New Housing Ordinance Presented to Rochester City Council
Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - The Rochester City Council may soon consider a new proposed housing-related ordinance aimed at dealing with the lack of affordable homes and apartments.
The Council heard about the affordable housing crunch Monday from those involved in the issue and was given three recommendations from the Rochester Area Foundation. Spokesman Steve Borchardt - who serves as the foundation’s Housing Initiative Director - told the council his organization is willing to begin a fundraising campaign involving the private sector but it needs a commitment from the city. The Olmsted County Board became directly involved last year when it enacted a levy to support housing programs.
One of the recommendations Borchardt presented was a proposed inclusionary housing or zoning ordinance, which has been adopted by other cities. It would require developers of single family housing and multi-family projects to include a certain percentage classified as affordable. The Council will discuss the proposal at a future meeting.
The City Council held a public hearing on its food truck ordinance Monday night but took no action. A vote could take place during the Council’s April 18th meeting.
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