The Finance and Personnel Committee voted unanimously on June 5 to approve a development agreement with Haven on Main LLC for an affordable, accessible housing project at the corner of Main Street and Tenth Street North.

Speakers at the public hearing urged committee members to approve the agreement. Charlotte Grant, a longtime La Crosse resident, described Haven on Main as “an asset in Downtown La Crosse” that will welcome residents "of all abilities" and provide on-site services to support independent living. Rick Dearmeier, president of the board of Haven for Special People, said the project is modeled on successful developments such as Prairie House (a Home of Our Own project in New Glarus), noted WHEDA tax-credit financing of about $12.5 million, and emphasized the site’s proximity to transit, the library, employment centers and other services.

Council members asked procedural questions and then moved the resolution forward (motion to adopt by Council member Janssen, seconded by Council member Northwood). After closing the public hearing and brief discussion, the committee approved the development agreement unanimously.

Staff noted the project’s financing includes Low-Income Housing Tax Credit awards from the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) with time-sensitive deadlines tied to tax-credit financing. Supporters told the committee that the project’s design intends to blend residents with and without disabilities and provide onsite assistance and connectivity to neighborhood services.

The committee’s approval advances the project toward final execution of financing and development agreements; staff indicated further implementation steps and deadlines tied to tax-credit and construction timelines will follow.