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Garden City backs Petra Residences' application for moderate‑income housing grants and tax credits
Summary
The Garden City Commission voted to support Petra Investment Partners' application for Kansas MIH grants and housing tax credits to build about 40 one‑ and two‑bedroom moderate‑income units near Jenny Barker north of Highway 156; staff said grants are limited and the developer said tax credits are essential to close the financing gap.
The Garden City Commission on Nov. 5 approved a resolution authorizing the city to participate in the Kansas Moderate Income Housing (MIH) grant program and the Kansas Housing Investor Tax Credit (KHITC) application for Petra Residences Garden City, a proposed development by Petra Investment Partners, LLC.
City planner Danielle told commissioners the MIH program allows incorporated Kansas cities under 60,000 population to request grants or loans for infrastructure or housing developments and that awards are limited to no more than $650,000 per awardee. She said the project is located along Jenny Barker north of Highway 156, has submitted a rezoning application that fits the city's comprehensive plan, and is proposed as two buildings (shown as buildings A and B in the staff maps) containing about 40 units — roughly 20 one‑bedroom and 20 two‑bedroom units.
Tylen, a representative for Petra who participated by phone, said the proposed financing package needs both MIH funds and tax credit proceeds. "Most definitely," Tylen said when asked whether the tax‑credit funds were imperative, adding that construction costs have risen and the combined MIH and tax credit awards are necessary to close the gap and keep rents aligned with Garden City market levels. Tylen said the application will be filed later this month and that awards typically are announced in early spring; if successful, final design would follow and the developer hopes to begin construction by mid‑to‑late summer next year, with an estimated 12–14 months to build the two buildings.
Staff noted there is no fiscal impact to the city for submitting the application and that the city applies on behalf of developers as required by program rules. Commissioners asked about competitiveness and the project's fit with recent housing‑need findings; Danielle referred to the city's 2024 CHAT report showing ongoing need for moderate housing in Garden City.
A commissioner moved to approve the resolution of support; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.
The resolution gives city staff the authority to participate in the MIH/KHITC application process on behalf of Petra Investment Partners. The application will proceed through state scoring and award processes; the commission will consider any subsequent land‑use approvals or binding financing commitments if and when they are required.
