In October 2016, the City of Auburn Planning Board approved the site plan for a community improvement project that will renovate the public housing complex at Melone Village. Melone Village is currently a 188-unit complex owned by Auburn Housing Authority. It was built in 1955 and 1965 and requires extensive renovations.

The Housing Authority’s not-for-profit affiliate, AHA Development Corporation, recently applied for and received a Unified Funding Round award from New York State Homes & Community Renewal to complete a gut-rehab of 70 of the units. The rehabilitation of the first 70 units will cost approximately $13 million and will include the following scope of work:

·         Asbestos abatement and full replacement of walls, ceilings, floors,  

       and interior doors

·         New duct work and insulation

·         Overhead lighting, hardwired smoke and carbon monoxide systems

·         New kitchens and bathrooms with improved ventilation

·         New windows, exterior doors, and storm doors

·         Elimination of water in basements

·         Concrete pads in front of each entrance, new porch overhangs,

       shutters

·         Repointing of brick, new roofs as needed

·         Gutters will be tied into storm drains

·         2 new playgrounds and elevated community gardens

·         New community building with on-site laundry, computer lab, and

       maintenance and office space

·         New road connecting Merriman Street parking area (off Thornton

      Avenue) to Milligan Street parking area (off Chapman Avenue)

·        Creation of 9 handicapped-accessible units at 4 units equipped for

       those with an audio or visual impairment

·         Net reduction of 8 residential units (from 70 units to 62 units)

In connection with the renovation project, Auburn Housing Authority is requesting that the City transfer Merriman Street to it for $1. Merriman Street runs east of Thornton Avenue into a dead-end parking area in Melone Village and solely serves the tenants of Melone Village. Auburn Housing Authority intends on making the following improvements, valued at approximately $90,000, to Merriman Street for the benefits of its tenants:

·         Starting at the intersection with Thornton Avenue, replace sidewalks

       on either side of Merriman Street

·         Replace curbing along Merriman Street as needed

·         Mill current pavement and repave Merriman Street

·        Create parking areas by restriping, adding signage and pole

       lighting, and adding crosswalks

·         Extend Merriman Street through the Melone Village complex so that

       it ties in with the Milligan Street to enhance access for emergency

       responders

·         Create additional parking on either side of the extended portion of

       Merriman Street.

The transfer of Merriman Street will benefit the Melone Village tenants, but also relieve the City from future costs associated with maintaining the Street.

A copy of the Survey and draft deed for this proposed transfer is attached hereto for Council review.

RECOMMENDATION:

It is recommended that the City discontinue use of the property located at Merriman Street as a City Street, and transfer this real property to Auburn Housing Authority, while retaining easements for existing and future water and sewer easements.

None. Auburn Housing Authority has agreed to pay all closing costs associated with the transfer of Merriman Street.