Hubbard County HRA discusses possible partnership for school-built house on Nevis lot; costs and logistics unclear

Hubbard County HRA staff told directors a representative from the City of Nevis and HRDC approached the agency about partnering on a school-built house on an HRA-owned lot on Evergreen Court in Nevis.

Staff said the HRA still owns the lot in that cul-de-sac, that previous HRA/school partnerships had been done in the same neighborhood, and that the city requested the HRA's interest before the school proceeds. Board members asked staff to have the city/school make a formal request to the HRA before committing resources.

Key issues identified - Construction feasibility and instructional scope: With current licensing and building practices, staff said students can typically perform many carpentry tasks but electricians and plumbers now must be licensed and much of the work must be subcontracted; that raises costs and reduces the project's ability to be purely an affordable-home solution rather than primarily an educational opportunity. - Financing: Staff noted the HRA no longer has the internal construction-set-aside resources it once did; any new build would likely need construction financing, which increases expense and complexity compared with past projects. - Estimated cost: Staff offered a planning-range estimate of about $275,000'$300,000 for a municipal‑services house under current conditions; the number was presented as an estimate and not a firm bid. - Lot issues: staff observed potential neighbor encroachment on the parcel and noted adverse-possession timelines (15 years mentioned by a board member); the HRA has roughly $17,000 already invested in the lot and would need to resolve any boundary or encroachment issues before building or selling.

Why it matters: the project could provide educational opportunities and add housing stock in Nevis, but it likely will not be a low-cost affordable-housing solution without subsidies or construction discounts.

Board direction: staff will await a formal written request from the city or school and will not proceed to commit HRA funding until construction financing, scope and encroachment questions are resolved. Some board members suggested alternative approaches such as selling the lot or soliciting a builder to construct and sell a house on reasonable terms.

Ending: The idea remains in early stages; staff and board agreed to remain in contact with city and HRDC representatives and to reconvene if a formal proposal with financing and timeline is submitted.