ADMINISTRATION - Erik Thorvig, Community Development Director
Title
LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR TWIN CITIES HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Background
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity (TCH) is an organization that provides affordable home ownership opportunities for individuals and families in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. TCH is working on an application for HOME funds from Anoka County. The HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) provides grants to localities (Anoka County) to fund a wide range of activities including building, buying, and/or rehabilitating affordable housing for rent or homeownership. HOME is the largest Federal block grant designed exclusively to create affordable housing. Based on TCH’s projected pipeline of work for construction in 2022, they are looking at the possibility of doing two new construction projects in Anoka County. TCH believes Blaine would be a good city to purchase one or two lots for these projects.
As part of the HOME application process, TCH is requesting a letter of support from the community (attached). The 2040 Comprehensive Plan identifies various goals in the Housing chapter related to the creation of new affordable housing in Blaine and the type of project TCH would construct is consistent with said goals.
If TCH is successful in receiving funding there is no obligation from the City of Blaine. The only process TCH would have to go through with the City is obtaining a building permit. TCH would be required to meet all applicable zoning regulations for a lot they construct a home on.
Recommendation
Approve the attached resolution.
Body
WHEREAS, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is applying for HOME funds through Anoka County for construction of new affordable housing in 2022; and
WHEREAS, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is interested in constructing housing in Blaine; and
WHEREAS, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is requesting a letter of support from the City of Blaine; and
WHEREAS, the 2040 Comprehensive Plan identifies various goals and objectives related to the creation of new affordable housing opportunities; and
WHEREAS, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity projects align with the goals and objectives identified in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Blaine City Council hereby approves providing a letter of support for Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity and directs the community development director and city manager to provide the necessary letter of support.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Blaine this 4th day of January, 2021.