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Albany Commission OKs $220,000 ARP Infusion for Carroll Street Townhomes
Summary
The Albany City Commission unanimously approved a resolution to allocate $220,000 in remaining American Rescue Plan funds to MP Organization LLC for completion of the 32-unit Carroll Street townhome development; terms mirror the original agreement with 50% repayable and 50% forgiven upon satisfactory completion.
The Albany City Commission voted unanimously Sept. 2 to authorize an additional $220,000 from American Rescue Plan funds to MP Organization LLC to support completion of the Carroll Street Garden townhome development at 108 South Carroll Street.
City staff told commissioners the developer expanded an earlier plan for two duplexes into a 32-unit townhome project serving both households at risk of homelessness and market-rate renters. Officials said higher costs from switching to underground stormwater retention, weather and supply-chain delays created the shortfall. Staff recommended using remaining ARP grant dollars to cover the gap and said the funds would be offered on the same terms as the original agreement: half repayable to the city and half forgiven after satisfactory completion and monitoring.
A representative for MP Organization described construction progress, saying three of four buildings are up and that appliances were upgraded through a negotiated arrangement with GE. The developer estimated exterior finishes and windows will be in place before year-end and that lease-up could begin in January. The presenter said the site includes an underground retention system beneath green space and that Phoebe Putney will partner on a community garden to maintain that open area.
Commissioners asked whether the underground retention would be beneath buildings (it will not), for confirmation of the 15-year affordability monitoring period required under HUD-related programs (staff said the affordability term is 15 years with annual monitoring), and how the garden and retention will be maintained (the presenter said Phoebe Putney will sponsor and help maintain the garden, with resident access for gardening). Staff noted 13 of the 32 units will be designated affordable under the current allocations.
An unidentified commissioner moved for adoption of the resolution and the motion was seconded; Miss Talbot called the roll and all present voted yes, including the mayor. Following approval, commissioners discussed the project name; the developer said the working name was Carroll Street Garden Townhomes and that it could be changed if desired.
The resolution also specifies that 50% of the additional amount will be repaid to the city and 50% forgiven upon satisfactory completion and monitoring of affordability terms. The commission adjourned the special call meeting and recessed before the work session.
The city and developer said they will provide construction updates and monitoring reports as required under the ARP and HUD-related terms.
