Developer proposal to convert vacant central publishing house into 12 apartments tabled after council raises affordability and outreach concerns

Councilman Lawson reported that the Community & Economic Development Committee reviewed a land consolidation and redevelopment plan to convert a long‑vacant central publishing house (100 N. 13th St. and adjacent parcels) into a 12‑unit apartment building with associated parking and site improvements. Planning staff recommended approval, characterizing the property as long vacant and deteriorated and arguing redevelopment would reduce blight.

Council members pressed the developer on affordability and outreach. The developer estimated one‑bedroom rents in the $1,300–$1,500 range, and council members argued that price points could be out of reach for current neighborhood residents. Members requested stronger commitments to affordability (including possible designation of two affordable units), consideration of Section 8, explicit plans to recruit minority‑ and women‑owned local contractors, traffic and parking mitigation, and concrete outreach to neighborhood organizations such as the Summit Terrace Neighborhood Association. The developer said they were open to exploring Section 8 but had not committed to specific affordable unit set‑asides.

Rather than advance the plan, council tabled the item and asked for further information and direct neighbor outreach, additional specifics on M/W/DBE participation, and clearer affordability proposals before the committee takes it up again.