Council backs HOME grant to BVCAP to buy and rehab a Midtown house as an affordable rental, 6–1

The College Station City Council voted 6–1 on Jan. 8 to award HOME funds to Brazos Valley Community Action Program (BVCAP) to acquire and rehabilitate 1015 Toledo Bend Drive as an affordable rental unit.

David Brower of Planning and Development Services described the agreement: HOME funds would support a $285,000 purchase of the three‑bedroom, two‑bath, ~1,700‑square‑foot home in the Midtown Reserve neighborhood, plus a customary developer fee and minor renovations (gutters, appliances and exterior work). Brower said BVCAP has operated as a city partner since 2013 and currently manages 19 affordable units, with no HOA complaints reported for its single‑family rentals in Shenandoah.

Several council members questioned whether HOME funds might better serve down‑payment assistance for ownership, noting the city’s ongoing down‑payment program (now up to $80,000) and that the HOME allocation runs on a schedule. Brower and staff explained that HOME dollars can fund rental or ownership activities and that the city could pursue a substantial amendment if it elected to reallocate funds after public comment.

Supporters said the rental would fill a gap in Midtown at roughly half the average local rent: Brower said the unit could rent for about $1,100 a month where the Midtown average was about $2,100.

Council member Schaffer moved approval; the motion passed 6–1. Staff noted two written comments had been received expressing concern; the council considered those comments before voting. Brower said rents collected would go to BVCAP for program operations and that the city does not directly receive rental income from the property.

The item includes program reporting and underwriting requirements tied to HOME regulations; staff said the program will report back in the annual action plan cycle and that these funds were a FY2024 HOME allocation.