The Bloomington HRA voted 7-0 to approve its consent agenda. The agenda included resolutions supporting Metropolitan Council Livable Communities Demonstration Account grant applications and final agreements for the Southview Estates rehabilitation project. No commissioner pulled an item for discussion.
Decided: The HRA approved its routine consent items, including the September meeting minutes, support for a Metropolitan Council grant application, and final agreements for the Southview Estates rehab project.
Result: Approved, 7 to 0, by roll call
The meeting video doesn't make clear how each member voted. The city posts official voting results once the minutes are approved.
Following this: Southview Estates rehab: HRA approves final deals
After a HUD-required public hearing drew no speakers in person or online, the HRA voted 7-0 to close the hearing and 7-0 to approve the 2027 Housing Choice Voucher (formerly Section 8) annual and administrative plans. Staff said the agency administers more than 650 vouchers. It keeps a permanently open waitlist of about 7,000 people, which staff said only one other area agency also does. Staff noted administrative plan updates for new HUD income and asset rules (HOTMA) and for stricter federal inspection standards (NSPIRE), which take effect in February 2027. The plans go to HUD by Oct. 17.
Decided: After a public hearing where no one spoke, the HRA approved its 2027 housing voucher (formerly Section 8) plans for submission to the federal housing department.
Result: Approved, 7 to 0, by roll call
The meeting video doesn't make clear how each member voted. The city posts official voting results once the minutes are approved.
Following this: Bloomington HRA approves 2027 Section 8 rules
Staff asked the HRA for $622,222 in Local Affordable Housing Aid as a forgivable 0% loan for The Heights. The 30-unit condominium at 8045 Xerxes Ave. S. has a parking garage that was ordered closed in 2024. Hidden structural deterioration, a buried fuel tank, a non-compliant gas line, prevailing-wage costs and a subcontractor going out of business pushed the project budget from $2.8 million to about $3.5 million, leaving a $697,221.98 shortfall. The HOA would contribute $75,000 first, about $2,500 per unit. Forgiveness after three years would require completing the project, an updated reserve study and higher HOA fees. A companion amendment would push the completion deadline to May 31, 2027; it needs City Council approval, expected on the Oct. 26 consent agenda. The transcript ends during discussion, before any vote.
Following this: Bloomington HRA to weigh state housing aid for The Heights condo rehab, plus a change to its repair deal
Several commissioners raised concerns about the Heights request. They said three years is too short a forgiveness period and asked for a full accounting of cost increases and contractor concessions. They also wanted a firm final project cost and safeguards against another funding request, and one commissioner called for a formal after-action review. Commissioners also asked why the buried fuel tank was not found earlier. An engineer for the project said no records pointed to the tank, and city staff said draining it is a fire department order. Staff said the forgiveness term could be lengthened. Staff also suggested requiring a qualified owner's representative to oversee the rest of construction as a condition of funding.
Following this: Bloomington HRA to weigh state housing aid for The Heights condo rehab, plus a change to its repair deal
The chair of the Heights homeowners board told commissioners the building has decades of deferred maintenance and many senior and fixed-income residents. They said owners cannot sell units while the building is condemned and the HOA cannot collect from owners in default. They described a gas leak, an open excavation that neighborhood children try to enter, and frustration with the project's engineer and contractor over unexplained cost increases. They said the HOA has committed to the $75,000 contribution and a $60,000 assessment over 24 months to rebuild reserves, and would hire an owner's representative if required. Staff said monthly costs per unit could reach roughly $700 to $900, on top of existing assessments of about $400 to $550, which raised commissioner concerns about affordability for residents.
Following this: Bloomington HRA to weigh state housing aid for The Heights condo rehab, plus a change to its repair deal
