City Council Moves Toward Forming Poway Housing Authority

The City Council adopted a resolution to begin the process of forming a Poway Housing Authority in an effort to protect about $7 million from a possible state grab.

Poway's move, which is comparable to other resolutions adopted by cities throughout the state, comes in response to Gov. Jerry Brown's proposal to eliminate redevelopment agencies in an attempt to help close a $26 billion deficit.

Though the City Council adopted the resolution recommended by city staff, Councilman Jim Cunningham said no one can be sure the move would successfully protect Poway's dollars.

"There's no certainty this will work," he said.

According to a staff report, the Poway Redevelopment Agency has invested about $37 million in affordable housing developments and has a waiting list for more affordable housing projects.

Other cities are forming similar city groups while the city of San Diego approved $4 billion in redevelopment projects to protect its money.

A spokesman for Brown, however, criticized cities' efforts to shield redevelopment funds while the state is forced to make cuts to schools and services.

"It's a shame that local elected officials are rushing to shift billions of taxpayer dollars into redevelopment projects while simultaneously proposing major cuts to education, public safety and other core services," Evan Westrup said.

The move allows the City Council to serve as commissioners for the authority.

In other council business:

• The City Council approved an ordinance to amend the number of units designated for the Brighton Place Specific Plan, an affordable housing project.
• The council approved a variance for the construction of a single-story, two-door garage on Aubrey Street.
• City staff gave the City Council and public a mid-year report on finances and department goals. Among the findings: Sales tax revenue is expected to be higher than anticipated but lower than FY 2009-2010, and $1.1 million in general fund savings is projected from position vacancies and other cuts. A financial plan for FY 2011-12 is currently being developed.
• In council members' comments, Councilman Dave Grosch thanked volunteers at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts, Cunningham gave an update on Metropolitian Transit System matters and Mayor Don Higginson told attendees about a meeting he and Grosch had with Poway Unified School District officials. Higginson, a BYU fan, also spoke about a bet made with SDSU fan Cunningham which led to Cunningham being forced to wear a BYU hat briefly at the meeting.
• City Manager Penny Riley informed the public that the mayor will also give his State of the City address to the Poway Chamber of Commerce members on Thursday. Tickets to attend that event are $35.
• Higginson also delivered his annual State of the City address. See Patch's full coverage of the address .

Councilwoman Merrilee Boyack was absent from the meeting to visit her just-born granddaughter.