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Planning commissioners discuss Highland Park infrastructure, possible CDBG grant and home-improvement assistance
Summary
Commissioners discussed two CIP items related to Highland Park: applying for a CDBG grant to help residents make home repairs and a larger infrastructure plan to add sidewalks and stormwater improvements, and staff said both approaches will be workshopped with the neighborhood.
Planning commissioners asked staff to emphasize Highland Park in the CIP and discussed two related approaches: a home-repair/aging-in-place CDBG application and a longer-term infrastructure project for sidewalks and stormwater.
A planning commissioner raised concerns about investor pressure in Highland Park and asked what the city can do to help preserve the neighborhood. Andrew Trivette said two projects in the draft CIP address those concerns: (1) pursuing a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program that could fund home improvements so residents can age in place, and (2) a larger public-works effort to add informal sidewalks, curb and gutter and stormwater management in the neighborhood.
Trivette said the CDBG program typically requires homeowners to agree to residency or resale restrictions for a period of time, which can limit short-term resale gains; he said the city will assess whether the program would be attractive to residents before committing to apply. On the infrastructure option, Trivette said public works has developed conceptual plans and will workshop them with the neighborhood because construction and grading would be disruptive and increase property values in ways residents may or may not want.
Commissioners asked staff to add language to the Planning Commission letter recommending exploration of ways to “secure fragile neighborhoods such as Highland Park” and to solicit neighborhood input before finalizing grant applications or construction plans.
No formal funding decisions were taken at the work session; staff said outreach and neighborhood workshops will be the next steps.
