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Keokuk approves transfer of 116 North 7th Street to neighborhood nonprofit for veteran tiny homes
Summary
The council approved disposal of a vacant 7,000-square-foot lot at 116 North 7th Street to the Kilk Neighborhood Initiative, which plans to combine the parcel with adjacent lots and ultimately transfer buildable land to 2x4s for Hope to construct tiny homes for veterans under a development agreement with a two-year completion requirement and a clawback if not completed.
The Keokuk City Council approved a resolution authorizing the disposal of city-owned property at 116 North 7th Street and directed preparation of a development agreement with the Kilk Neighborhood Initiative (KN&I).
Pam (staff) explained that KN&I, a local nonprofit focused on housing development, requested the vacant lot so it can be combined with neighboring parcels to create a larger, buildable site. KN&I would then transfer or convey buildable lots to 2x4s for Hope, a nonprofit that constructs tiny homes for veterans. The proposed development agreement in the council packet would require construction within two years and include a clawback provision returning the property to the city if the project is not completed.
Tim Pebbler, identifying himself as president of KN&I, told the council KN&I has spent five years assembling and stabilizing properties near George Washington School, performing mowing and snow removal at no charge and removing debris; the single lot under consideration is about 7,000 square feet and combining adjacent parcels would create roughly 21,000 square feet for development. Pebbler said KN&I may retain responsibility for short-term maintenance (mowing and snow removal) until transferred to the developer and that 2x4s for Hope has expressed interest but has not yet made a formal commitment.
Council members asked procedural and title questions and confirmed that public hearing requirements for disposal under the urban renewal district had been met; the mayor closed the public hearing at 5:52 p.m. The council moved and approved the resolution authorizing disposal and directing preparation of a development agreement.
What happens next: staff will finalize the development agreement language (including transfer/assignment provisions to allow KN&I to partner or transfer to another affordable-housing partner), complete title work with the city attorney and return the final agreement for council approval.
