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Council declares two transitional-housing properties surplus; city to sell one and convey one to Leah’s Hope
Summary
Midwest City Council voted to declare two single-family properties used in the city’s transitional housing program surplus, authorizing sale of one property and conveyance of the other to local nonprofit Leah’s Hope. Mayor recused himself from the vote because his wife serves on Leah’s Hope’s board.
Vice Mayor Pat Byrne presided over discussion after Mayor Matt recused himself from item 6. City staff introduced a proposal to declare two of the city’s five transitional housing program properties surplus and to authorize officials to execute contracts implementing the dispositions.
A city staff member described the program’s 28-year history of providing transitional housing and case management but said rent revenue no longer sustains the program. “We can't support the program on rent revenue anymore,” the staff presenter said, and recommended surplus of most properties.
The staff member said one of the two properties under consideration is to be sold on the open market “so we can replenish one of our funds,” and the other “we'd like to convey to a partner in the community.” Leah’s Hope, a Midwest City nonprofit that provides 12-month transitional housing to survivors of domestic violence, indicated its interest. Britney Hussain, executive director of Leah’s Hope, told the council: “Absolutely. Yes. We would be happy to utilize that house for our program for sure.”
Council members asked which properties were affected. Staff identified the Crosby Boulevard site as one of the properties; staff said the city originally purchased that property with federal funds. Council discussion noted the city experienced a major sewer backup at the Crosby Boulevard property last spring; staff said insurance covered initial cleanup but that full rehabilitation costs were estimated at about $50,000 to over $100,000, which contributed to the surplus recommendation.
A council member asked whether this action would leave the city with additional transitional units; staff said declaring these two surplus properties would leave three remaining properties in the program and that the city expects to work with Leah’s Hope to transition ownership of some units over the next year or two.
A motion to declare the two properties surplus and authorize implementation passed after the mayor’s recusal. Council recorded no roll-call vote counts in the meeting minutes; the chair announced approval by voice.
Leah’s Hope’s executive director also noted a fundraising luncheon on Feb. 21; the organization’s website was given as www.leahshope.org. Staff said further steps, including required conveyance documentation and contract execution, would be handled by the city manager or designee.
