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HOUSING fMPROVElVfE?ff ArXION PI AN <br />Orono's Housing Improvement Plan is a set of implementation policies designed to <br />achieve the above stated Housing Goals and Planning Policies. <br />As has been indicated, the dominant land use in the City of Orono is primarily that <br />of single-family residential homes. There is very limited industrial-commercial <br />development or opportunities for employment and shopping within the City. Orono <br />residents have always relied on the historic town centers in adjacent communities for <br />shopping as well as employment. The general lack of commercial and industrial <br />development and the limited availability of city services such as municipal sewer, <br />water and mass transit will limit the opportunities for, and make it difficult, if <br />possible at all, to provide opportunities for new subsidized h o using de velopinciits <br />anywhere life-cycle and afford able housing in Orono. On the other hand, there are <br />deteriorated and dilapidated housing units located throughout the City. Most of <br />Orono's urban dwellings have been upgraded from seasonal cabins through either <br />private or public rehabilitation programs. Others remain in need of attention. <br />As-stated in the Metiopuli tan Council's Development rramewoi lc Guide, ^'liiipiuviiig <br />A top priority in Orono must be improving the housing conditions of persons who are <br />presently inadequately housed and eliminating substandard housin g must be a tup <br />concern". Thus, rat.her than pursuing construction of new subsidized life-cvcle and <br />affordable housing units in the City, Orono's Housing lmprovemeiit Actioii Plan is <br />aimed principally at improving the condition of Orono's older homes, both urban and <br />rural, and improving the housing conditions of Orono's many low, moderate and <br />fixed income residents. <br />Orono will encourage community pride. Private initiative has always been <br />a characterstic of Orono residents. Programs will be pursued to encourage <br />continuing maintenance and upkeep of all properties and to promote the <br />privately financed rehabilitation of older and under-used properties. <br />21 Orono w ill participate in housing rehabilitation subsidy programs. Many <br />Orono residents, both urban and rural, are occupying older housing that has <br />code-related structural, safety or health hazards, substandard living conditions <br />or energy inefficiencies. They would like to improve their housing condition <br />and their neighbor; •' .od's appearance, but are unable to because of insufficient <br />income. In man^ eases, older couples are forced to choose between heat or <br />food or leaving their place of long residence. Orono will continue to actively <br />participate in L .<inniunity Development Block Grant and Minnesota Housing <br />Finance Assistance programs designed to help these citizens meet their veiy <br />immediate housing n.- Is. <br />CMP 3C - 25 <br />I <br />I <br />^ i <br />r 1 ^ <br />• t <br />m I