action steps for Housing: ® Establish an affordable housing policy. • Establish a multifamily housing policy that encourages mixed -use development. • Encourage the development of executive housing. • Establish strong development standards, ensure quality housing products. Staff reviewed the 2030 Housing Goal is to ensure access to diverse housing options and preserve existing neighborhoods, for residents of all ages, background, and income levels. Staff stated the key takeaways for preservation are: • Physical preservation of non -subsidized housing stock and economic preservation of existing affordable/workforce housing. • Preservation of existing neighborhoods is critical to providing homes for workforce households and residents who desire to stay in their homes over time. Staff also reviewed the preservation policies below and actions steps: Policy H.1 Preserve existing housing stock that contributes to diversity and affordability. Policy H.2 Preserve existing neighborhoods in targeted areas. Policy H.3 Support owners' ability to stay in homes in neighborhoods with rapid value increases without limiting the sale of their home. Policy HA Maintain and promote neighborhood character and quality. Staff stated some action steps are currently being taken. Staff reviewed the key takeaways for Affordability are: • Options for low-income, workforce and senior renters and workforce owners. • Support for community organizations providing housing for vulnerable populations. Staff reviewed the affordability policies below and action steps: Policy H.5 Support and increase rental choices for low-income and workforce households unless the housing is substandard. Policy H.6 Support rental choices for senior households. Policy H.7 Increase homeownership choices for workforce households. Policy H.8 Support the nonprofit community in creating housing opportunities for the most vulnerable residents (including but not limited to homeless, seniors, youth aging out of foster care system, and people with disabilities). Staff reviewed the key takeaways for diversity: • Increase options and distribution of housing development types. • Opportunities and coordination of services to support aging in place. Staff reviewed the diversity policies below and action steps: Policy H.9 Encourage and incentivize new housing and reinventions or additions to existing housing to provide a mixture of housing types, sizes, and price points. Policy H.10 Ensure land use designations and other policies allow for and encourage a mixture of housing types and densities across the community. Housing Advisory Board Page 2 Minutes May 17, 2021 Policy H.11 Promote aging in place opportunities by aligning land use policies and transportation policies that promote a housing market capable of accommodating residents throughout all stages of life. Staff reviewed household profiles between the year 2016 and 2019. In 2016, about 44% of our households were making less than 80% of area medium income. The area medium area income went from $78,000. in 2016 to $96,000. in 2019. Staff reported that between 2016 to 2019 we have increased 5,000 households and has increased renters by 6%. Discussion regarding senior household numbers reported. Staff will send out a report called "Senior Memo" to the board members for review. E. Presentation and discussion on the progress of the TRG and San Jose Neighborhood Plans. Susan Watkins, AICP, Neighborhood & Housing Program Manager Staff reviewed the current activity of the TRG and San Jose Neighborhood Plans. A project timeline was reviewed. Staff informed the Board the initial findings for TRG neighborhood are: • Protecting existing residents is a high priority. • Preserving the culture and character of the neighborhood. • Traffic and parking are a concern in the neighborhood. • Rising property taxes are a concern in the neighborhood. Staff informed the Board the initial findings for San Jose Neighborhood are: • There is a strong sense of community. • Residents enjoy the amenities in the neighborhood, such as parks and schools. • Traffic and parking are a concern in the neighborhood. • There are concerns about new development occurring in the neighborhood. Staff stated they anticipate a meeting with both Steering Committees along with the area neighbors in June. Staff stated the Board members are invited and encouraged to participate during the Steering Committee meetings. Staff will send out information to the Board regarding future meetings. Staff informed the Board that city staff received direction from City Council to resume in -person meetings and the next meeting is scheduled for August 16th. The Board will be informed of the location. Adjournment Motion to Adjourn. Approved (5-0). The meeting was adjourned at 4:29 p.m. Approved, Wendy Cash, Chair Housing Advisory Board Minutes May 17, 2021 �4Attt, Linda Sloan, Secretary Page 3