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Presenter seeks city certification to back 48-unit affordable housing proposal in Morris
Summary
Jessica Kerwin told the Morris City Council that the city has 227 income-restricted units and could lose many by 2036; she asked the council to certify that a proposed 48‑unit, income- and rent-restricted development aligns with the city’s comprehensive plan and to waive utility connection fees and help pay for trees.
Jessica Kerwin told the Morris City Council during the citizens-comment period that Morris currently has 227 income‑restricted housing units and faces the loss of additional restricted units in coming years, potentially leaving the city with as few as 60 such units by 2036.
Kerwin said the group she represents is applying to Minnesota Housing for low‑income housing tax credits to develop a 48‑unit apartment building with one‑ to four‑bedroom units. "We are proposing a rental subsidy for 30 units and 18 units would be available to moderate income families," she said, and added the proposal would include a 50‑year restriction if the project is funded. Kerwin also said the project would include universal design features and an elevator to support accessibility.
Kerwin asked the council for two immediate forms of support: a certification from the city that the project contributes to implementation of the city’s comprehensive plan and a commitment to help with landscaping costs (trees) and to waive the standard city utility connection fee. "As the HR moves forward with the funding application, I'm requesting support from the city of Morris by certifying that the project does contribute to the active implementation of your comprehensive plan... and also a commitment to help with the cost of trees ... and waiving of the connection fee for city utilities," she said.
Council members asked clarifying questions about the mechanics of low‑income housing tax‑credit compliance periods and who can opt out when the compliance period ends; staff and the presenter explained property owners decide whether to exit affordability restrictions when allowed and that Minnesota’s low‑income housing tax‑credit programs typically set a 30‑year minimum compliance period, with rural development programs sometimes requiring longer commitments.
City manager Becca recommended preparing a draft pledge or letter of support for council consideration, noting the time sensitivity of a certification for the funding application. Council agreed staff should draft the letter for review at the next meeting.
Next steps: staff will draft a pledge-of-support letter for council consideration at the following council meeting so the body can decide whether to formally certify the project’s alignment with the comprehensive plan and consider fee waivers or landscaping assistance.
