Legacy CDC tells Port Arthur council delays and paperwork stalled downtown homebuilding program; rehabs continue under ARPA funding

Legacy CDC executive director Vivian Blue told the City Council on Feb. 25 that the nonprofit’s housing programs continue to serve Port Arthur, but that administrative and ballot-timing issues have delayed a downtown home-building initiative.

Blue said the nonprofit has rehabilitated 78 homes under a Jefferson County ARPA award of $2.5 million and is working to reach a target of 120 homes this summer. She said homeownership assistance and construction slowed because of rising construction costs, higher interest rates and limited federal funding. “Our last home was built in 02/2022 in the downtown area. It sold for $169,000. Today the same house costs us $189,000 to develop,” Blue said, noting that rising costs and mortgage rates increased monthly payments for buyers.

Legacy CDC also told the council it had EDC board approval in September to pursue up to 60 downtown houses as a redevelopment tool, but that staff timing and ballot scheduling prevented it from reaching the May ballot. Blue described persistent waiting lists (more than 200 households) for home rehab and said the program needs to move forward while federal and local funds remain available.

Council members asked for clarification about whether EDC funds remained available; Councilman Trey Doucette and others said they would confirm with staff and the EDC. City officials committed to providing a written update on the specific fund balance and the steps needed to place the measure on a ballot if the EDC still supports it.

Ending

Legacy CDC asked the council for help to finalize program timelines and ballot placement so the nonprofit can use available funds to complete the housing units it previously promised to the community.