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4.1. MEETING HANDOUTS 06-23-2020fr,ffiffturrld 0 /*s/zaaa June 8, 2020 Calvin Portner - City Administrator Chris Leesberg - Senior Planner Community Development Zack Carlton - Planning Manager John J. Dietz - Mayor Garrett Christianson - City CouncilWard 1 Matt Westgaard - City Council Ward 2 Nate Ovall- City CouncilWard 3 Jennifer Wagner - City Council Ward 4 To allConcerned: This past Thursday evening, June 4, 2O2O,l attended the meeting sponsered by Common Bond held at the Elk River Clty Hall. I met with Common Bond representitives Andy Hughes, Director of Acquisitions and Development, Cecile Bedor, Executive Vice President of Real Estate and another gentleman whose card I failed to get so I do not remember his name. The fact that this meeting was held at City Hall seemed to me to be a conflict of interest, but as a concerned resident and property owner who opposes the building of a Section 8 apartment building in my established neighborhood of single family homes on one acre lots, it was a matter of my personal responsibility to attend. Of course everyone from Common Bond was wearing a mask, which I thought appropriate since they are trying to steal our neighborhood. A quick look around the city building, I saw at least four other city employees who were not wearing masks. As a citizen who observes the bumper to bumper traffic, for miles, every Friday on Hwy. 169 heading north during this government imposed "shutdown" of this overblown "pandemic", I also refused to wear a mask. But this is an arguement for another subject for another time. As I proceeded to engage these Common Bond employees on their obvious misguided reasons for wanting to build this aberration, I was bombarded with unquestionably overt reasurances on what a great and wonderful company Common Bond is and the seemingly good work they do providing "affordable housing" for those persons in our society that for whatever reasons are unable to afford to live in our neighborhood. My suggestion that for anyone who wants to live in this neighborhood maybe work hard, save money and accept the responsibility of living here, as I have, went without response. Let me be clear, I am not opposed to the availability of "affordable housing". But it needs to be placed in the proper context. Our already established neighborhood of single family homes on large lots is not the right context. The obvious juxtaposition simply does not fit. I have three major concerns that I addressed during this meeting. All three were met with a choreographed response followed by "statistics" from some "studies" of what happens when "affordable housing" is introduced to a residential area (nevermind that the proposed project is not in an area zoned for high density residential). Here are my concerns: 1) lncreased traffic - An apartment building, three stories tall with 60 units planted in a neighborhood where it doesn't belong means 100-150 additional vehicles in a very smafl footprint. Since it is residential that means everyday lraffic24/7,365 days a year. Regardless of access to the building, however that is planned, traffic will increase. lt is simply a fact. I live on a cul-de-sac and on average I will see at least a dozen vehicles drive past my house everyday only to reach the dead end and turn around and come back. My street sign on lrving Cir NW also has an orange and black sign stating "NO OUTLET.. lt apparently has little effect. lncrease the number of vehicles, with new tennents always coming and going, it is inevitable that this problem, along with the accompanying noise, will increase dramatically. lt will have an unfavorable impact on the safety ofthe children and animals who already reside in this neighborhood. 2) Property values - I was informed of yet another "study" showing property values increasing by "23 percent" with the addition of "affordable housing" to a given neighborhood. Seriously? A quick internet search reveals that Elk Rlver property values went up by 3.7 percent last year. And Zillow predicts that they will fall by 1.4 percent in the coming year. Those figures seem considerably more reasonable. 3) lncreased crime - lt doesn't matter where you go. Whenever you increase population density, you increase crime. People are people. But the Common Bond representitives response was to assure us that there would be a "liason" between the building mana8ement, tennents and the Elk River Police Department. OK, great. Now we will get even higher property taxes in order to pay for this increased police responsibility. A police presence that wouldn't be necessary if the project isn't built. Which it shouldn't be, in the first place. This meeting was nothing more than the "hard sell". I felt like I was at a used car dealership attempting to be sold on the reliability of a Ford Pinto or a Chevy Corvair. I walked away with the feeling that these people don't care about our neighborhood. They care about selling their project, taking the easy government money. I was not impressed. The simple fact is that anyone with a shread of Common Sense can see that Common Bond is not the right fit in this really great, well established and ... maintained..., strong neighborhood. As it is a stated goal on the City of Elk River website, Planning Division. Sincerely, Steven Casey 19453 lrving Cir NW Elk River, MN 55330 cell phone: 760-835-3166 email: socal113@yahoo.com 3 SuDQ {re=ee/"x:,a/ I am here to express