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Commission approves Vision Fund assistance to convert motel into New Freedom family treatment center
Summary
The commission approved a Vision Fund-supported flexPACE match to buy down interest on permanent financing for New Freedom Family Center to convert the Skyline/Best Western motel into a substance-use and pregnant/parenting-women treatment facility; the operator described near-term operations and funding sources.
City staff presented a Vision Fund Committee recommendation to provide a local flexPACE match and interest buy-down to support permanent financing for New Freedom Family Center's acquisition and conversion of the former Skyline/Best Western motel. The project is intended to house pregnant and parenting women and provide substance-use treatment and case management services.
Joshua Olsen, representing the New Freedom Family Center, described the program as a 40-year organization that expanded in 2025 to add the family-focused facility, which is currently occupied and serving clients. "We're actually full right now," Olsen said, noting the facility provides private rooms and supports residents who bring dependents. He told commissioners much of the early funding came from private finances and in-kind donations (clothing, toys); the group will pursue additional donations and funding sources going forward.
Commissioners asked about financing and fundraising. Staff confirmed the Vision Fund reviewed the application and recommended a flexPACE local match and interest buy-down on the permanent loan (terms discussed: buy-down period of 20 months with an 80-month total payment term). After brief questions, a commissioner moved to approve the staff recommendation; the motion passed on a roll call vote with all present commissioners voting yes.
The commission's action authorizes staff to finalize the loan match and buy-down as recommended by the Vision Fund Committee; the project team may proceed with permanent financing as outlined.
