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City reports progress on 121 Mill Street resource center; volunteers, tenants and HUD 108 loan noted
Summary
City staff described renovations, volunteer activity and operational plans at the 121 Mill Street resource center, reporting a soft opening that served more than 60 people and ongoing renovations to create space for drop‑in services, a clothing closet and event rentals. Staff said a HUD 108 loan commitment letter is expected in February.
Mr. Holmes, a City of Auburn staff member, gave the council an update on the 121 Mill Street Resource Center renovation and early operations, describing a recent volunteer‑staffed warming/drop‑in event, construction progress and next steps on financing.
He said the space has been refitted with tables and chairs (configured eight per table) to accommodate roughly 100 people, two restrooms with three stalls each, a clothing closet beginning to be stocked, and storage areas for supplies. The center held a drop‑in event the prior Saturday that served “over 60 people.”
Construction work continues in the rear of the building; staff and the drop‑in center have addressed neighborhood concerns and plan a fence between properties later in the spring because winter conditions make installation difficult now. Mr. Holmes credited multiple city departments and community volunteers—East Auburn Church among them—for helping the project quickly reach the soft‑launch point.
On financing, Mr. Holmes said the city is in touch with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development about a Section 108 loan expected to be recommended for a commitment letter in February if the application materials stand. He said HUD staff told the city they do not see issues with the paperwork and that the timeline depends on HUD’s internal process. The city manager and finance director later confirmed that the center’s leases and anticipated rent will be incorporated into the city’s federal budget assumptions for ongoing operating costs; staff said they are confident current letters of intent and lease negotiations indicate the center can generate enough revenue to cover utilities, plowing, maintenance and upkeep, though exact figures were not provided.
Councilors thanked staff and volunteers for the quick start and noted neighbors’ positive responses. Council members also discussed timing for tenant moves (some leases targeted for May 1) and the city’s negotiations with an adjacent landlord at 95 Main Street about post‑move occupancy of that building.
Staff asked the public to send feedback on operational issues to the city so the drop‑in center and partners can respond to concerns rapidly.
