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Council backs letter of intent for 'The Inn' supportive housing project on Stoutton Avenue
Summary
Council approved a motion to enter a letter of intent with the Community Asset Foundation to develop 'The Inn' — a small, programmed housing project tied to Beyond New Beginnings to support young mothers. The plan would relocate an existing 'warm house' and add duplex units, financed in part with state LAA dollars.
Chaska’s City Council voted to enter a letter of intent with the Community Asset Foundation to explore development of a small supportive‑housing site on Stoutton Avenue that would house participants from Beyond New Beginnings, a program serving young mothers completing education.
City staff and Community Asset Foundation representative Bob Repky described the proposal as a feasibility step: an earlier planned site on Yellow Brick Road was deemed cost‑prohibitive after soil testing; the alternate plan would move an existing 'warm house' currently at St. John’s and build two additional units on city‑controlled land near Stoutton Avenue. The city would provide a parcel from its holdings; St. John’s has expressed willingness to have the warm house moved and filled in for playground safety.
Bob Repky said the alternative arrangement responds to a community need for both housing and programming: "They see a little bit more of a family need... being identified. side will actually work better for them in as they look to the future," he told council. Staff clarified the project remains a letter of intent and will require planning review and neighborhood engagement before final approvals.
Councilors asked whether the proposed layout would preserve the community and shared spaces that the Beyond New Beginnings program uses today; Repky and others from the program said counseling, educational programming and shared activities would continue whether services are provided on site or at the Walnut Street location. Council and staff noted funding sources include local LAA dollars (allocated to cities from state sales‑tax receipts for transportation and affordable housing) and possible CDA land‑trust management. A motion to approve entering into the LOI passed unanimously.
What’s next: staff will continue planning and neighborhood notification, coordinate with St. John’s about moving the warm house, and move the project through required planning, funding and land‑trust steps.
