We’ve talked with you in the past about distressed property sales, and given you some tips on buying these unique homes; the difference between short sales and foreclosures, what to look out for etc. Today I want to talk with you a bit about HUD properties.
HUD stands for “Housing and Urban Development”, as most of you know. You will sometimes see a foreclosure referred to as a “HUD Property”. What this means is that, unlike a run-of-the-mill REO (bank-owned) property, in this instance, the home had an FHA loan that was defaulted upon. When this happens, a bank carrying the loan would file a claim with HUD. Then HUD ends up with the property.
When you decide that you want to make an offer on a HUD property, it is wise to go in armed with some basic information.
First of all, your Realtor will want to check to see how long the property has been on the market. If it has just gone on the market, you should know that the first 30 days of “bidding” are limited to Buyers who plan to live in the home, i.e. “Owner-Occupied”. After that time elapses, if it is still on the market, it will open up for bids from “Investors” (anyone besides someone who plans to live in it falls into this category).
The second thing you want to do is decide whether you really want the property. If you do, then some number-crunching is in order, especially if the property has just recently gone on the market. Basically, HUD will start looking at “bids” after day 10, and these days, with the market getting more competitive, Buyers are often offering above asking price in order to compete. Considering that the price on a HUD home is always determined by an FHA Appraisal that HUD has completed prior to listing, it might be wise to offer at least this price if the house is newly on the market, and more if you suspect there will be multiple offers. As always, discuss your options with your Realtor.
Speaking of this FHA Appraisal, there are significant benefits to a Buyer who secures FHA financing. One being that the appraisal already paid for by HUD can be used, saving a Buyer $450.-$500. or more.
HUD homes are sold “As-Is”. Really. BUT, If you are getting an FHA loan, there are some interesting options here. If there are basic repairs they are typically noted in the FHA Appraisal, and the appraiser has already assigned a dollar-amount to each item (i.e., “needs stove”, “strap-in water heater” etc). Taking a cap of $5,000. into consideration, these repairs can be added on to the sale price and rolled into the financing by the lender, for repairs to be completed after sale.
If a HUD home was built prior to 1978, and potentially has lead-based-paint, FHA will pay for a “Lead-Based Paint Stabilization Report”. If it is determined to have lead-based paint, however, my understanding is that the Buyer will need to do a “203-k” or “rehab” loan in order to have the condition remediated. Additionally, the transaction cannot “close” until the remediation paint job is approved by HUD. Discuss these potentialities with your lender rep prior to embarking down the path, so that you are prepared with “Plan B” should you end up in this situation.
When you have your Realtor check on status/how long the home has been on the market, etc., also make sure to ask about whether the subject property is designated as eligible for the “Good Neighbor Next Door” program. If you are employed as a teacher, EMT, police officer or fire fighter AND the HUD home is one that is eligible, you may be able to end up purchasing it for 50% of what you offer.
Escrow rules have changed as of January 2013. The Buyer now selects the Escrow office/company that will be handling he transaction. This is good if you or your Realtor have an escrow officer or company that you prefer, however, please note that the Buyer also has to pay ALL escrow fees, even those traditionally paid by the Seller. Talk to your Realtor about the possibility of asking for your closing costs to be paid, and whether or not this might be a good solution for you.
As always, you’ll want to choose a Realtor who understands the ins & outs, helps you determine if a HUD property is right for you, and if so, helps you navigate gracefully around potential pitfalls.
I hope that this information has been helpful. Granted, I just touched on an overview of things you might want to take into consideration. For more information on HUD Properties, visit: www.HudHomeStore.com . There is an FAQ section there that will answer many of your questions.
There were some interesting things about last week’s market activity that popped out at me. First, condominium sales are picking up pretty aggressively. Several complexes that I have been following have had recent sales SIGNIFICANTLY higher in value than just a year ago. I attribute this to the fact that the foreclosures are sold and actual market value is taking over. The other trend I am noticing is houses that sat on the market, did not sell, were taken off the market a year or two ago, are now being re-listed and selling quickly.
