Council approves electrical distribution fee waiver to support five rental workforce homes on Porter Street

The Seaford City Council unanimously approved Aug. 12 a request from BCD and E Investments to reduce electrical distribution fees for a five-home workforce rental development on Porter Street. Economic development staffer Trish Newcomer told council the property (tax map numbers provided in the packet) is under development behind Stein Highway near Colonial Gardens. Developer Brad Kaufman said five rental units are under construction and expected to be ready by Sept. 1. The developer has invested roughly $800,000 in the project and already paid about $38,000 in permits and impact fees, Newcomer said. The Economic Development Committee recommended waiving equipment fees ($2,540) and waiving half of labor fees (about $24,000), for a total incentive/reduction of $4,940 as presented in the staff package. Councilman Bradley moved approval; Councilman Cohen seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Why it matters: The incentive is intended to reduce upfront utility-connection costs that can be a barrier for workforce rental projects and to accelerate occupancy for housing in an area the city identified for development. Next steps: city staff will implement the fee waiver as presented and coordinate with the developer on the electrical tie-ins.