Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Project Updates topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Eastside Redevelopment Board hears project updates; staffing gaps slow housing and portable-housing initiatives
Summary
CRA staff introduced a new landscape project manager, reported progress on residential property and resiliency programs and said the portable housing initiative is slowed while the department seeks an incentives and land development manager with combined housing and commercial finance skills.
CRA staff introduced Keenan Porter as the new landscape project manager and gave updates on several Eastside projects, but said staff vacancies are slowing initiatives that require financial and development expertise.
"Keenan Porter joined us yesterday. He will be helping us with our green space," a CRA staff member said during the reports segment. The board heard that Keenan will work on neighborhood open-space projects and gateways tied to ongoing plan work.
Staff reported progress on residential improvement and resiliency programs. A CRA staff member said there are seven applications in review (expected to change to six after an inspection), three projects approved pending inspection, ten total projects to date, three invited for full application and two currently under contract. The staff member said Eastside is not open for new applications while staff evaluate remaining funds.
Separately, the portable housing initiative is continuing but has slowed because the city has not filled a newly reconfigured position. Staff said the position — now described as an incentives and land development manager — requires a mix of affordable-housing finance and commercial-development experience to evaluate tax credits, analyze funding gaps and structure incentives. "We're looking for a unicorn," the presenter said when describing the difficulty of hiring that blend of skills.
Staff also said sidewalk improvements and signage for completed residential projects are ongoing, and staff will provide site addresses for board members to visit before the next meeting.
Board members did not take formal action during the reports; items were presented as updates and moving parts that require further staffing and funding decisions.
