I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 12:00 P.M.

II. ROLL CALL
Anderson, Elliott, Tuck, Lucas, Crawford and Sherman were present. Hanratty and Vogel represented staff.

III. AGENDA ADOPTION
Sherman moved adoption of the agenda as presented. Crawford seconded. The motion passed (6-0).

IV. APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER 4, 2008 MINUTES
Sherman moved approval of the September 4, 2008 minutes. Anderson seconded. The minutes as amended were passed (5-0).

V. PUBLIC ADDRESS
None.

VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Ms. Elliott turned the agenda over to Mr. Hanratty.

A. Rehabilitation Status

i. 207 Wilson Ave.
Jim Gray, Rehabilitation Specialist, reported the rehab is going well and is expected to be complete in a few weeks.

ii. 802 Progress St.
The owner has decided not to participate in the program as she is not certain about how long she will be living in the house.

A mailer about the rehab program will be sent soon to owners of properties in the targeted neighborhoods.

B. Habitat for Humanity
Habitat expects to re-submit its plans to the Planning Department on October 10 and to submit its building permit application soon. It is reviewing the loan documents and expects to close the CDBG loan within the next couple of weeks.


C. 401 Wilson Avenue
Construction is scheduled to start the week of October 13. CHP will do marketing and accept applications for about a month after construction starts. Once all applications are submitted by the deadline a random drawing will be conducted at the HCD Board meeting to establish processing order for the applicants.

D. Market Square Park and Farmers Market
The design for the site is nearing completion. A work session with the timber framer is scheduled for October 6. The design and cost estimate will be brought to the HCD Board at its meeting in November.

E. Commercial Rehabilitation Program
The Commercial Rehab Program will be on the Town Council’s agenda for approval in October. There will be a 5-7 person subcommittee with representatives from the HCD board and downtown representatives to review applications and make recommendations for approval to the full HCD board.

F. Workforce Housing Development Opportunity
The Board discussed a site on Merrimac as a potential workforce housing site. In addition to housing, the site has the potential to include child care, community agriculture, active play fields, and a community building. Community Housing Partners (CHP) is working to negotiate an acceptable purchase agreement. The Board of Supervisors has not responded to the Town’s request to vote on the Harding Avenue site so it is not possible for CHP to meet the purchase contract deadlines. Board members expressed interest in touring the Merrimac site.



VII. NEW BUSINESS

A. CAPER Review
Hanratty reviewed the information provided in the staff report.

The 2007 CAPER (Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report) has been submitted to HUD. Over $700,000 of CDBG funds were spent during the fiscal year to benefit Blacksburg residents. Staff presented to the Board a brief review of the year which is included below.

Funds Available $1,277,788
Funds Spent $706,420
Total Carrying Over $571,368

The following activities were completed this year:

Rehabilitations: $347,221 expended
603 Rose Avenue
1503 Grissom Lane
509 Sunrise Drive
800 Progress Street

Public Facilities: $7,130 expended
Skate Park completion

Public Infrastructure: $89,644 expended
Wilson Ave. Drainage begun
Roanoke-Lee Street Undergrounding completed
Grissom Lane/Ardmore Street Drainage completed
Airport/Dunton Drive Drainage completed

Acquisition: $24,993 expended
401 Wilson Avenue development costs

Homeownership Assistance: $12,000 expended
202 Prospect Street
206 Prospect Street
507T Sunridge Drive
802 Progress Street

Public Services: $79,000 expended
Valley Interfaith Child Care Center
Women’s Resource Center
New River Community Action

Administration: $146,431 expended

HCD Board members felt the program has been functioning well and are pleased with the results.


VIII. OTHER BUSINESS
Crawford asked about the progress of the HOME Consortium. Vogel and Hanratty provided an update on projects and funding process. Hanratty pointed out that HUD indicated it is pleased with Blacksburg and the HOME Consortium’s performance for being such young entitlements.

IX. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 1:00 PM.

The next Housing and Community Development Advisory Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 6, 2008 at 12:00 PM in the Town Council Conference Room.