From:                     Margene Swarts

Sent:                      Thursday, March 25, 2004 2:16 PM

To:                         Mike Wildgen

Cc:                         Victor Torres; Barry Walthall; Frank Reeb; Bobbie Walthall

Subject:                 Special Assessment for 1032 New York

Mike - The structure at 1032 New York was substantially damaged by fire in 2001.  In November, 2002, after inaction by the property owner and appropriate process, City staff arranged for the structure to be demolished and the lot cleared.  A Special Assessment of $3,793.82 was levied by the City against the property to cover the cost of demolition and clearance. 

At this time, the current property owner has agreed to sell the property to Tenants to Homeowners, Inc. who plans to build an affordable single family dwelling on the property for a qualified first time homebuyer.  To facilitate the sale, TTH has requested that the City waive the special assessment for the demolition and clearance. 

I have visited with Victor Torres and Barry Walthall about this and we agree that in the interest of providing affordable housing in the community, the special assessment should be waived.  Additionally, this waived fee can be used as "match" for the City's HOME program (HOME Investment Partnerships Program). 

If approved by the City Commission, it will be necessary for Frank Reeb, City Clerk, to write a letter to the County Clerk's office, requesting that the Special Assessment be removed from the tax roll of the property.  I will work with Frank on that aspect as well. 

If you have further questions, please let me know.  Thank you.  Margene