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Commission revisits $2 million land‑bank MOU; members press for South Side investments and medical‑district focus
Summary
The commission discussed revisions to a memorandum of understanding to direct $2 million to the land bank for housing initiatives — including a proposed $1 million focus on the medical district and the remainder for areas near city‑owned assets — and asked staff to clarify paragraph text and project stewardship.
City Attorney Michael Custer returned a revised memorandum of understanding on June 3 that reflects earlier commission direction to dedicate $2,000,000 to land‑bank housing initiatives and to target some funds to specified areas.
Under the revised proposal discussed publicly, commissioners said roughly $1,000,000 should support projects adjacent to the medical district and the remainder should be used for parcels near city‑owned assets, including Story Road and city parks. “This is a golden opportunity,” Commissioner John Howard said, urging use of American Rescue Plan Act funds and year‑end settlement dollars to stimulate South Side investment.
Why it matters
The MOU would direct city funds to the Land Bank Authority to acquire lots, support workforce housing and attract developers to underinvested neighborhoods. Commissioners framed the allocation as a tool to leverage private development near city holdings and to address workforce housing shortages.
Key points from the discussion
- Scope: Commissioners agreed the MOU should prioritize parcels near city assets and the medical district; language in a draft paragraph was flagged for revision so the medical‑district allocation is explicitly overseen and shepherded by staff.
- Funding sources: Speakers referenced ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act of 2021) and year‑end settlement monies as the likely sources for portions of the allocation; participants also referenced concurrent land‑bank resources.
- Implementation: The city manager and land‑bank representatives said a contractor is under contract to develop prototype house plans and that two lots in Ragsdale Park were close to permit submission. A developer has reportedly purchased remaining lots in a Ragsdale subdivision and has asked for financial assistance for construction; commissioners asked staff to outline assistance terms.
Next steps
Commissioners asked the city attorney to revise the MOU paragraph to clarify that $1,000,000 will be directed to medical‑district projects and that the land bank will manage purchases near other city properties. No formal vote was recorded at the meeting; the MOU will return for final action after staff edits and additional discussions.
Ending
Commissioners characterized the approach as a compromise to direct funds where they may leverage additional private investment; staff will return with a revised MOU and implementation details.
