01-27-2003 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, January 27, 2003 7:00 o'clock p.m. ( #02- 2789/02 -2840 DAHLSTROM DEVELOPMENT LLC, Continued) White asked whether Dahlstrom had submitted a proforma to the City, stating that he was hesitant to make a recommendation about money without reviewing the proforma. He believed the City would be better off having more affordable housing units built into the project as proposed earlier, than to have a lump sum of money in a fund with little appreciation. Dahlstrom stated that it was difficult to build in affordable housing at this stage now, as the financials they submitted did not include these units. He noted that much has changed with regard to the development over the past three months and believed a cash contribution would be the best suggestion, however, he was unsure what size contribution the City would not deem a token sum. Murphy stated that to publicly say the City does not support affordable housing would be detrimental, however, what constitutes affordable housing in Orono needs further dialogue. Unfortunately, Murphy stated, this development has been caught in the middle of these discussions, as this parcel was guided for some affordable housing. He noted that things would be far easier if a proper endowment fund existed to put these funds into. • Murphy stated that he believed Mr. Dahlstrom would help further the affordable housing effort and the city would be better off with his participation, personally and financially, in these discussions. Murphy felt the City could be better off also rehabbing current homes in the market for affordable housing, than requiring they be added to this development, recognizing the need for further discussion. • Dahlstrom pledged his help in furthering the whole process, by promising to be a contributing member working with the City to sort out the affordable housing question. He reiterated that he did not know how much money to pledge, however, believed the community would be far better served, by he and his staff's time and knowledge to develop an affordable housing position. Sansevere stated that he was uncomfortable, midstream, saying let's start a new affordable housing program. Mayor Peterson concurred, stating that the affordable housing matter was new to Orono. She asked the Dahlstrom group to participate in, and lend their expertise, to the City's affordable housing work session. White reiterated that he believed it would be remiss of the City not to require some affordable housing in the development. He maintained that the City would see little more developments like this and he wished to have time to review their proforma. PAGE 11 of 28