Green River Partners' proposed 25–30 unit affordable rental project tabled after 264-signature petition

Bill Knowlton of Green River Partners told the CRA he intends to build a 25–30 unit affordable rental project in Green River, financed in part with federal low-income housing tax credits, and asked the agency for a $151,000 five-year loan the company says would make its Utah Housing Corporation application more competitive.

"Our proposal today is asking for $151,000 loan for five years at below interest that will be paid back," Knowlton said, describing a capital stack he estimated would total about $10.5–12 million for the project and rents calibrated to AMI tiers. Residents and a city council member reported a 264-signature petition opposing the project, arguing Green River does not need 25–30 low-income units and raising concerns about EMS and school impacts. One resident on the record, Guy Webster, said the petition represented broad local opposition.

Commissioners debated policy and local support; several said the CRA needs a formal application policy and that projects affecting city limits should show affirmative city backing. A motion to table the loan request until the CRA has a lending/distribution policy and to allow further vetting of community concerns passed on a majority vote (motion moved and seconded; recorded votes: two commissioners yes, one opposed). The CRA directed staff and UAC to draft a policy and hold a near-term work session to resolve application criteria and city support requirements before taking money-related actions on the project.