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Chester council requests details on $849,852 HOME‑ARP allocation to Liberty Housing Development Corporation
Summary
Council members asked for documentation on a proposed $849,852 HOME‑ARP award to Liberty Housing Development Corporation for the Eileen and Sean's Place project and requested a presentation from CEDA before voting.
City Solicitor and council members discussed Resolution 104 — a proposed allocation of HOME American Rescue Plan (HOME‑ARP) funding to Liberty Housing Development Corporation — during the Sept. 22 deliberative meeting and asked staff to provide more detail before the final vote.
The solicitor read the resolutions on the agenda and identified Resolution 104 as: “authorize the allocation of HOME American Rescue Plan (HOME‑ARP) funding to Liberty Housing Development Corporation for the development of the Eileen and Sean's Place rental housing development at 1100‑1130 Morton Avenue.” The resolution package lists the funding amount as $849,852.
A council member asked whether that HOME‑ARP allocation is separate from the city’s ARPA funds, noting the city had previously allocated roughly $30,300,000 in ARPA funding. The solicitor replied, “This is completely different than the $30,300,000 as that was allocated in ARPA funds to the city of Chester,” and confirmed the HOME‑ARP funds originate through HUD.
The council member also asked how the Liberty Housing selection compared with other local housing proposals such as Grace Manor and whether an RFP process had been used for these funds. The solicitor said he did not want to speak for Lisa from CEDA, but indicated his understanding was that an RFP went out for this funding stream and that Grace Manor likely was ineligible due to the HOME‑ARP income restrictions. The council member said they wanted Lisa present and requested the information before Wednesday’s council meeting.
The solicitor agreed to have staff prepare a short presentation in advance of the final vote on Wednesday so council members would have application and eligibility details.
Other resolutions were read into the record at the start of the meeting, including a change order for contractors (Resolution 105), a preliminary/final minor subdivision and lot consolidation plan (Resolution 106), updated towing and storage rates effective Jan. 1, 2026 (Resolution 107), and an appointment to the Stormwater Authority Board (Resolution 108); the solicitor said Resolution 109 would be withdrawn.