Lake Oswego had 34 new listings last week, 26 pending sales, and 9 closed transactions.
Here are further details regarding last week’s Market Activity, according to RMLS:
NEW SALES (Apr 15-21, 2013):
Address
Type
Price
BR
Bths
SF
4000 Carman Dr #60
Condo
$165,000
2
2
866
4075 Jefferson Pkwy #18
Condo
$172,500
2
2.5
1182
16250 Pacific Hwy #64
Condo
$225,000
2
2
1305
15472 Brianne Ct
Attached
$239,000
2
2.5
1208
52 Greenridge Ct
Attached
$275,000
3
2.5
2524
14854 Twin Fir Rd
Detached
$297,500
3
2
1287
5686 Washington Ct
Detached
$310,000
2
2
1342
14 Polonius St
Detached
$329,900
4
4
2828
5753 Windfield Loop
Detached
$330,000
3
2
1503
825 Oak St
Detached
$359,000
3
2
1350
6173 Washington Ct
Detached
$370,000
2
2
1440
17521 Hill Way
Detached
$375,000
3
2
2283
821 Evergreen Rd
Detached
$394,900
2
1
920
1467 Greentree Circle
Detached
$420,000
3
2
1896
8 Hotspur St
Detached
$450,000
3
2.5
1954
5570 Kilchurn Ave
Detached
$649,900
4
2.5
2931
816 9th St
Detached
$650,000
4
3
3033
2002 Cedar Ct
Detached
$659,000
3
2
2945
14350 Meadow Grass St
Detached
$674,900
4
3
3329
13210 Deerfield
Detached
$679,900
4
2.5
3341
1876 Palisades Lake Ct
Detached
$694,900
3
2.5
3178
17450 Treetop Way
Detached
$695,000
4
3
3752
13100 Boones Ferry Rd
Detached
$695,000
3
2
2370
19201 Maree Ct
Detached
$749,000
5
2.5
4070
17485 Brookhurst Dr
Detached
$749,500
4
3.5
4550
13836 Amberwood Circle
Detached
$769,000
3
2.5
3985
3600 Southshore Blvd
Detached
$824,900
3
2.5
2117
3012 Rivendell Rd
Detached
$900,000
5
4.5
4607
760 7th St
Detached
$969,000
4
4.5
4536
SW Ash St
Detached
$1,200,000
4
3.5
3600
18325 Crestline Dr
Detached
$1,275,000
5
4
5784
17485 Cardinal Dr
Detached
$1,325,000
4
3.5
3406
705 Terrace Dr
Detached
$1,795,000
4
3.5
3686
2500 Glen Eagles Rd
Detached
$2,295,000
5
4.5
5565
PENDING SALES (Apr 15-21, 2013)
Address
Type
Price
BR
Baths
SF
DOM
4 Touchstone #152
Condo
$135,000
3
2.5
1351
35
206 Oswego Summit
Condo
$175,000
2
2
1506
71
4417 Thunder Vista Ln
Condo
$179,000
2
2.5
1455
49
51 Greenridge Ct
Attached
$205,000
2
2
1348
10
5813 SW Kennycroft Way
Detached
$222,000
3
1
1182
3
5056 Foothills Dr D
Condo
$259,000
2
2
1252
47
72 Greenridge Ct
Attached
$269,000
3
3
1824
7
63 Greenridge Ct
Attached
$270,000
3
2
1788
1
2256 Glenmorrie Dr
Detached
$299,500
3
2
1628
87
769 2nd St
Detached
$310,000
3
1
1200
497
18903 Terry Ave
Detached
$339,000
3
2
1236
65
1720 Mapleleaf Rd
Detached
$369,000
3
2
1584
2
497 Livingood Ln
Detached
$375,000
3
2.5
2144
87
13242 Vermeer Dr
Detached
$408,000
3
2.5
2100
8
618 5th St
Detached
$425,000
4
2.5
2320
201
16168 Lake Forest Blvd
Detached
$449,900
4
3
2276
34
7 Westminster Dr
Detached
$499,950
5
3
2974
7
1131 Devon Ln
Detached
$599,900
3
3.5
3179
230
16723 Bonaire Ave
Detached
$619,500
4
3
2847
6
1921 Glenmorrie Ln
Detached
$624,000
3
3
2375
116
1579 Bay View Ln
Detached
$659,698
4
3
4685
117
1222 Glenmorrie Dr
Detached
$699,999
4
3
2875
49
19371 SW Riverwood Ln
Detached
$875,600
4
4.5
5048
244
1000 Upper Devon Ln
Detached
$895,000
4
3.5
3535
472
752 8th St
Detached
$969,000
4
3.5
4550
495
1075 Chandler Rd
Detached
$1,495,000
5
4.5
5710
5
SOLD (Apr 15-21, 2013)
Address
Type
List Price
Closed Price
Sq Ft
CDOM
100 Kerr Pkwy #26
Condo
$69,900
$67,000
617
32
18959 Kristi Way
Detached
$350,000
$350,000
1778
33
2 Sherwood Ct
