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Redevelopment Authority approves two grant exceptions, denies one loan income exception after policy debate
Summary
The authority conditionally approved a residential infill grant for Charles Robinson and a $50,000 exception for Jack and Janette Friese’s Elk Street rehab, but rejected an income exception for a housing modernization loan for Bob Singh after commissioners queried whether frequent exceptions indicate a need to revise program criteria.
The Redevelopment Authority approved two exceptions to its grant and loan programs and rejected a third after an extended discussion about program rules and geographic targeting.
Staff recommended conditional approval of a residential infill grant for Charles Robinson at 2157 Prairie Street, contingent on the applicant providing proof of financing to complete construction. Commissioners approved the conditional award; staff said the property did not qualify earlier because the program did not exist when construction began and recommended the conditional approach to complete the project.
The authority also approved an exception for Jack and Janette Friese of Friese Development to increase the multifamily rental conversion grant limit from $35,000 to $50,000 for a rehab at Elk Street. Jack Friese described the property’s long vacancy, structural needs and neighborhood value and said the project would yield an affordable home for a first‑time buyer: "It's our way of giving back to the community," Friese said. Staff noted the project meets other program goals and recommended removing a program restriction that excludes properties vacant for less than 12 months when the use was a lawful preexisting duplex.
A third request — an income eligibility exception for a housing modernization loan at 700 Michigan Avenue for applicant Bob Singh — failed on roll call. Staff said the applicant’s income exceeded the program’s 120% threshold by about $17,000 but that the authority may grant exceptions under program language. Several commissioners warned that repeated exceptions could effectively change program rules and suggested staff evaluate whether eligibility should be revised or the program targeted geographically rather than by dollar value. One commissioner asked staff to consider directing more funds to loan programs rather than continuing temporary salary contributions.
Motions were made and votes recorded: the conditional infill grant and the Friese exception passed; the Singh income exception did not pass on roll call. Staff will track the approved projects and return as needed for implementation steps and program guideline review.
