01-09-12 Regular Meeting of La Porte City Council

Browse Search

REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM Agenda Date Requested: January 9, 2012 Requested By: Tim Tietjens Department: Planning Report: X Resolution: Ordinance: X Exhibits: Ordinance Exhibits: Deed Exhibits: Area Map Exhibits: Budget Source of Funds: N/A Account Number: N/A Amount Budgeted: N/A Amount Requested: N/A Budgeted Item: YES NO SUMMARY & RECOMMENDATION Over the past several Nears, the City of La Porte has assisted the La Porte Chapter of Bay Area Habitat for Humanity by donating numerous tax foreclosure properties or other properties owned by the City, for the purpose of providing families of modest means meeting specific income requirements the opportunity to fulfill the dream of home ownership. Home ownership is the single most effective way for many families to build personal wealth. The Habitat for Humanity program utilizes sweat equity of the recipient families and volunteer labor in construction to achieve affordability and long term success of the recipients. The Bay Area Habitat for Humanity has two units currently under construction on N. 7"' Street just north of W. Madison Street, and has requested the City provide two additional building sites to facilitate construction of two more homes over the next program year in the north side of La Porte. The City currently owns six scattered buildable sites within the Northside neighborhood that are part of the City's recently approved HOME program application to Harris County. It was suggested that the City earmark two sites (417 N. 4t" Street and 517 N 3rd Street) out of that application to the Habitat Program. Should City Council approve this action, staff would then endeavor to substitute two sites along N. 7t" within the Northside neighborhood for the Harris County application and revise the application accordingly. Action Required by Council: Approve ordinance authorizing the Mayor to execute a Special Warranty Deed for Lots 25-26, Block 89 and Lots 25-26, Block 105, (417 N. 4t" Street and 517 N 3rd Street) Town of La Porte to the Bay Area Habitat for Humanity. Approved for City Council Agenda Steve Gillett, Interim City Manager Date