Monona council approves WEDC grant application to support 55‑unit senior affordable housing project

City staff and Northpointe Development presented an application to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s Idle Sites Redevelopment program to support phase two of the Northpointe project on East Broadway.

City staff explained the grant is a time‑sensitive, first‑come, first‑served program that can offer up to $250,000 to remediate and redevelop sites that have been idle or underutilized for at least two years. Sean O’Brien of Northpointe Development told council the second phase would deliver 55 age‑restricted, low‑income housing tax credit units with one‑ and two‑bedroom floor plans and that eligible costs include infrastructure, demolition, soils remediation and land purchase.

“...this is 55 units of age restricted low income housing tax credit units and will include 1 and 2 bedroom units,” Sean O’Brien said, summarizing the proposal. City staff confirmed the city would act as the grant applicant and pass funds through to the developer if awarded; no city match is required for the WEDC program.

Council approved a motion to allow staff to submit the grant application and a draft developer agreement outlining that the city would be indemnified and that the developer would be responsible for repaying any grant if required. Several council members asked about competitiveness; staff said the program has limited annual funds and operates largely on an eligible‑project, first‑come basis.

The resolution to authorize submitting the application was approved by voice vote on Jan. 5.