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Housing Trust Fund Commission approves multiple contract amendments and one-year extensions for round-10 grantees
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Summary
The commission approved contract amendments and one-year extensions for Project Return, Park Center, Be a Helping Hand Foundation (two awards) and New Level CDC, and staff described a new affordable-housing permitting flag to speed reviews.
The Metropolitan Housing Trust Fund Commission on Sept. 23 approved a series of contract amendments and one-year extensions for multiple round-10 grantees, moving several projects forward while staff work to strengthen permitting and compliance processes.
Votes at a glance - Project Return: Amendment to extend term 12 months and reduce the $190,884 award by the repaid amount; revised award $149,131. Motion by Anton, seconded by Tempo; approved by voice vote. - Park Center: Amendment to extend term 12 months and update contract address (from 4501 Gallatin Pike to 1095 Gwen Drive) to match permitting; motion approved. - Be a Helping Hand Foundation (Robertson Street): One-year extension for the award to build three rental homes; grantee pursuing MDHA HOME or CITC financing and will proceed with alternate financing if necessary; motion approved. - Be a Helping Hand Foundation (Fourteenth Avenue North): One-year extension for second award (approximately $449,300) for two rental homes; motion approved. - New Level CDC (Artist Lofts/Townhomes): One-year extension approved after discussion of delays tied to Metro sewer work and a redesign of the WEGO transit center; grantee said grading permits and final site plan approvals were expected this week and that financing is available if interest rates and soft funding align.
Commission debate focused on project timelines and the fiscal trade-offs of holding significant Barnes Fund dollars in long-delayed projects. One commissioner noted roughly $3 million tied up on a project as a concern; another argued some delays were caused by shifting transit plans and permitting rather than grantee inaction. Director Hubbard encouraged grantees to request a new affordable-housing permit in Metro's permitting system, which flags Barnes Fund projects for prioritized review across departments.
What’s next: Staff said they will continue to track permits, financing developments (MDHA HOME awards, CITC decisions), and the Frazer Dieter compliance review; the commission set a follow-up schedule and will receive additional information about amendment frequency.
