HomeMy WebLinkAboutGMD Tschache Lane CAHAB letter v2March 13, 2019
Commissioners:
At the December 12, 2018, January 9, 2019, and February 13, 2019 CAHAB
meetings GMD Development brought before CAHAB a proposal for discussion
and input to build approximately 250-270 affordable housing units on land
located behind Lowes on Tschache Lane. Discussions led to the potential of
including as part of the development an Early Learning Center for up to 96
children and a Community Health Clinic. The project would consist of roughly
100 senior independent living units and approximately 150 units of Family
Housing consisting of two and three story walkup flats and three-bedroom
townhomes. Half of the units in each project will target households at less than
50% AMI and the remaining half would have rents of from 60% to 70% of
AMI. Additionally, the developer has voluntarily agreed to put a rent increase cap
on the senior units with rents at 50% of the AMI.
In the view of CAHAB, this project is in direct support of Bozeman Strategic Plan
Section 4.5.b.1 which speaks to the creation of an action plan that mandates the
creation of affordable housing across all dwelling unit types and 4.5.b.2 which
supports the creation of an action plan which provides for flexibility in the manner
in which the mandate in 4.5.b.1 can be accomplished. Additionally, CAHAB
received public comment in support of this project from Family Promise, HRDC,
and Community Health Partners. We did not receive any public comment that
was not in support of the project.
The synergy possible from a project that could include senior housing, family
housing, an early learning center serving infants to kindergarten aged children,
and a health clinic, makes this a project with great potential to enhance the
Bozeman Community. It is in line with CAHAB’s mandate, as provided in
Resolution 4948, to advance the City of Bozeman’s Strategic Plan and to serve
as an advisory board to the Affordable Housing Program, Community
Development Department, and City Commission.
At the February 12, 2019 CAHAB meeting, the Board unanimously voted to
recommend to the City Commission that $500,000.00 from the City’s affordable
housing fund be provided to GMD Development in support of this project and that
the relaxation of City code be allowed to further the development of this project in
the most economic and efficient way possible.
Kevin Thane, Chair
City of Bozeman
Community Affordable Housing Advisory Board