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Commissioners hear proposal to transfer eight city lots for a modular affordable‑housing pilot
Summary
A nonprofit presenter (Kevin) proposed transferring eight city-owned lots for a pilot to build low-cost steel modular homes; commissioners recommended a phased pilot (one or two model units) and asked staff to vet permits, codes and contract terms before moving forward.
At a presentation on a proposed transfer of eight city-owned parcels, a representative identified as Kevin described a nonprofit-led pilot to build low-cost steel-panel homes on surplus lots, primarily on the city’s east side. The proposal asked the commission to transfer parcels to the foundation so it could construct homes for rent-to-own or sale.
Kevin explained the housing model as factory-made steel-panel units assembled on site: “This house only costs us about $100,000 to build,” he said, and he described two floor plans—a two-bedroom unit of about 936 square feet and a three-bedroom unit of about 1,352 square feet. He said kits ship in roughly two weeks and that, once permits are in hand, individual units can be assembled in about two to three weeks.
To lower occupant cost, Kevin described a fractional-ownership and foundation model in which the nonprofit retains a minority stake in each home and sells investor shares; he said the foundation would retain roughly 28% for property management while offering residents stepped equity through a trust-like arrangement. He also said his group has pledged support from veterans’ workforce programs and is exploring local manufacturing of kits.
City staff and commissioners focused on permitting, code compliance, and a phased pilot. Staff noted the parcels under consideration have low assessed values and that the commission could approve a limited transfer for two model homes to prove the concept. Kevin identified two early-build addresses—575 North 10th Street and 1326 East Main Street—as level lots ready for quick work and said he had prospective tenants and lenders prepared to engage after a successful pilot.
Commissioners asked for the nonprofit’s general contractor to meet with city building officials to confirm local-code compliance and realistic timelines. No formal transfer was approved during the briefing; the commission reserved detailed legal and permitting review for the regular session and asked staff to return with a recommended ordinance or contract language if the pilot is to proceed.
