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Board reviews Infinite Erie modular-housing feasibility study, tables design-services vote for more review
Summary
The authority reviewed a feasibility study to create six modular single-family homes on four lots near 22nd and German, with an estimated construction cost of about $2.2–2.3 million and a proposed $165,000 sale price to support 50% AMI affordability; members raised pricing and comparison concerns and the board tabled the design-services agreement for a study session.
The Erie Redevelopment Authority heard a detailed feasibility presentation on a proposed modular-housing project with Infinite Erie and Module (a Pittsburgh-based modular developer) to subdivide four parcels at 22nd and German into six single-family lots and build five 'ALMA' 3‑bed/2‑bath units plus one 'Clevelander' unit.
Aaron Snippert, the authority’s executive director, outlined unit types and preliminary costs: "So all in for 5 ALMA's would be $1,000,937," he said while explaining modular purchase and on-site cost estimates, and staff described a total construction contract estimate of roughly $2.2–2.3 million. Funding concepts presented included up to $400,000 in combined FAIR and Erie Land Bank commitments, $150,000 in program income, a requested $390,000 from the Federal Home Loan Bank and possible city participation of about $650,000 to close the funding gap.
Board members raised questions about construction pricing and procurement. Ethan Tabakan said he found the design and construction costs "very high for 5 homes, and the design also seemed rather high," and urged more comparison bidding and review. Staff said they solicited proposals from site-built and modular providers but had not received comparable site-built bids and emphasized that the design-services agreement would move the project from feasibility to engineered plans and tighter pricing. The board agreed to schedule a study session with Infinite Erie and Module for further review and tabled the design-services vote to allow time for additional cost comparisons, market-analysis details and stakeholder consultation.
