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Commission approves RHID findings for Fairway Vista, clearing way for 14 new rental duplexes
Summary
The commission adopted findings for a proposed Fairway Vista Reinvestment Housing Incentive District covering seven existing lots on Diamond Head Road; staff said the plan would yield 14 three‑bedroom, two‑bath rental duplexes and relies on recent RHID statute changes allowing captured property taxes to pay vertical construction costs for existing-lot projects.
The Ottawa City Commission voted Oct. 16 to adopt a resolution making findings that support a proposed Fairway Vista Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID), a step that clears the way for later negotiations on incentive amounts and a development agreement.
Tyler, a city staff member presenting remotely, said the project calls for constructing 14 duplex rental units on seven existing vacant lots on Diamond Head Road. The units are planned as three‑bedroom, two‑bath rental homes. Tyler told the commission the project has received an award under the Kansas housing investor tax credit program and that a statutory change now allows RHID‑captured property taxes to be used to pay vertical construction costs when infrastructure has been in place for at least 10 years — a condition Tyler said these lots meet.
Tyler emphasized the resolution before the commission simply makes findings that incentives are needed to address housing demand and does not commit the city to any dollar amounts or duration. "At a later date we will be back before you with a development agreement that sets forth exactly the dollar amount and duration of the incentive request," he said.
A commissioner moved to approve item 11a; a roll-call vote recorded yes from Mayor Pro Tem Allen, Commissioner Clayton, Commissioner Kaler and Mayor Mike Skidmore (Commissioner Crowley absent). The motion carried.
If the project advances, staff said the city will return for two additional hearings: one to consider a development agreement with specific financial terms and another to finalize the RHID collection schedule.
