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Council authorizes letter of intent for CDBG to support Meadowlark affordable housing project
Summary
The Powell City Council voted to authorize a letter of intent for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application to support Meadowlark Townhomes, a 24-unit affordable housing project planned on Panther Boulevard across from the stadium.
The Powell City Council voted to authorize a letter of intent for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application to support Meadowlark Townhomes, a 24-unit affordable housing project planned on Panther Boulevard across from the stadium.
The letter of intent (LOI) authorized by the council is a preliminary step to allow the city to submit CDBG materials on behalf of the developer. "We are requesting the city's support and authorization to submit a letter of intent and then hopefully an application for Community Development Block Grant," said Andrew Skorpar of Harm Development, the project's developer.
Meadowlark Townhomes is planned as three buildings with two- and three-bedroom units. Skorpar told the council that about 95% of project financing is committed through housing tax credits and HOME funds, and the development team is seeking CDBG to fill the remaining gap. He said site acquisition is an eligible use of CDBG and cited ongoing technical questions with the Wyoming Community Development Authority (WCDA) and its consultant about the mechanism to transfer grant funds from the city to the project.
City staff and the developer said the LOI does not obligate the city to the project beyond submitting initial paperwork. "Right now, the request is for a letter of intent. It doesn't commit you to anything at this point other than saying you're interested," said Zach, a city staff member leading the agenda item.
Council members were told the LOI deadline is at the end of the month and the developer expects to have outstanding technical questions answered within about 7 to 10 days and to return to council in early September for formal authorization to submit a full application.
Council approved the motion to authorize the mayor to sign and submit the LOI. The vote was taken by voice and carried.
Next steps: the developer will work with WCDA to finalize the grant transfer mechanism and, if WCDA confirms eligibility, return to the council for formal approval of a full CDBG application and any related commitments.
