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Commissioners press developer and staff on affordable housing goals for Lake and Hiawatha site
Summary
Commissioners asked whether the original affordable housing goals for phases 3 and 4 were met and sought clarity after staff said developer L and H had shifted focus; staff said phase 4 had been identified for affordability and later revisions at times planned 100% affordable units but market constraints and developer capacity influenced outcomes.
During discussion of the Lake and Hiawatha termination package, Commissioner Green asked staff to explain what happened with developer L and H and whether the original affordable housing targets for the remaining phases had been met. "What happened to L and H?" Green asked, pressing for clarity on housing goals and whether the project achieved its original affordability aims.
Spencer Agnew, facility services, replied that the original agreements set limited affordability goals: "I believe the phase 4 site was identified as a as a likely affordable housing project. Phase 3 at the time was envisioned as a senior housing project, perhaps with some affordability." He said developers later revised concepts and at times planned fully affordable projects, but financing and developer investment criteria have affected feasibility. Commissioners said returning the sites to the HRA allows staff to shape a new RFP that better reflects current county housing priorities and financing realities.
Agnew’s explanation frames the board’s next steps: reengage the Corcoran neighborhood, design an RFP aligned with current HRA goals, and solicit a partner likely to deliver deeper affordability than earlier concepts achieved.
