Minutes 05/24/1988 - Laserfiche WebLink

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~.ay'~4, 1988 The last item to consider at this evening's public hearing is the proposed expansion of the Urban Homesteading Program into the proposed Shea Terrace conservation pro~ct. Several other neighborhoo'ds are already eligible for participation in this program. It is hoped that the expansion into Shea Terrace will increase Portsmouth's opportunities to make home ownership a reality for lower income families. Chairman Oast, do you have any comments?" William H. Oast, III, of the Portsmouth Redevelgpment and Housing Authority, offered the following comments: "Mayor Webb and Members of CouNcil, on b~half of the Board of Commissioners of the Redevelopment and Housing Authority, I would like to thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to hold this j%~nt public hearing. In furtherance of the goals for progress in the City of Portsmouth which were previously established by Council, we are proposing an amendment to the Crawford.Urban Renewal Project Plan as well as the creation of a conversation plan for the Shea Terrace community, additionally, we are proposing the expansion of the Urban Homesteading Program into the Sh'ea Terrace neighborhood. We feel that these measures will enable us to continue our joint efforts to enhance the overall quality of life for Portsmouth Citizens as well as promote the physical appearance and image of the City." Danny Cruce, Executive Director of Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority presented the following: Thank you, Mr. Oast, as Mr, Oast indicated, the purpose of this hearing is to consider a Plan Amendment to the Crawford Project and to consider Conservation and Urban Homesteading plans for the Shea Terrace Neigh~borhood. Amendment No. 17 to the Crawford Urban Renewal Project proposes to extend the project's southern boundary to include the property at 909 County Street and designates this property as "To Be Acquired." Acquisition of this property will assist in revitalization of this area of the City. The Shea Terrace neighborhood is being proposed to be designated as a conservation area. This will enable homeowners within this area to avai~ themselves of below marked rate financing for the purpose of renovating their homes, In addition, we will provide technical assistance in order to assist property owners in improving their respective homes. We are also proposi g the expansion of the Urban ~omesteading Program into the Shea Terrace neighborhood. This expansion will enable the authority to purchase publicly abandoned properties in the Shea Terrace neighborhood and sell them to local families in exchange for their commitment to renovate them to meet the city's health, safety and building codes. The proposed Shea Terrace project is generally bounded on the south by London Boulevard, o~ the east by the West Park View Conservation Project, and on the north and west by Scott's Creek. The following citizens spoke concerning the proposed amendments: Arden H. Pfeiffer, 100 Culpepper Road, League. Peggy W. Peebles, 603 Hansen Avenue. Shea Terrace Civic No action taken.