HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-10/6/2014 (2)BUILDING & GROUNDS COMMITTEE
October 6, 2014
4:00 p.m.
Harold E. Getty Council Chambers
Members present: Jones, Morrissey, Schmitt.
Moved by Schmitt, seconded by Morrissey that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes:
Three. Motion carried.
There was a request by House of Hope for their interest in 519 East 3rd Street for a future project.
Noel Anderson, Community Planning & Development Director, noted the City has been working
with the House of Hope at 222 Walnut where the CVS Pharmacy is built. They're the only
remaining building on the corner. They've been looking to redevelop the corner and the
potential of acquiring the property. The City has the property at 519 E. 3rd Street and has a
development agreement with Judge Stout where he's been dismantling the exterior of the
property. He's been having problems dismantling the property and is preparing a letter to
rescind the agreement. House of Hope wants a commitment from the City before moving ahead
with fundraising efforts for their project for a 12-plex building on the location.
Mr. Morrissey questioned whether the homes in the locations are eligible for historical listing.
Noel Anderson, Community Planning & Development Director, noted 519 E. 3rd Street is in poor
condition and 515 E. 3rd Street is occupied but not sure of the status on the inside but the outside
is in bad shape.
Mr. Morrissey noted the properties in that area should have a historical designation. He is
against tearing down the older homes and didn't know they were set for demolition.
Mr. Schmitt questioned if the historical group was made aware of the communication and if they
had any response.
Noel Anderson, Community Planning & Development Director, noted the historical group was
informed of previous intentions of Judge Stout to dismantle the home. They don't have any
authority over it since it's not in a historical district. They need to acquire the house next door.
Mr. Schmitt questioned the timing of the project.
Barbara Dee, Executive Director of House of Hope, noted they are in the initial stages. The
brick house at 222 Walnut has aged. They're interested in the Walnut Street neighborhood. The
two plots would be needed in order to build a 12-plex. There were too many repairs and the cost
to rehab the building was very high. They would need to work with the City and move ahead as
quickly as possible.
Noel Anderson, Community Planning & Development Director, noted House of Hope wants to
know if the City is going ahead with the project before they start their fundraising efforts.
Morrissey questioned if House of Hope is looking at other properties in that area also.
Barbara Dee noted they are not. It's an ideal location for them because the back yard of the two
plots is adjacent to one of their properties at 306 Walnut, so it would allow them to provide a
safe campus for the children to play.
Schmitt questioned if there is an urgency for the project.
Barbara Dee noted they could consider one other property that's going to be auctioned by the
County, but it's not large enough. House of Hope houses 10 women with up to 30 children and
it's difficult to provide services there. The urgency is how long the brick house will be feasible
to remain.
Building & Grounds Committee
October 6, 2014
Page 2
Mr. Schmitt noted he would like to see some conversation with the Historical Preservation
group. He also wants to see if there are other options, and would like to have it deferred for two
weeks.
Moved by Schmitt, seconded by Morrissey to table the item for 30 days to Nov. 3rd.
With no further business before the Council, it was moved by Schmitt, seconded by Jones that
the meeting be adjourned at 4:38 p.m. Ayes: Three. Motion carried.
OAR
Carol Nemmers
Deputy City Clerk