Committee backs 9‑year tax abatement for 16‑unit workforce housing project north of Lincoln Way West

John Wolnar, assistant director of Growth & Opportunity, presented a request from Allen Edwin Homes LLC for a real property tax abatement on April 28, describing a 16‑unit infill rental project on several parcels north of Lincoln Way West. Wolnar said the redevelopment commission currently owns the parcels and has an active purchase agreement with the developer.

“Allen Edwin has committed to using local labor as much as possible,” Wolnar said, and the project design includes a mix of single‑family, duplex and a quadplex (cottage‑court style). The total project investment is approximately $2.5 million, Wolnar said, and 12 of the 16 units are under agreement to be affordable to households at or below 120% of area median income (workforce housing) for a term agreed with the city.

Brian Farkas of Allen Edwin Homes described scheduling and operations: the developer is in engineering review, expects to close on the land in July and begin work soon after. In response to public questions at the committee, Wolnar said estimated rents for two‑bedroom units under the affordability covenant will be capped at about $1,500–$1,600 per month. Wolnar also explained the 9‑year tax abatement would significantly increase the site’s tax base compared with leaving the land vacant; staff presented estimated tax receipts over 9, 10 and 20 years in committee materials.

There were no public speakers opposed. The committee moved Resolution/Bill 25‑26 forward with a favorable recommendation on a roll call (6 ayes).