Authority tables modular-housing feasibility study for Central City amid cost questions

The Erie Redevelopment Authority reviewed a two‑year effort and a Module feasibility study proposing six single‑family homes (five ALMA floorplans and one Clevelander model) on replotted parcels near 22nd and German Streets in Central City. Executive Director Aaron Snippert walked the board through renderings, proposed floorplans and a sources‑and‑uses spreadsheet that showed total uses near $2.63 million and a funding gap of about $67,000.

Snippert summarized sources as roughly $400,000 in FAIR-related funds (including a $100,000 subsidy earmarked for two properties), $200,000 from the Erie Land Bank, $150,000 in program income, a $390,000 request to the Federal Home Loan Bank (which would require all six units to be 50% AMI) and potential city support of $650,000. "In that request, all 6 units would have to be 50% AMI," Snippert said. Board members raised questions about the unit and design costs; one member said the proposed construction and design figures for five homes "seem very high," citing a recent modular project in another city with lower design costs.

Members asked staff to solicit comparisons and to schedule a study session with Infinite Erie and Module so the board could better understand pricing, site costs and alternative delivery models; the board then moved and approved tabling the design-services authorization pending that follow-up. Staff said the design‑services agreement would be used to tighten plans and bidding estimates if the board elects to proceed after further review.