If the Whittier Alliance couldn't stomach this developer, that should be a bright red light. There are other developers like Kleinman, isn't it, who rehabbed the 16-unit on 1st Ave. between 22nd and 24th as affordable multi-bedrooms and did it without public money as I recall.
I don't like the sound of the "decide now and we'll talk later" pressure. What's the rush? Do it right. There certainly is a market for seniors if you Kingfielders prefer the safety of the "worthy poor" and I invite you to look for interest in the MPHA's non-profit spinoff that was created to enter into public-private partnerships meant to create affordable housing for seniors among other things. Contact Dean Carlson at MPHA and see what he has to say about this possibility. Know what the sources are for the money needed to erase the asbestos and old building systems - have those dollars committed in writing. Find out how operating cost will be covered given your guidelines requiring 30 percent of any new more-than-duplex development be rentable at 30% of MMI, 30 percent at 50% MMI, and the rest market rate. Make a developer come forward with a complete package, not just some flimsy razzle-dazzle meant to get past your advisory leverage. Insist on a property management package that will deal fairly with modest income households - I again recommend looking to MPHA, who have signaled their willingness to explore property management contracts with the private sector. Central Housing Trust has been very thorough with their proposal for the St. Barnabas Hospital site that they've put before the Elliot Park NRP crew. That's a different scene - it's supportive housing for teens in a donated five-story building somewhat distant from the residential blocks in that neighborhood - but the point is that Central has rehab money and operating subsidy lined up in advance *in writing*. Don't sell your bowl of porridge that easily - there's all sorts of market demand for either multi-bedrooms or senior housing. Fred Markus Horn Terrace Ward Ten _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
