4. Head Start property-Fargo Housing Authority request

ARGO HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY p.o. Box 430 · Fargo, ND 58107. (701) 293-6262 · Fax (701) 293-6269 · wwwofargohousing .org G:r ~~ Mr. Ken Pawluk, Chairman, Cass Co. Board of Commissioners Cass County Government 211 Ninth Street South P.O. Box 2806 Fargo, ND 58108-2806 RECEIVED DEel1020011 CABS COUNTY COMMISSION December 7, 2007 Dear Chairman Pawluk, It is our understanding that the County is moving towards selling a property at 57 11 th Ave. North in Fargo (the "Head Start" building and grounds) as it is no longer needed in the County's property inventory. It is our understanding too, that the building was deeded to the County from the City of Fargo some time in the 1950's and, that there are carrying costs now which the County is incurring largely for the benefit of maintaining two residential apartments at the site. This is to request that you and the Board of Commissioners consider a transfer of the property to the Fargo Housing and Redevelopment Authority, for a nominal amount and, for the purpose of eventual redevelopment of the site to affordable housing. As you are aware, there is a sizable unmet need for affordable housing in the city and county. Too, the creation of new affordable housing typically requires support from a variety of sources to be layered to make it happen. Govemmentalland donation is common to these types of projects around the country. This residential neighborhood and site is most appropriate for housing use and we see it as an opportunity to expand the housing stock in a very efficient way in that there are already services and infrastructure in place and, a denser development here would not contribute to sprawl. Due to the existing lien on the property, and the type and quality of the building on the site, it is evident that there may be a substantial potential cost involved in the preparation of the site for redevelopment. These circumstances make a market rate transaction unworkable for our purpose and means so, we ask that the county consider participating in adding to the affordable housing stock via a nominal cost transfer of the property. We would be pleased to meet with you and the Board of Commissioners if this concept is something the Board chooses to further pursue. Thank you for the consideration. \ Lynn Fundingsland Executive Director cc. Fargo HRA Board of Commissioners, Mayor Dennis Walaker, Mr. Michael Montplaisir