Sponsor
Alderman Coe
Title
Common Council places Moratorium on City of Racine support for affordable housing developments for a period of 18 months from the date of adoption of this resolution or until an analysis of housing affordability is completed, whichever comes first
WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of Racine deems it necessary to develop a comprehensive plan for housing development, including:
1. Goals, objectives, principles, policies and standards upon which proposals for immediate and long-range enhancement, growth and development of the City are based;
2. Existing and proposed location and intensity of land uses;
3. Consideration of historic, visual and cultural resources. Natural resources and sensitive environmental areas;
4. Existing housing resources and future housing needs including affordable housing;
5. Present and future general location of cultural facilities, historic sites;
6. Existing and proposed recreational facilities and parkland; and
WHEREAS, the Common Council believes that substantial impacts in the City of Racine would occur if certain housing projects in the City are developed without the City having the benefit of City Development Department review and recommendations together with developing appropriate standards and guidelines; and
WHEREAS, the Common Council therefore desires to delay blanket approvals of affordable housing projects as hereafter defined while the City Development Department analyzes affordable housing needs in conjunction with its comprehensive plan; and
WHEREAS, during this period of time, it is the intent of the City to consider site plan review and subdivision regulations and related land use regulations which will mitigate these impacts, will better protect the City's environment and its natural, visual and historic resources, and protect Racine's attractive character and will otherwise help to promote the health, safety and general welfare of its residents.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Common Council places a moratorium on official statements of support for any affordable housing development, other than assisted living facilities, for a period of 18 months from the date of adoption of this resolution or until an analysis of housing affordability is completed, whichever comes earlier. Affordable Housing is defined as any housing in which a maximum rent is set by an agency of the state or federal government and/or rental units are available only to income-qualified tenants. Statements of Support include responses to Local Official Notification Forms submitted to the City by WHEDA or similar agencies.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that during the period of moratorium, the Department of City Development is authorized and directed to undertake an analysis of housing affordability that will include an inventory of the affordable housing now in the City, analyze whether additional affordable housing is needed, and assess the impact of additional affordable housing on individual neighborhoods as well as the City as a whole.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Common Council shall have the power to waive the application of any provision of this moratorium upon its determination, in its reasoned legislative discretion, that such waiver is required to alleviate undue hardship, is consistent with any proposed comprehensive plan site plan, and is consistent with the health, safety, and general welfare of the City. The hardship must be the result of unique circumstances, and the waiver must be the minimum necessary to alleviate the hardship.
Fiscal Note: N/A