Detached
$509,995
$405,000
3306
305
19226 Megan Pl
Detached
$549,500
$500,000
3,392
264
2830 Park Rd
Detached
$524,900
$510,000
3115
7
831 Northshore Rd
Detached
$800,000
$785,000
2113
348
1291 Lake Garden Ct
Detached
$897,500
$897,500
3254
268
661 6th St
Detached
$795,000
$927,738
2741
232
399 Furnace St
Attached
$2,150,000
$1,585,000
3664
379
Criteria:Homes in the 97034 and 97035 zip code, listed, pending or sold between the dates listed above as reported by the Regional Multiple Listing Service (RMLS). DETACHD refers to Single Family Detached Residence, MFG refers to manufactured housing, and ATTACHD refers to single-family residences with some portion of the structure attached to another property, but not constituting CONDO ownership. DOM stands for days on market, or the number of days from when the listing became active and when it received an acceptable offer, with CDOM standing for “cumulative days on market” accounting for “refreshed” listings
Home Owner’s Associations are extremely common. They occur in condominium developments, townhouse developments, and even neighborhoods of single family homes. Basicly they are a set of rules that are recorded with the title to the property and that transfer when the property is sold. So when you buy a property that has a Home Owners Association, you are not just buying the property, you are also buying membership in the HOA.
Being of a positive nature, I want to start with the good aspects of belong to a HOA (Home Owner’s Associaiotn).
HOAs are ideal for the person who wants someone else to do exterior yardwork and maintenance, who likes the ammenities that often come with the HOA, and also someone who likes the idea that they can close the door, lock it, and go away knowing that the property will be cared for while he or she is gone.
My Mother is a perfect example. She’s in her 80’s and can not physically maintain a house. But she’s still capable and independent, so not ready for assisted living. She lives in a condominium complex here in Lake Oswego. I like the idea that she has neighbors close by who know and care about her. The lady across the hall happens to also be a nurse and she has a key to my Mom’s front door. It is a great comfort to me to know that my Mom has help 6 feet across the hall.
Now the downside to HOAs.
When you buy a property that has an HOA, your home inspection should not just be for the physical dwelling, it should also include the fitness of the HOA. Condition your purchase on reveiw of the Conditions, Covenants and Restrictions, reading the last 2 years notes from HOA meetings, a copy of the financil status of the HOA including review of the long-term reserve studies, a copy of the rules and regualtions, and any and all pertinent information.
The normal thought process when buying into an HOA is that you want to keep the cost down and so tend to be attracted to HOAs that have low monthly fees. This may be incorrect thinking. The HOA is likely responsible for long-term maintenance of some very expensive items such as roofs, decks, and swimming pools. If they are not collecting money to build up a savings account for these expensive items, then the HOA will have to cover these expenses with a special assessment. This is all too common!
