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Board approves tax exemption to clear way for 69‑unit affordable housing project
Summary
The Seaside School District board unanimously approved a property‑tax exemption requested by Related Northwest to enable construction of 69 workforce and low‑income rental units on a two‑acre city parcel, with marketing preferences for local residents and employees.
The Seaside School District board voted to grant a property‑tax exemption that developers say is essential to delivering a 69‑unit affordable housing project adjacent to a future city park.
Steph Condor, development lead with Related Northwest, told the board the three‑building project—studios through three‑bedrooms—will be affordable to households at roughly 60% of area median income, with monthly rents the developer estimates at about $950 to $1,400 and unit sizes from roughly 450 to 1,200 square feet. Condor said permits are issued and “we broke ground this last week” on the site, which the city assembled and offered for affordable housing use.
The development includes a community building for resident services, a community garden, rooftop parking and a planned solar array. Related Northwest said it has assembled nearly $15 million in state funding, $12.5 million in low‑income housing tax credit equity and additional grants for solar and weatherization; the project also proposes on‑site culturally specific supportive services in partnership with local providers.
Board members pressed Condor on residency preferences and how district staff and families will be prioritized. Condor said the project’s marketing and leasing plan will begin about six months before the first units are complete and that city residents and employees will receive preference within fair‑housing rules: “If you’ve lived within the city of Seaside in the last five years, you’re in the list. You’re in the priority,” she said.
A motion to adopt Resolution No. 2, granting the district’s portion of the property‑tax exemption under Oregon law, carried without recorded roll‑call names in open session. The board packet notes the parcel has a historic covenant and that the city had already adopted a local exemption. During discussion board members were told alternative uses for the parcel were limited by the covenant and that prior tax revenue on the site had been minimal.
The board’s approval means the project can move forward with the financial plan Related Northwest presented. Condor said the developer expects the regulatory affordability requirements to remain in place for decades as part of the funding agreements.
