City manager briefs commission on 29-unit deed-restricted senior housing application

City manager Eric Hanks briefed the planning commission on a planned application to the Montana Housing Board for a 29-unit, deed-restricted housing project for residents aged 55 and older.

"Twenty-nine units, 28 will be income restricted with one on-site manager unit," Hanks said, describing the proposal by Housing Solutions LLC and noting that the developer is targeting a mix of income levels. He said the developer was targeting eight units at 30% of area median income (AMI) and the remainder at about 60% AMI, but added that the applicant had just adjusted their numbers and staff had only just received the brief.

Hanks said the preferred parcel sits between the Catholic Church and a local market and that the project would not displace the market. He described the next steps if the project is selected in the state competition: service-of-water/sewer letters, utility analysis and subsequent application rounds.

Why it matters: staff highlighted that the city has not received new family or senior awards in the city in more than two decades and said this project — if selected — would expand deed-restricted senior housing options. Hanks said the same developer has built similar projects in other Montana communities.

Staff noted the application is not final and numbers could change; commissioners were asked to note the upcoming state hearing and follow staff updates.

Ending: Hanks said he will testify at the state board session and that, if the application advances, the developer will return for local service and permitting steps.