Commissioners approve nonbinding LOI to convey county land for affordable housing development by Castle/Blue Sky
Loading...
Summary
The board unanimously approved a nonbinding letter of intent to convey county-owned land at 907 & 1003 63rd Ave E to Community Assisted & Supported Living (Castle) and Blue Sky for a phased affordable housing development with a community center; the LOI is zero-dollar and nonbinding and any future deed or land use restrictions will return to the board.
Manatee County commissioners on Feb. 17 voted unanimously to execute a nonbinding letter of intent (LOI) with Community Assisted & Supported Living (Castle) and Blue Sky Communities to advance a proposal for affordable housing on county-owned parcels at 907 and 1003 63rd Avenue East.
Deputy Director of Property Management Charles Menard explained the LOI is nonbinding, has a three‑year intended term, and would require future deed, resolution and any land use restriction agreements to return to the board. Under the LOI, Castle would acquire the property for $0 and would assume responsibility for costs and expenses incurred during due diligence and development.
Scott Eller, CEO and founder of Blue Sky, and Melissa Larkin Skinner, president of Castle, presented examples of similar tax-credit developments, described a likely focus on 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit applications, and said the plan calls for a community center (10,000–20,000 sq ft) and phased development to reach roughly 200 units over two phases. Eller and Skinner emphasized on-site services (children’s center, case management, partnerships with organizations such as Boys and Girls Club) and the inclusion of households at multiple income bands (projected many units at 60% of AMI and lower).
Commissioners praised the proposal as an opportunity to provide affordable housing and wraparound services in a long-neglected neighborhood; several members encouraged maximizing density where feasible and protecting the county’s long-term interest (including avoiding reversion clauses that could return the land to the county if conditions are not met). Public commenters supported the project and urged the county to seek higher density.
What happens next: the LOI is a step toward formal negotiations and required rezoning; any proposed deed conveyance, land use restrictions and final financing (tax-credit awards) would return to the board for approval.
