Council approves $26,000 third-party review for 90 Virginia Lane affordable-housing project

Jackson's council voted unanimously to hire an outside reviewer to analyze the 90 Virginia Lane development project and provide independent analysis of costs and feasibility.

Town Manager Tyler Sinclair presented a staff scoping report and recommended contracting Developers Research for a base scope and an optional feasibility add-on. Sinclair told the council the base scope (scope A) would review site plans, the plat, development agreement, geotechnical materials and cost estimates while scope B would add an analysis of residual land value and financial feasibility. "So the base option is $12,000, scope B is $6,500, and I've recommended adding contingency to a not-to-exceed $26,000," Sinclair said.

Councilors described the work as a modest investment to add capacity and an independent perspective on what staff and the community are already reviewing. Supporters called the review an "insurance policy" for one of the largest housing capital projects the community has considered.

Councilor Espirit moved to direct the town manager to hire Developers Research to perform scopes A and B and to authorize $18,500 plus $7,500 contingency (total not to exceed $26,000). The motion passed unanimously. Sinclair said staff will fund the work from the general fund and will return with a budget amendment at the next quarterly review.

The third-party review is intended to produce a timely, outside appraisal of cost estimates and feasibility to inform future council decisions about the 90 Virginia Lane community-housing project.