Council votes to draft letter supporting Oakwood Village 2 affordable housing tax-credit application
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Summary
After a presentation by Robert Bender of the Provident Companies, Napoleon City Council voted to draft a letter of support for Oakwood Village 2, a proposed 66-unit affordable housing development that seeks 9% low-income housing tax credits and USDA financing.
Robert Bender, CEO of the Provident Companies, told the Napoleon City Council that his firm is seeking state tax-credit support for Oakwood Village 2, a proposed 66-unit affordable housing development intended to add 3‑ and 4‑bedroom units for working families. "If we are fortunate enough to be awarded, we hope to start by the end of the year," Bender said during his presentation.
Bender described the planned financing mix as centered on the 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program and a USDA loan product. He said the project would not be a subsidized property, noting that some units would accept vouchers but that the development relies primarily on equity from tax-credit investors and long-term USDA financing. Bender summarized local housing need data, saying Henry County has 124 families on vouchers and more than 500 families on waiting lists; he also cited a local health-department study estimating 412 affordable units needed.
Council members asked about accessibility and unit design. Bender said accessible units will be provided across first-floor townhouse units and flats, and estimated the project would target roughly 10% accessible units (noting code minimums near 5%). He also outlined proposed rent targets and income bands tied to Henry County area median income, saying one-bedroom rents could be as low as $450 and four-bedroom rents up to $1,350 depending on unit type and financing.
After questions from council, a member moved and the council voted to direct staff to draft a letter of support for the project's tax-credit application and to have the mayor sign it. The clerk conducted a roll call and the motion carried as recorded. The developer said the application deadline was imminent and the letter of municipal support was necessary for the submission.
Next steps: staff will prepare the requested letter of support; the application will be submitted to the Ohio Housing Finance Agency under the state Qualified Allocation Plan process. The council did not take other permitting or funding actions at the meeting; those steps will follow normal planning and building-permit review if the project is funded.
