Oshkosh RDA approves sale of 347 West 7th Avenue to First Place Homes for $1, contingent on deed‑restriction review

The Oshkosh Redevelopment Authority voted to approve the sale of 347 West 7th Avenue to First Place Homes LLC for $1, adopting Resolution 2602 but noting a legal contingency on deed restrictions.

Staff explained that First Place Homes (represented in discussion by a participant identified as “Bob”) intends to begin a pilot program starting with the single lot and build to RDA‑approved workforce housing specifications. Bob asked to purchase the lot for $1; staff said the developer would help select the eventual buyer and that city staff would assist with income verification consistent with other programs.

The executive director and staff said deed restriction language (resale restrictions and residency requirements) is still under legal review. Staff paused deed restriction implementation after receiving recent information from other counties raising questions about enforceability. The RDA approved the offer contingent on staff finding a legally enforceable approach to deed restrictions, and staff will continue legal analysis for this project and a related Washington housing project.

Board members expressed support for the program and wished the applicant success. The resolution passed by roll call (chair announced “Motion carried 5 0”). The approval authorizes the sale under the stated conditions; the city and the buyer must complete any required legal steps and recording of deed restrictions before resale or occupancy conditions are enforced.

Next procedural steps include staff’s legal analysis on deed restriction enforceability and drafting final deed‑restriction language for review before any restriction is recorded.