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Council reviews MOA with Neighborhood Housing Services to build up to three affordable homes on East Avenue
Summary
The council heard a memorandum of agreement with Neighborhood Housing Services to develop up to three for‑sale homes at 644–654 East Avenue targeted to low‑ and moderate‑income buyers; sale prices have not yet been set and Hayden said deed restrictions that favor long‑term owner occupancy (commonly five years) can be included.
Executive Director of Neighborhood Services Liz Hayden told the council the city has a proposed memorandum of agreement with Neighborhood Housing Services to construct new for‑sale homes at 644–654 East Avenue. Under the current plan the parcel could support three homes if related land transfers proceed; Hayden described the MOA as an early, commitment step that enables architects and engineering work necessary to determine final costs and sales prices.
Hayden said the homes would be targeted for lower‑ and moderate‑income families; the exact sales prices are "to be determined." Council members asked about occupancy restrictions to discourage speculative re‑sale and Hayden said the funding approach is flexible and deed restrictions are common, typically a five‑year owner‑occupation requirement, though longer terms could be negotiated.
Why it matters: The project is an initial step in neighborhood revitalization for Jefferson and aims to expand home‑ownership options locally. Council members from Jefferson and other wards expressed support and described the proposal as part of a longer‑term revitalization effort that also complements other nearby infill and redevelopment projects.
Next steps: Hayden said staff will continue negotiations on land transfers and finalize contractual terms with Neighborhood Housing Services; construction timing depends on those steps, but Hayden suggested work could begin and the city hopes to see homes built in 2025 if scheduling and approvals permit.
