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Council weighs land-trust model for Customs House, debates AMI targets
Summary
Councilors and staff discussed Customs House proposals favoring a community land trust and debated AMI targets (60%–120% versus 80%–120%); staff noted most Customs House proposals targeted 80%–120% AMI while Darigold proposals relied on LIHTC at 60% AMI.
Councilors spent substantial time on the Customs House site and whether it should be developed under a community land trust (CLT) ownership model. John Roberts said Customs House proposals tended to target the 80%–120% area median income band and that a CLT model would produce ownership opportunities with capped appreciation; "With land trusts, it's appreciations capped at 3% a year," Roberts said. Several councilors urged ensuring the 60%–80% AMI band is not neglected across the overall housing pipeline.
Councilors and staff discussed making the CLT model a requirement for Customs House rather than a scored preference; proponents argued a CLT is the mechanism that guarantees long-term deed restrictions and resale controls. Staff recommended issuing a site-specific RFP that embeds guiding principles and a scoring matrix tied to financial feasibility, site realism and community-engagement expectations.
