Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Affordable Housing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves development agreement for 16 "neuro-inclusive" micro-houses at Hester Road
Summary
Oxford approved a development agreement with Inclusive Housing Resources to build up to 16 deed-restricted, neuro-inclusive micro-houses on city-owned property at 5234 Hester Road; project timeline is three years with up to three one-year extensions and includes affordability protections.
Oxford City Council voted to authorize the city manager to sign a development agreement with Inclusive Housing Resources for affordable housing on city-owned property at 5234 Hester Road.
Jessica, a city staff member, told council the city purchased the property with American Rescue Plan funds to advance the comprehensive plan goal of ensuring housing affordability and attainability. The city issued a request for proposals in January 2025; four proposals were received and the Housing Advisory Commission recommended the Inclusive Housing Resources and Empower Me Living partnership. Following further negotiation, Inclusive Housing Resources was designated the lead developer for legal purposes, with Empower Me Living continuing as a public-facing partner.
Jessica said the plan calls for 16 "neuro-inclusive" micro-houses, each up to 700 square feet. The development agreement allows three years for construction and provides three opportunities to extend — potentially six years total — to accommodate development timelines. Inclusive Housing Resources will act as homeowners association manager and screen for affordability. Affordability will be deed restricted and the agreement contains protections and remedies for the city if terms are not met.
Council members praised staff for the detailed development agreement and protections included because the parcel is city-owned and presents implementation risk if partners do not perform. A councilor said the item "has been a long time coming" and thanked applicants and staff for working toward a solution that preserves city interests while advancing housing goals.
The council adopted the resolution by voice vote.
Why it matters: The project uses city-owned land bought with American Rescue Plan funds and implements a housing goal in the city comprehensive plan. The units are explicitly deed-restricted for affordability and tailored for neuro-inclusive housing needs, creating a small-scale, targeted affordable housing project in Oxford.
