Council backs developer’s renewed push for tax credits and permit‑fee waiver for Terrace Crossing; one commissioner objects

The Independence City Council on Sept. 2 approved a resolution supporting Terrace Crossing Apartments’ renewed application for Missouri low‑income housing tax credits and authorized staff to provide a building‑permit fee waiver if the developer is awarded credits. The resolution (25-784) passed 5-1; Council member Stewart voted no. The roll‑call yes votes were Council members Fears, Perkins, McCandless, Wiley and Mayor Roland. Why it matters: state low‑income housing tax credits are competitive; local incentives such as fee waivers can increase a project’s score and improve its chances of receiving credits. If awarded, the project would add 60 units of affordable housing in the city and the developer says it intends to target families in the local school district. Developer representative Jeff Beckler said the project is intended to help fill local gaps in safe, affordable housing. He noted the developer returned to the council after receiving feedback from the state and improving the application’s competitiveness. City staff explained the role of a local incentive in the state scoring process. The City Manager said the resolution would permit staff to waive building‑permit fees as part of an incentive package, if the developer is selected. Tom Sconella, the City’s community development director, estimated the building‑permit fee for the 60‑unit project would be “a little over $90,000,” and he noted there may be other ancillary fees. Council members confirmed the city has waived or reduced permit fees for incentive packages in prior projects. Opposition and concerns: Council member Stewart said she would vote no because of two concerns — the permit‑fee waiver and a letter from the school district’s interim superintendent expressing worry that the development could strain district resources. Stewart said those two considerations influenced her vote. Supporters said the development partners with Community Services League to provide wrap‑around services for residents and that the developer intends to prioritize families already in the district, a point supporters said could lessen school impacts. Action taken: Resolution 25‑784 passed 5-1 authorizing the city to sign a letter of support and to provide the described fee waiver as part of a local incentive package if the project receives state tax credits. The council did not grant any land approvals or building permits as part of the vote; standard planning and permitting processes will still apply. Next steps: the developer will submit the improved application to the state housing authority. If awarded tax credits, the developer will return to the city for required permits and any additional local approvals; the waiver of permit fees would be executed administratively in accordance with the authority granted by the council.