my strong opposition to changing Lot l-, Block 1 Elk Ridge Center Second Additions classification from Highway Business to High Density Residential./l,l I l' When I built my house on 1"94th ,r"nr"'fb years ago the propery that is now called Elk Ridge Center was designated to be a city park. , $ rl U ?1' fv ^' The city changed that area's classification to Highway Business even though there was much decent and opposition from the surrounding neighbors. I attended several packed meetings back then listening to disgruntled neighbors concerns regarding this property. Now the owner of this property is requesting that an area now classified as highway business be reclassified to High Density Residential. From Park to Business and now to High Density Residential. Why should this property owner be granted special privileges of reclassification? So he can sell his property for the price he demands? Should anyone who isn't getting the money they desire for thier propery be allowed to reclassify it so they can get what they WANT? Does it matter to the City Council or Planning Commission that reclassification of this propery would negatively impact the neighbors and surrounding communities? Or is adding to the tax base more important? My sugguestion to the owner would be to lower his asking price if he wants to sell the property, just like anyone else would need to do if they wanted to selltheir property. lf the price is right someone will buy it and use it for its intended purpose. This would also add to the city's tax base AND provide jobs for the community. This area is not a good fit for a 60 unit 3 story subsidized apartment building for reasons that should be obvious. But more importantly, it doesn't belong there, period. I find it difficult to believe the City of Elk River would even consider this project for that particular area. Would it not be wiser to use this property for is intended purpose, adding businesses that would provide jobs for our community? A Restaurant, a Bar and Grill? Many small businesses would be a good fit for that area AND an appropriate use of that property. fu mzeatn t#naWfud4,/bl>tl>rn wo#[{il{'eL I would bet if this Section 8 housing project were proposed to be built in your front or back yard you would have the same concerns and oppositionsFs me and my neighbors do. S6i1Lfit*fl- Do the CommonBond executives have any Section 8 housing projects in the neighborhoods they live in? As I understand it, they have proclaimed these projects dramatically increase surrounding property values; lf that is true, it would only be logical that they would put their "projects" in their own backyards and put their money where their mouth is. lhave spoken with manyof the surrounding neighborsand theyare allextremely upsetthatthis project is even being considered. Elk River has plenty of Apartment vacancies and I haven't seen anyone sleeping on the streets in Elk River. Why does CommonBond feel it needs to do this project in Elk River when there are so many other cities that would better benefit? CommonBond should to focus their efforts on helping communities where they are really needed, like rebuiling South Minneapolis. They could really use some "nonprofit" help right now. CommonBond doesn't seem to be using "Common Sense". Reclassification of this properyfrom Highway Businessto High Density Residetialwould be a big rnistake and would DEFINITELY have a negative impact on the surrounding commuities and possibly all of Elk River. -_l_lJ t, {7 ''? DAOS n1f P'U€T (4 flThank You TZ"g Lt t /Li e4ddfg / Rick Pool 11800 194th ave NW Elk River MN 55330. 763-24L-0627 ) Community Watch Paper The impacts of crimes in low-income housing Research reveals that crime rates are increasing in low-income housing areas when compared to high-income housing areas. There are many factors which lead to crimes in those areas and some of them include: . Poverty . Lack of education . Unemployment . Economic crisis . Family problems . Drus and alcohol addiction e .)ic.tnL ltlo!it,^g. use oT weapons Poverty Poverty is the main factor which increases crime rates in low-income housing areas. This is because most families work as laborers and earn low wages. As a result, they cannot afford the rising prices which make adults to commit crimes. Another thing is that poverty leads to behavioral changes in children, teenagers, and adults thereby resulting in crimes. When a family struggles with poverty, it has a high rate of crime rates. Familiesthat are facing poverty may find it difficult to meet their basic needs which eventually result in high crime rates. It has been proved that populations struggling with poverty can leads to social pressure, mental disorders, and other issues. Apart from that, it creates only a few opportunities when it comes to jobs and other things. A family's background also contributes to poverty thereby affecting the quality of life. Poverty leads to socioeconomic gaps which result in crimes. There are some companies that take advantage of poverty people and provide jobs with low wages. ln the US, poverty rates have gone up over recent years which increased the crime rates. Lack of education Families that are having low-income cannot afford quality education to children and many of them may drop out soon. Those who live in low-income residential areas don't have access to schools and colleges that increases crime rates. Education provides ways to get jobs in various organizations that can