Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Affordable Housing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Developer urges Huntington to use Emery County affordable-housing funds for local homes
Summary
A developer told Huntington's planning and zoning committee that Emery County has set aside affordable-housing funds (from local solar revenue) that could pay infrastructure for a new subdivision; he proposed a phased, locally tailored single-family program and will follow up with plans and CRA/housing-committee meetings.
A developer from Richfield told Huntington's Planning & Zoning Committee on Dec. 11 that Emery County has allocated funds for affordable housing that could be used to build homes in Huntington if the municipality is willing to host a project.
"We may lose them if they're not utilized," developer Tyson Curtis said, describing county and CRA staff discussions and asking the committee to consider a city-owned site near Center Street and 400 East as a possible location. Curtis said the county's allocation originates from revenue tied to local solar projects: "10% of the revenue that comes from those solar panels in your county is allocated to be used for affordable housing within Emery County."
Curtis described an early-stage plan in which CRA or county funding would cover infrastructure construction that the city would then retain, while his firm would build homes and pass savings on to local buyers. He said preliminary layouts average about 0.55 acres per lot and that the group's target price for a new home is "around $300,000," though product type is still under discussion.
Committee members asked about utilities, floodplain and lot configuration. Staff and members repeatedly urged Curtis to coordinate with the special service district and to supply assurances the state now requires for plat approval, including culinary-water and sanitary-sewer plans or financial guarantees. Curtis said he is meeting the CRA and housing committee next week and will email a slideshow of proposed layouts to Huntington staff for review.
Why it matters: The proposal would use county-directed affordable-housing revenue aimed at retaining housing investment inside Emery County. Using those funds for infrastructure can lower costs to buyers, but state subdivision rules and local utility approvals must be satisfied before a plat can be approved.
What's next: Curtis will provide plans to staff; committee members advised that utility agreements or assurances will be needed before a plat recommendation can move to city council.
