Commission approves Homefield's $4.35 million community investment focused on attainable housing

The Wyandotte County Board of Commissioners on April 2 approved a resolution implementing a $4.35 million community investment tied to the Homefield development agreement, with a 9-0 roll-call vote.

Commissioner Bynum, who chaired the economic development and finance standing committee that reviewed the item, summarized committee discussion and said Homefield proposed directing the funds to attainable housing in downtown and historically urban areas. "There was robust discussion at committee," Bynum said, and the committee added language preferring that Homefield use land bank lots for the homes and requiring Homefield to provide quarterly progress reports to the committee.

Mr. Lasalla outlined the changes in the letter agreement accompanying the resolution, noting the two committee-requested revisions: clearer preference for land bank lots and a commitment from Homefield to quarterly updates on lots, construction costs and pricing. Mr. Napper of Homefield was present for questions.

The clerk recorded the roll-call vote as Bynum, Comp, Howard, Burns, Ramirez, Hill, Pacheco, Lopez and Steitz voting "yes," for a 9-0 outcome. The commission moved the item from the consent agenda to the standing committee agenda for separate consideration before voting.

The resolution directs implementation of the investment consistent with the development agreement and the amended letter agreement; the commission did not direct any additional changes at the April 2 meeting. The item was approved as presented by staff and the standing committee.

The commission then adjourned its regular session and reconvened as the Board of Health for an unrelated presentation.