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Council denies Habitat for Humanity request to exempt small affordable home from development moratorium
Summary
The council unanimously denied a moratorium appeal by Habitat for Humanity for a proposed 672-square-foot demonstration home at 610 W. Cherry, with the mayor saying exceptions could set precedent and noting sewer connection requirements mean the project is subject to the moratorium.
Francis Mazza, representing Habitat for Humanity, asked the council for an exception to the City's development moratorium for a proposed 672‑square‑foot home at 610 W. Cherry, estimated to cost $180,000. Mazza cited the City's 2023 Housing Needs Assessment and said about "400 renter households are cost-burdened (paying more than 30% of income on housing), including 118 households paying more than 50%" as part of his case that the demonstration project could serve teachers, first responders and healthcare workers.
Mayor Don Dent expressed support for Habitat for Humanity's goals but opposed making an exception, saying granting one could create legal precedent and lead to additional requests before wastewater capacity is fully understood. He noted that "any legal residence must connect to the sewer system and is therefore subject to the moratorium." The council voted to deny the appeal; the motion was moved by Councilmember Edes, seconded by Councilmember McNelly, and passed unanimously.
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