In addition, HOAs often have expenses that a single family residence does not. Think about the parking lot through a normal condominium development. It will need to be re-paved, re-striped, and get annual snow and leaf removal.
You want to belong to an HOA with solid financial management that has performed a full study that projects for these future expenses and then collects money in the monthly HOA fees to build up the necessary reserves to meet these expenses.
If a large expense arrises that the HOA does not have money to do, those famous special assessments happen. I am aware of an HOA here in Lake Oswego that had a special assessment about 15 years ago that average $10,000 per unit. That same HOA, just last week, had a meeting of the unit owners and announced that a similar special assessment will be happening this year as well.
Be aware that there are actually insurance policies you can purchase to protect you from special assessments. I have a personal friend who owns such a policy. It costs her $10 per month for coverage up to $10,000. Seems like a good investment that is pretty cheap.
The other concern with HOAs is the possibility of lawsuit. There is a condominium complex here in Lake Oswego that was a 1950’s apartment building that was converted to condos in 2006. Since the conversion the complex has experienced extensive water problems. The HOA is now suing the developer who did the condo conversion. Banks will not lend on units in the complex until the lawsuit is settled. This means that condos can only be sold on private contract or with all cash. This severely limits the pool of capable buyers and is consequently suppressing the re-sale value for those trying to sell now.
The bottom line is that you need to know what you are doing if you want to buy a property that has an HOA. It really is the reason you should be working with a good Realtor.
It’s “Nothing but up”, as far as market trends in Lake Oswego and the greater Portland area go.
Last week Lake Oswego saw 24 New properties enter the market, 26 go to Pending status, and 13 properties Sold.
Here are further details regarding last week’s Market Activity according to RMLS:
NEW SALES (Apr 8-14, 2013):
Address
List Price
# Beds
# Baths
Total SF
Prop Type
200 BURNHAM RD #104
$115,000
1
1
858
CONDO
15938 QUARRY RD B-4
$149,000
2
1
991
CONDO
5881 FERNBROOK CIR
$254,900
4
1
1416
DETACHD
6024 FERNBROOK CIR
$349,900
3
2
1470
DETACHD
13242 VERMEER DR
$408,000
3
2.1
2100
DETACHD
14466 HOLLY SPRINGS RD
$425,000
5
3
2238
DETACHD
1952 PARK FOREST AVE
$444,900
5
3
2856
DETACHD
14371 SHERBROOK PL
$467,500
3
2.1
2550
DETACHD
6192 HARRINGTON AVE
$499,000
5
3
2817
DETACHD
7 WESTMINSTER DR
$499,950
5
3
2974
DETACHD
5498 ROYAL OAKS DR
$550,000
4
2.1
2646
DETACHD
2360 GREENTREE RD
$559,000
3
2.5
2271
DETACHD
4137 ORCHARD WAY
$599,900
5
2.1
3329
DETACHD
16723 BONAIRE AVE
$619,500
4
3
2847
DETACHD
18673 WESTVIEW DR
$649,000
3
3
3355
DETACHD
5384 WASHINGTON CT
$699,900
4
3.1
3228
DETACHD
400 IRON MOUNTAIN BLVD
$765,968
4
2.1
3416
DETACHD
13677 FIELDING RD
$950,000
4
3.1
4070
DETACHD
3729 ELEANOR CT
$978,500
4
4.1
4061
DETACHD
455 FURNACE ST
$1,170,000
4
3.1
4000
DETACHD
17600 UPPER CHERRY LN
$1,190,000
4
3.1
3867
DETACHD
17226 CHAPIN WAY