help to enhance the quality of life to a greater extent. Children and adults living in low-income areas may face troubles in getting admission at good educational institutes due to certain restrictions. A child who drops out of a school may indulge in criminal activities such as thefts, robbery, and violence. Education plays a significant role in shaping the life of a child and several low-income families find it difficult to provide good education to their children. ln addition, it allows a child to focus more on their goals thereby reducing the crime rates effectively. Educating children will result in more advantages that can improve the living standards of a family. Unemployment Nowadays, lay-offs are becoming a common one these days in the developed countries due to financial crisis and advanced technologies. Most low-income families may face the loss of income owing to unemployment problems. Loss of jobs may increase the crime rates which can affect the society in many ways. Even though countries such as the USA offer monetary benefits to unemployed, they don't satisfy the expectations of a family. High competition in jobs also contributes more to unemployment which leads to crimes. Health issues and physicaldisabilities may result in temporary or permanent loss jobs to low-income families. This, in turn, leads to high crime rates causing potential threats. Econom ic crisis The economic crisis is the main factor responsible for unemployment problems which lead to high crime rates. Political instability, inflation, subsidies, and high taxes are some reasons that can result in economic problems. A recent study reveals that economic stress may trigger crimes due to the loss of revenues. Besides that, it will affect the buying capacity of low-income families which eventually results in poverty. The rising GDP may rapidly increase the crimes that can cause several problems. Many low-income families face difficulties in managing their expenses during the ecumenical crisis. Family problems Family problems wlll increase the crime rates in society. With divorce rates are increasing at rapid levels in the US, low-income families don't take care of their children. Some even abandon them which make children become a criminal. Children abandoned by their family may turn violent and aggressive that lead to high crime rates. Breakdown of marriage, communlty, and family will result in high crime rates. Lonellness will lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental issues that can lead to criminal activities. Conflicts and disputes in a family can damage the relationships which affect the behavior of members. Misunderstanding, improper communication, and high emotions can lead to various problems within a family. A lot of crimes in the US happen due to family issues which affect people in several ways. There are several children who suffer from mental disorders due to separation and other issues. ln addition, they behave indifferently when compared to other children. Social problems can increase the crime rates making people indulge in illegal activities. Negligence and violence in a family will ruin the relationships that can result in crimes. Drug and a lcohol addiction Those who live in low-income areas are highly addicted to drug and alcohol addiction which ultimately increase the crime rates. Both drug and alcohol influence people to commit crimes for raising money. Some may even sell drugs for earning high revenues. ln the US, the number of people who use drugs and alcohol comes from low-income areas which result in several offenses. Juvenile drug and alcohol crimes are increasing every year in low-income areas thereby resulting in several problems. Drug or alcohol abuse is a major problem in low-income living areas because both can influence a person's life. They result in the robbery, murder, physical assaults, rape, and other crimes. Some teenagers can join a criminal gang for selling drugs on the markets. People who are not able to malntain their relationshlps properly may become a victim of drug and alcohol addiction soo n. Social problems There are some social problems which can triBger crime rates in low-income housing areas. One of the main issues is racism which leads to the discrimination of people. Nowadays, many people migrate from one place to another place for better jobs and other reasons. However, they face discrimination from other people which leads to crimes. People who come from low-income living areas may face problems in getting recognition from other living communities due to income status. Hatred towards other class of people will lead to high crime rates which affect society significantly. Social inequality is another factor that makes people behave violently that result in crimes. Several organizations today focus on resolving social inequality problems through several sources for improving relationships. At the same time, they are not able to get the desired results due to the arrogant behavior of some people. The use of weapons Weapons such as guns, knives, and rifles play a key role in increasing crime rates as they are available in the markets easily. Gun violence is a major issue in low-housing areas because most adults use them for various criminal activities. Poverty, unemployment, and socialfactors contribute more to gun crimes which affect the society in several ways https://com munitvwatchpaper.orslhish-crime-rates-in-low-income-housing-areas ./: