Neighborhood Development Administration-Housing Senior Manager Cynthia Blue made a PowerPoint Presentation (PPP); outlined the request for proposals (RFP); highlighted applicants; and spoke to funding and project recommendations.
David Levy, Executive Director Housing Management Inc. spoke to aging and affordable housing; to a competitive process; to award of presented developments; to loan commitments; voiced concern regarding scoring; and spoke to the need for tax credit awards.
Theodore Stevens outlined a current project; spoke to funding; voiced concerns regarding affordable housing; referenced new builds; and requested additional funding.
Victor Johnson spoke to District 1 and 2 builds; and voiced the need for community engagement.
Jeremy Simpson referenced infill development needs; highlighted current projects; stated a community development interest; spoke to affordability of housing; and to funding needs.
Councilmember Hightower spoke to redevelopment areas; voiced concerns regarding application and funding processes; project timelines; state funding and tax credits; and the need for a review of investments.
*Note - Councilmember Hightower electronically moved the item on the floor. The motion was electronically seconded by Councilmember Abuzuaiter.
Discussion ensued regarding inflation; additional funding; forgivable loans; American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding; East Greensboro proposals; project timelines; equitable housing; discussions for current item being heard; community investment; and bond funds.
Councilmember Matheny voiced concerns regarding affordable housing; spoke to strategic Council goals; concern with current item; spoke to state funds; to project equity; and to receipt of item documentation.
Moved by Councilmember Matheny to fund 1.25 million to Green Light Development, LLC and 1.25 million to Affordable Housing Inc.
Councilmember Matheny voiced concerns with real estate investment; expensive building costs; John Demry property; spoke to potential state funding; requested staff to schedule an affordable housing work session; inquired about Regency allocated funding; voiced concern regarding strategic council actions; and inquired about the motion on the floor.
Discussion took place regarding a lack of a second on Councilmember Matheny's motion.
Councilmember Hoffmann suggested Council approve all three projects; and stated a second to Councilmember Matheny's motion with the amendment.
Councilmember Matheny stated he would accept the friendly amendment.
Neighborhood Development Director Michelle Kennedy clarified by splitting the funding, the Green Light project would no longer be a viable project; and explained bond funding.
Discussion ensued regarding bond funding requirements; project deadlines; development partnerships; and project awarding processes.
Councilmember Thurm suggested submission of multiple projects.
Councilmember Abuzuaiter requested staff to provide data on additional housing projects.
Councilmember Hightower voiced non-support for all projects; spoke to scoring and threshold requirements; stated she did not support the proposal; referenced allocated funding; and reiterated she had moved the item as presented on the agenda.
Councilmember Matheny highlighted his motion, and the friendly amendment by Councilmember Hoffmann that he had accepted.
Mayor Vaughan clarified that Councilmember Hightower would be the one to accept the motion and friendly amendment.
Councilmember Hightower stated she did not accept the motion or friendly amendment.
Mayor Vaughan asked for clarification on the motions on the floor.
City Clerk Angela Lord outlined the order of motions, seconds, and amendments.
Council continued discussions regarding state funds; equitable projects; funding opportunities; availability of 2022 bonds; limitations on allocating bond funding until 2025; acceptance of tax credits; conditional proposals; competitive and scoring processes; depletion of bond funds; and Alcohol and Beverage fund contributions.
Councilmember Hoffmann requested staff to expedite projects with the highest number of housing units.
Mayor Vaughan asked Councilmember Hightower to consider a friendly amendment to submit projects based on state funding to which Councilmember Hightower rejected the amendment.