01-14-08 Special HRA/CC/PC
HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY/CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING
COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Special Meeting of HRA/City
Council/Planning Commission
January 14, 2008
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair Sandahl at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
HRA Members
Present: Sue Sandahl, Chair; Martin Kirsch; Joan Helmberger; David Gepner
(arrived 6:15 p.m.); and Doris Rubenstein.
Council Members
Present: Debbie Goettel, Mayor; Susan Rosenberg; Sue Sandahl; Fred Wroge; and
Bill Kilian.
Planning Commission
Members Present: Gordon Hanson, Chair and Greg Van Sickle.
Staff Present: Steven L. Devich, Executive Director; Bruce Palmborg, Community
Development Director; John Dean, HRA Attorney; John Stark, Assistant
Community Development Director; and Nancy Gibbs, City Clerk.
Item #1 DISCUSSION OF SENIOR HOUSING NEEDS IN RICHFIELD (COUNCIL MEMO
NO. 10/HRA MEMO NO. 3)
Assistant Community Development Director Stark reported on senior housing needs in
Richfield. He explained some of the concerns; the market demand and how the City is handling
this need.
Special Meeting Minutes
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January 14, 2008
Mary Bujold, President of Maxfield Research, Inc., reported on the general market for
senior housing in the Twin Cities. Ms. Bujold stated that she is seeing an increase in housing with
services. She believes that there is an increased desire for housing with a move-along type style
and services that can be delivered without changing units. She also stated that low maintenance
and flexible living style housing provide other options.
Assistant Community Development Director Stark posed the question; does Richfield have
too much senior housing but not enough affordable senior housing?
Ms. Bujold stated that due to some restrictions in the 1990's, there is now a need for
affordable senior housing.
Commissioner Gepner asked what percentage of residents from the community move into
senior housing.
Ms. Bujold stated that generally 85% of seniors from the community are in senior housing.
Although, she explained that percentage usually includes residents from adjoining communities.
Council Member Wroge asked for clarification as to what qualifies a person to be eligible for
affordable housing.
Ms. Bujold explained that there are many different programs available to accommodate
different household incomes and situations.
Barbara Perrin, Property Manager of Gramercy Cooperative at 6711 Lake Shore Drive,
stated her concerns about adding additional senior housing to a market that currently has so many
units available and where owners are already unable to sell their units.
I ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 6:58 p,m.
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Date Approved: Fehnlary 1 q. 1008
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Nancy Gibbs -
City Clerk