$1,395,000
4
3.1
4917
DETACHD
1115 LAKE FRONT RD
$1,839,000
4
4
3900
DETACHD
890 Lake Shore RD
$2,450,000
3
3.1
3555
DETACHD
PENDING SALES (Apr 8-14, 2013)
Address
List Price
# Beds
# Baths
Total SF
Prop Type
CDOM
41 OSWEGO SMT
$95,000
1
1
764
CONDO
27
3433 MCNARY PKWY #106
$114,900
2
2
1008
CONDO
30
235 CERVANTES
$119,900
2
2
1100
CONDO
44
1127 CEDAR ST
$219,000
1
1
1070
DETACHD
8
12 WHEATHERSTONE
$229,900
3
2.1
1692
ATTACHD
2
5860 LAKEVIEW BLVD
$232,000
3
1
1435
DETACHD
33
92 WHEATHERSTONE
$250,000
3
3.1
2436
CONDO
25
18816 LONGFELLOW AVE
$289,900
3
1
1033
DETACHD
6
1659 OAK ST
$349,900
3
2.1
1885
DETACHD
109
4241 CHAPMAN WAY
$399,000
4
2.1
2440
DETACHD
264
1941 PARK FOREST CT
$400,000
4
3
2800
DETACHD
291
4995 OAKRIDGE RD
$450,000
4
3
2232
DETACHD
5
7 HILLSHIRE DR
$499,500
5
3
2978
DETACHD
3
13437 PROVINCIAL HILL WAY
$579,900
4
2.1
2833
DETACHD
38
19310 RIVERWOOD LN Lt 9W
$649,900
5
4
3110
DETACHD
99
2479 PALISADES CREST DR
$664,500
5
3.1
6640
DETACHD
510
5148 WOODCREST LN
$665,000
5
3
3110
DETACHD
8
5218 WESTFIELD CT
$665,900
4
2.1
3107
DETACHD
8
868 7TH ST
$699,750
4
3
2690
DETACHD
26
1985 COUNTRY CLUB RD
$699,999
5
4
3630
DETACHD
336
3315 CEDAR CT
$744,000
4
3.1
3712
DETACHD
46
4190 CHAD DR
$749,500
4
3.1
3756
DETACHD
18
1301 HORSESHOE CURV
$795,000
3
3
2060
DETACHD
3
14393 SW AMBERWOOD CIR
$820,000
5
3.1
3692
DETACHD
23
3115 Wembley Park RD
$899,950
4
3.1
3600
DETACHD
523
399 Furnace ST
$1,695,000
3
3.1
3664
ATTACHD
379
SOLD (Apr 8-14, 2013)
Address
O/Price
Close Price
# Beds
# Baths
Total SF
Prop Type
CDOM
12623 SW BOONES FERRY RD
$204,000
$242,077
2
2
1652
DETACHD
13
56 SW GREENRIDGE CT
$259,000
$257,000
3
2.1
1996
CONDO
47
3190 DUNCAN DR
$324,900
$308,000
3
2.1
2401
DETACHD
101
1670 FIRCREST DR
$425,000
$395,000
4
3
2000
DETACHD
121
2 MOZARTEUM CT
$417,000
$420,000
3
2.1
2254
DETACHD
4
600 MAPLE ST
$445,500
$425,000
3
2.1
2416
DETACHD
121
3110 ROYCE WAY
$460,000
$465,000
4
2.1
2732
DETACHD
9
686 SUNNY HILL DR
$499,900
$480,000
4
2.1
2392
DETACHD
64
3763 TEMPEST DR
$497,500
$484,000
5
2.1
2805
DETACHD
39
2227 HILLSIDE DR
$495,000
$510,000
4
3
3003
DETACHD
5
18345 HEATHER ANN CT
$665,000
$580,675
4
2.1
3336
DETACHD
253
13536 STREAMSIDE DR
$649,000
$642,500
4
3.1
2857
DETACHD
22
3174 DOUGLAS CIR
$999,000
$960,000
5
4.1
4600
DETACHD
23
Criteria:Homes in the 97034 and 97035 zip code, listed, pending or sold between the dates listed above as reported by the Regional Multiple Listing Service (RMLS). DETACHD refers to Single Family Detached Residence, MFG refers to manufactured housing, and ATTACHD refers to single-family residences with some portion of the structure attached to another property, but not constituting CONDO ownership. DOM stands for days on market, or the number of days from when the listing became active and when it received an acceptable offer, with CDOM standing for “cumulative days on market” accounting for “refreshed” listings
Here is the “just-released” data for you on the overall Portland area, as well as specific Lake Oswego/West Linn (RMLS lumps them together) activity:
Well, Folks… The market is definitely picking up. Just take a look at how the numbers break out below. According to the RMLS Market Action Report for the Portland Metro Area March, 2013.
