Fridley Housing and Redevelopment Authority

Details

Last Updated on Saturday, 16 March 2013 14:04

Hits: 15425

Origin of Fridley HRA

In 1947, the Minnesota Legislature created the Minnesota Housing and Redevelopment Authority Act, which authorized cities to create Housing and Redevelopment Authorities (HRAs) charged with improving "substandard conditions" characterized by "dilapidation, obsolescence, overcrowding and faulty arrangement or design of buildings and improvements."

Fridley's HRA was established in 1965 but remained inactive from the late 1960's through the late 1970's. Passage of the 1979 Tax Increment Financing Act created a new development tool that allowed HRAs to use tax increment financing to establish and administer quality development programs. These projects are designed to enlarge the tax base, create jobs, and create vital, attractive businesses in blighted or underdeveloped areas of the City.

View the HRA Budget.

Development and Housing Initiatives

The Authority is also empowered to carry out housing rehabilitation programs and redevelopment projects that create new housing opportunities to meet local housing needs. The Authority also makes use of State and Federal programs to provide housing rehabilitation assistance to those that qualify. State programs include the First Time Home Buyer Program, the Minnesota Fix-Up Fund, and the Home Energy Fund. The Federal programs include the Community Development Block Grant Program and the HOME program.

All of the single- and multiple- family programs are administered under contract by the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE), a non-profit agency based in Minneapolis.

Who manages the HRA?

According to State law, the Mayor with the consent of the City Council, appoints the members of the Authority for a five year term. The Authority is composed of five residents who volunteer their time. The members attend a regular monthly meeting on the first Thursday of the month as well as other meetings as needed.

• Chairperson: Lawrence Commers
• Vice Chairperson: Pat Gabel
• Member: Gordon Backlund
• Member: Bill Holm
• Member: Stephen Eggert

The following city staff members prepare the documentation and reports for HRA consideration:

• Executive Director, HRA: Vacant, City Manager
• Asstistant Executive Director, HRA: Paul Bolin, AICP
• Community Development Director: Scott Hickok, AICP
• Finance Director: Darin Nelson

Foreclosure Awareness

Did you know? Foreclosures affect us all. As home mortgage foreclosures continue to rise throughout the nation, the City of Fridley is also experiencing foreclosures in its neighborhoods. Not only do the property owners suffer from foreclosure, but renters, neighbors and the community are also harmed. The impact of foreclosure often begins before the actual foreclosure process begins. Property owners having financial difficulties may not be able to maintain the property in accordance with city codes. Foreclosed properties may be vacant for several months becoming targets for vandalism and health and safety hazards.

What Is Foreclosure?

Foreclosure is a process where a lender (usually a mortgage company) takes possession of a property to recover the amount owed on a loan by the borrower (property owner). The foreclosure process generally takes months and may end as follows:

• The borrower may pay the defaulted loan amount or negotiate with the lender to reinstate the loan during the grace period, or pre-foreclosure period, prior to the Sheriff's sale.
• The borrower may sell the property to a third party during the pre-foreclosure period, pay off the loan and avoid having a foreclosure on the credit history. A third party may buy the property at a public auction.
• The lender may buy and take ownership of the property, often to re-sell it. The lender may retrieve the property from the borrower during pre-foreclosure or buy back the property at the public auction. Mortgage companies may have a real estate or property preservation company manage the property until the property is re-sold.

You Can Help Prevent Foreclosures

Get assistance or help right away if you are having financial difficulties. Delaying decisions or response to money troubles will leave you with fewer choices. Contact your mortgage company to discuss loan and/or payment options.

Questions?

Contact Paul Bolin, City of Fridley at 763-572-3591 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .