Workshop on development of old Middle School site
Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen's Council Preview |
The Ames City Council begins at 6:00 PM. The agenda includes:
1. Workshop on Redevelopment of 321 State Avenue (Old Middle School Site).
City Council will be looking at several issues related to the 321 State Ave. (Old Middle School) affordable housing site. The overarching issue with the site is how to build yet maintain affordability on the properties. Staff estimate housing costs (rent, utilities, insurance) for a family of 3 making $57K should be around $1400 monthly to fit HUD's definition of affordability. Staff report that this translates to a house with a purchase price at or below $160K. In order to achieve this, it will be necessary to explore creative solutions. Council is being asked for input on the following four topics, detailed in the staff report.
- Rental/ownership – Staff is looking for direction from Council about whether to pursue an ownership model only, or some rental options.
- Building types – Should the City investigate building types like duplexes/triplexes, some rezoning may be required. Other options would include smaller lot sizes, uncovered parking, etc., which should bring down the cost of construction somewhat.
- % affordable housing – Households below 80% of the Ave. Median Income (AMI) are eligible to be considered affordable in this context. The City could go further and target households with lower incomes, such as those at the 60% AMI level. Federal requirements mandate at least 51% affordable housing on this property, since it was purchased w/ CDBG funds. Is Council satisfied w/ 51%, or do we want to seek a higher percentage? Should we target only those at 80% AMI, or should we do more to target those households at 60% AMI?
- Development process – Should the City seek a development partner for the whole site, or invest in engineering and construction of the subdivision and then sell lots to a developer?
Thanks for reading,
Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen
City Council At-Large
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