At 1,935, Closed Sales were the best since 2007, and a 40.6% increase over Feb. 2013!
There were 3,002 New Listings, which is an increase of 22.4% over Feb. 2013!
The Average Sale Price in March was $299,000, up from $282,000 in Feb. 2013.
Pending Sales increased from Feb. 2013 by 23.4% to 2,628.
For our Property Blotter readers, the combined area of Lake Oswego and West Linn also reported every sales aspect improving compared to last month:
Last week we saw 25 New properties entering the market, 12 go to Pending status, and 10 Selling in Lake Oswego.
Here are further details regarding last week’s Market Activity:
NEW SALES (April 1-7, 2013):
Address
Type
Price
BR
Bths
SF
3930 Lake Grove Ave 3B
Condo
$136,000
2
1
952
45 Eagle Crest Dr #119
Condo
$199,900
3
2
1348
51 Greenridge Ct
Attached
$205,000
2
2
1348
1127 Cedar St
Detached
$219,000
1
1
1070
18357 Heather Ann Ct
Detached
$409,000
3
2
1832
1402 Parrish St
Attached
$425,000
3
2.5
1862
219 Hidalgo St
Detached
$439,000
4
3
2980
14221 Dolph Ct
Detached
$465,000
3
2.5
2100
732 Clara Ct
Detached
$499,900
4
3.5
2935
4910 Lower Dr
Detached
$529,900
3
2.5
2151
12723 Adrian Ct
Detached
$569,950
4
3
3219
13658 Shireva Dr
Detached
$570,000
3
3
3502
3601 Red Cedar Way
Detached
$629,000
4
2
2250
5148 Woodcrest Ln
Detached
$665,000
5
3
3110
471 Country Club Ct
Detached
$779,000
4
3
2962
1301 Horseshoe Curve
Detached
$795,000
3
3
2060
5676 Suncreek Dr
Detached
$819,900
4
3.5
3312
18383 Old River Dr
Detached
$850,000
4
4.5
4548
878 7th St
Detached
$889,000
4
3.5
2858
3720 Marquis Ct
Detached
$919,000
4
2.5+.5
4795
72 Nansen Summit
Detached
$1,100,000
4
3
4770
2671 Glen Eagles Rd
Detached
$1,130,000
3
3
2851
17282 Lake Haven Dr
Detached
$1,195,000
4
2.5
3664
17152 Cedar Rd
Detached
$1,295,000
4
2.5
3175
13764 Knaus Rd
Detached
$1,395,000
4
4.5
4805
PENDING SALES (April 1-7, 2013)
Address
Type
Price
BR
Baths
SF
DOM
3906 Carman Dr
Condo
$176,300
3
2.5
1354
11
1132 Cedar St
Detached
$199,500
3
1.5
1276
0
5053 Foothills Dr H
Condo
$200,000
3
2
1252
8
1240 Cedar St
Detached
$244,900
3
1
1044
2
17438 Cardinal Dr
Detached
$420,000
4
2.5
2286
5
17433 Schalit Way
Detached
$436,000
4
2.5
2350
2
1429 Greentree Circle
Detached
$445,000
4
2.5
2599
298
5624 Southwood Dr
Detached
$575,000
4
3
3120
6
3480 Upper Dr
Detached
$749,000
3
2.5
2571
17
3101 Douglas Circle
Detached
$1,025,000
5
4.5
4430
309
18132 Siena Dr
Detached
$1,089,000
4
3.5
3565
489
17225 Kelok Rd
Detached
$1,195,000
4
3.5
4161
474
SOLD (April 1-7, 2013)
Address
Type
List Price
Closed Price
Sq Ft
CDOM
47 Eagle Crest Dr #13
Condo
$89,950
$89,000
932
5
245 Cervantes
Condo
$110,000
$125,110
1265
10
1547 Boca Ratan Dr
Attached
$188,950
$175,000
1008
28
10 Summit Ridge
Attached
$325,000
$325,000
1642
3
4263 Harvey Way
Detached
$355,000
$339,000
1640
180
12 Abelard St
Detached
$339,000
$352,000
2344
6
13005 Princeton Ct
Detached
$413,000
$398,000
2294
141
2618 Palisades Crest
Detached
$795,000
$733,000
5169
220
786 7th St
Detached
$859,000
$873,895
2825
84
Criteria:Homes in the 97034 and 97035 zip code, listed, pending or sold between the dates listed above as reported by the Regional Multiple Listing Service (RMLS). DETACHD refers to Single Family Detached Residence, MFG refers to manufactured housing, and ATTACHD refers to single-family residences with some portion of the structure attached to another property, but not constituting CONDO ownership. DOM stands for days on market, or the number of days from when the listing became active and when it received an acceptable offer, with CDOM standing for “cumulative days on market” accounting for “refreshed” listings
