Council approves Home Kenosha program resolution setting loan parameters for builders and buyers

The Kenosha City Council voted unanimously to adopt a resolution that sets the parameters for a new Home Kenosha Affordable Living Neighborhood Revival Program aimed at supporting construction and sale of for‑sale single‑family homes.

Mister Morrissey, presenting the resolution during a public hearing, said the program establishes a maximum loan of $325,000 and referenced an interest figure of 5.75% for financing the portion builders cannot obtain privately. He told the council the program will target households up to 150% of Kenosha County median income and that the program can cover up to 50% of the balance to build. "The maximum loan is going to be $325,000," Morrissey said, and staff described an option for a second mortgage of up to $50,000 for some qualifying buyers.

Under the resolution, builders who enter a developer agreement may receive lots for $1 provided they build and sell within 15 months; the document also contains limited one‑time exceptions and delegates authority to the mayor to make a one‑time adjustment to certain parameters, including the maximum loan amount and interest rate. Morrissey said the city will refer prospective applicants and builders to the bank that administers the loans but will not pick individual borrowers.

Council members approved the resolution after the public hearing produced no speakers. The clerk called the roll and recorded unanimous ayes; the chair cast a vote in favor.

The resolution implements program parameters previously discussed in concept at the end of 2023, and staff said the program will rely on a combination of the noted loan structure, an earlier Uline donation referenced in prior briefings, and TIF borrowing to support implementation. Councilmembers did not request further amendments during the meeting; staff said the city will advertise the program through the housing authority once builders are in place.