Laserfiche WebLink
<br /> <br />DRAFT <br /> <br /> <br />May 12, 2015 <br /> <br />Freya Thamman, Sector Representative <br />Metropolitan Council <br />390 North Robert Street <br />St. Paul, MN 55101 <br /> <br />Re: Comments on Forecasts and 2040 Housing Policy Plan Amendments <br /> <br />Dear Ms. Thamman: <br /> <br />The City of Orono is in receipt of the updated Population, Household and Employment Forecasts <br />distributed by the Metropolitan Council in April. We note that while the forecasts exhibit <br />modest increases from those adopted in 2014, they would appear to be within the general ranges <br />expected based on an analysis conducted by City staff in Fall 2013. <br /> <br />We do have a concern regarding the recent draft amendments to the 2040 Housing Policy Plan. <br />The Plan indicates that of approximately 350 new households forecasted to be created in Orono <br />during 2021-2030, the City’s allocated share of affordable housing need for that period is 153 <br />units, or just over 40% of the total growth. With affordability separated into three distinct levels <br />based on median income, the Plan suggests that within the <30% of median income level, Orono <br />should plan to provide for as many as 66 new homes at a price point of $74,000 in order to <br />accommodate Households with incomes of $24,700. Within the 31-50% range, an additional 50 <br />units at a price range of $133,000 are allocated to Orono, with 37 units indicated for the 51-80% <br />range with a price point of $217,000. <br /> <br />Given the high land values and limited areas of the City where land is available with the types of <br />services necessary to accommodate affordable housing, we believe that achieving the low- and <br />mid-range allocation goals will be extremely difficult at best. However, we are encouraged that <br />the options for local implementation of the Plan include guiding sufficient land at high enough <br />densities to meet the allocated need. It would be Orono’s goal to focus on the high end of the <br />allocation range in evaluating the options for achieving a reasonable level of affordability in new <br />housing as Orono nears a fully developed status over the next two decades. <br /> <br />Please feel free to contact me or City Administrator Jessica Loftus if you have any questions. <br /> <br />Sincerely, <br /> <br />Lili Tod McMillan <br />Mayor, City of Orono <br />Item #11 - CC Agenda - 05/11/2015 <br />Met Council Population & Housing Response Letter <br />[Page 2 of 2]