In 1978 the State of Oregon mandated that individual communities develop and maintain a comprehensive plan. This plan becomes a road map for the future. How does the community support growing populations, economic development, and prioritize resources? The last time Lake Oswego updated its comprehensive plan was in 1994. With 16 years since being updated, in 2010 the State of Oregon told the City of Lake Oswego to update the comprehensive plan and gave the City 3 years to do so.
In the last 3 years over 2000 citizens of the community have participated in a lengthy process of meeting, discussing, and giving in-put as to what the vision of Lake Oswego should look like in 2035. This was a very involved process that included the school district, neighborhood associations, business associations, and open public forums. In fact, the City received the National Planning Excellence Award for Communications Initiative from the American Planning Association for this effort.
• Healthy Ecosystems
• Community Health and Public Safety
• Connected Community
• Inspiring Places and Spaces
• Economic Vitality
• Complete Neighborhoods and Housing
• Community Culture
These action areas support a wide variety of goals. Much emphasis is placed on livability and there was a strong consensus that walking, biking, and public transportation should be encouraged. Value is placed on high-quality schools, library, and recreational opportunities. Economic diversity is encouraged and the support of local businesses is a goal.
Think about it, the gallery without walls didn’t just happen. It is something we treasure and enjoy because in the past the arts were encouraged and supported in this community.
The final step in the adaption of the comprehensive plan is now occurring. Our mayor and city council will be voting on the adaption of the final version of the comprehensive plan at the City Council meeting on April 16th. I want to encourage you to learn about the plan. The easiest way to do this is by watching this short video.
Next I want to encourage you to contact our Mayor and City Council members to support adaption of the current comprehensive plan as it has been developed by the citizens of our community. To contact our Mayor and members of the City Council click here.
There is always a bit of controversy in public planning. That is true in this instance. There are several members of our city council who are not in favor of the comprehensive plan as it has been developed. I guess it could be attributed to a general dislike of planning in general: the idea that government should be smaller and less involved. There certainly are times when I agree with that perspective. But this plan is a good one. It is a vision for the future of our City that was developed by the citizens of this City. Please encourage the adaptation of the plan as the citizens have designed it over the course of the last 3 years.
We do love our City! This vision for the next 20 years is wonderful! Get involved and please encourage the adaptation of the Comprehensive Plan.
Dianne
