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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-6-2022 Planning BoardLANSING PLANNING BOARD Regular Meeting December 6, 2022 – 6:30 p.m Neighborhood Empowerment Center 600 W Maple Street, Lansing, MI MINUTES – Approved 2/7/2023 1.OPENING SESSION Mr. Morgan called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. a. Present: Katie Alexander, Farhan Bhatti, Tony Cox, Monte Jackson, Thomas Morgan b. Absent: Josh Hovey (excused), John Ruge c. Staff: Barb Kimmel, Doris Witherspoon, Andy Fedewa 2.APPROVAL OF AGENDA – The agenda was approved by unanimous consent 3. COMMUNICATIONS •Letter from Rawley Van Fossen, Executive Director, Capital Area Housing Partnership, in support of CDBG, HOME, ESG federal funds for fiscal year 2023 4. PUBLIC HEARINGS a.FY 2023 Annual Action Plan, Citywide Needs Hearing – CDBG, HOME, ESG Resources. Ms. Witherspoon stated that the purpose of the public hearing is to receive input on community needs for the Community Annual Action Plan. She said that the amount of the appropriations that the City will be receiving for fiscal year 2023 - 2024 are estimated to be the same as last year, but exact numbers are not available at this time. As with previous years, the City of Lansing will proceed with the Action Plan process/schedule and plan based on the previous year’s allocations and adjust accordingly once the actual allocations are received. She said that the budget projections are subject to pro-rata adjustments based on the actual amounts awarded to the City of Lansing by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Ms. Witherspoon stated that CDBG funds can be used to fund housing rehabilitation, public service programs, and economic development that benefits persons of low to moderate income. She said that the HOME program provides down payment assistance for home buyers as well as funding for new housing and housing rehabilitation. ESG eligible activities include rapid re-housing, homelessness prevention, street outreach and emergency shelter operations. Mr. Morgan opened the public hearing. Rebecca Kasen, Women’s Center, spoke on the services the Women’s Center provides and suggested that the City allocate funds to more organizations than just those that are religion- based. Ms. Kasen stated many of their clients and other persons across the City either do not identify with a religion or have been discriminated against by a religious shelter. Carl Tielking, OneDay Industries, spoke on the need for ‘tiny house’ developments for rapid rehousing of homeless persons and requested changes to the zoning ordinance. Andy Schor Mayor Planning Board Minutes December 6, 2022 Page 2 ____________________________________________________________________________________ Dr. Charla Burnett, Michigan State University, spoke on the Emoja Houses, using short-term rentals as a form of safe, temporary housing, for those who may not use the established shelters. Dr. Burnett seconded previous comments about the need for funds to go to non- religious organizations and organizations that assist LGBTQ+ persons. Seeing no one else wishing to speak, Mr. Morgan closed the public hearing. 5. COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE – None 6. RECESS – Not taken 7. BUSINESS A. Consent Items (1) Minutes for approval: November 10, 2022 The minutes from the November 10, 2022 Planning Board meeting were approved without objection. (2) 2023 Planning Board Meeting Schedule The 2023 Planning Board Schedule was approved without objection. B. Old Business – None C. New Business – None 8. REPORT FROM PLANNING MANAGER Mr. Fedewa informed board members that Ms. Cerna’s term expired June 30th and that she did not seek reappointment. Staff has extended a thank you to Ms. Cerna for her service. 9. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIRPERSON – None 10. COMMENTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS Mr. Morgan informed the board members that he has been in discussion with the Office of the City Attorney to have the Planning Board renamed to the Planning Commission, consistent with and as required by the Michigan Planning Enabling Act. He stated that the City Council has introduced a resolution to make this change. Dr. Bhatti thanked those who made comments about their organizations or the needs of those in the community and stated that he works daily with clients that experience homelessness, hardships with the religious organizations, and other challenges in finding safe, quality, affordable housing. 11. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED – None 12. ADJOURNMENT – The meeting was adjourned at 6:54 p.m.