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Council authorizes staff to pursue Adora Apartments affordable housing proposal and financial support
Summary
Council directed staff to enter exclusive negotiations, prepare TIF support materials, and seek HRA repayment of a right‑of‑way fund for the Adora Apartments, a proposed 52‑unit 9% LIHTC project. The motion passed 7–0 to advance the project application and staff work ahead of a July tax‑credit deadline.
The Bloomington City Council on June 15 directed city staff to pursue a proposed affordable housing project on city‑owned parcels at 13th Avenue South and American Boulevard.
Port authority staff described a proposal from developer Johnny Opara (J O Companies) for a 52‑unit building targeting 30%, 50% and 60% area median income (AMI) units financed with competitive 9% low‑income housing tax credits. Staff asked for three items: authorization to negotiate exclusively with the developer, preparation of a resolution supporting tax‑increment financing (TIF) assistance, and a request that the Bloomington HRA repay a right‑of‑way acquisition fund (approximately $285,570). The city’s 2022 appraisal was cited and staff said an updated independent appraisal would be obtained if needed.
Developer Johnny Opara said the city’s land‑for‑a‑dollar commitment strengthens the project’s tax‑credit application and improves competitiveness with other applicants, and emphasized community engagement and unit quality. "We are making sure that...we don't live in the community, but we want to understand the community," Opara said.
Council members asked about traffic, parking and neighborhood outreach; the developer said the project is code‑compliant and will continue engagement. Council approved staff direction to prepare the materials and return with formal resolutions and appraisals for consideration at the June 29 meeting; the motion carried 7–0.
Next steps: staff will present a TIF request and a formal land‑disposition letter of intent; the developer will submit the Minnesota Housing LIHTC application in July. If credits are awarded, additional public hearings and approvals (land sale, TIF plan, development entitlements) will follow.
