11-14-1994 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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The Causes * The causes of urban decay are complex and no single solution exists for solving the problem The social, economic and physical aspects of the problem are interrelated * Family units which arc young, poor or lacking job training or education are less likely to be able to provide the economic, physical and emotional resources for raising children. * The human and social service delivery systems are generally uncoordinated * Govenunent's lack of action to address and attempt to prevent or reduce barriers to affordable housing is a greater problem than the creation of barriers due to development pressures. * Historical development patterns, age of housing stock and market trends have led to a concentration of low income housing and neighborhood deterioration. * Current public policy and market forces favor new structures and new facilities over redevelopment of existing structures and areas. * Tax policies and financing mechanisms favor or subsidize home ownership and encourage stability in and commitment to a community. Rental property has not received similar treatment * A significant portion of the demand for low income housing is currently met by using older, market-obsolete housing located in the central cities and inner ring suburbs. * Public policy does not currenUy provide incentives or resources to remove or replace madtet-obsolete housing. The Impact * Concentrations of poverty, deteriorated housing, inadequate employment opportunities and increasing crime rates are currently found in Minneapolis and St Paul and are growing elements in the inner first ring suburbs. * Once a certain level of concentration of deteriorated housing occurs and there is a perception that an area is no longer safe, people and businesses with adequate resources tend to leave the area. Public and private disinvestment also occurs. * The most growth is occurring in newly developed areas in the suburbs. a Urban Strategies Task Force Report