City staff told the Board of Public Works and Safety on Nov. 18 that the state has provided a preliminary commitment letter for a $1,000,000 REDI 2 grant to support the Advantix Lake Point project, an affordable housing development that would use awarded low-income housing tax credits.

The presenter said the project covers three sites, including the western two-thirds of the city-owned Scott Field. Because the proposed cottage-style, single-story homes would follow an existing neighborhood pattern, the development team is seeking variances from minimum lot size and setback requirements: front setback reduced to 10 feet, combined side setbacks to total 10 feet (allowing 0 feet on one side in some cases), rear setback to 5 feet, lot size from 5,000 to 4,000 square feet, and lot width from 50 to 40 feet. The board voted to allow staff to submit the variance application to the Board of Zoning Appeals for the Dec. 9 meeting.

Why it matters: Staff said the variances are intended to permit infill housing that matches surrounding block patterns and to make the project feasible under the terms of awarded tax credits. Project proponents told the board that once tax-credit values are sold on the open market the final home price points will be clearer and that a 2026 ground-breaking is possible if approvals and financing proceed on schedule.

Supporting details: The presenter noted the city has been updating its comprehensive plan and zoning code to better accommodate infill, and that the project design aims to mirror adjacent development patterns on Jefferson and Holcomb streets. The board’s approval was procedural — authorizing application submission rather than granting the variances themselves — and staff said the Park Board will consider a similar request the following day.

Quotes: “This is an affordable housing project — low-income housing tax-credit properties — and now that the tax credits have been awarded, they need to be sold on the open market,” the presenter said, noting price points will be determined later. At the meeting, one member said the project was “a great project” and thanked staff for pursuing state funding.

What’s next: Staff will file the variance application for the Dec. 9 Board of Zoning Appeals meeting and continue coordinating with the parks board and state partners. The BZA decision will determine whether the requested reductions in setbacks and lot sizes are approved.