Sand Springs Reconsiders Support For Low-Income Housing Projects

NewsOn6.com 

SAND SPRINGS, OK -- Sand Springs city councilors will consider overturning resolutions of support for two low-income housing projects in their upcoming August 23 meeting.

The housing developments have raised enough concern among city residents that the council is moving its regular meeting to the Case Community Center to accommodate the large number of people expected to attend.

The resolutions of support were passed in May, according to a new release from the City of Sand Springs. The housing projects include a 56-unit development at 51st Street and Highway 97 and a 40-unit complex for the elderly at 38th and Summit Boulevard.

Developers for the projects are seeking funding from the Oklahoma Housing Finance Authority, and asked for resolutions of support from city officials. The developers are Zimmerman Properties LLC and Heartland Village Limited Partnership.

"By repealing the resolutions, Council will be in a position to consider both projects from square one and will be able to send a clear message to OHFA without any risk of confusion," said City Attorney David Weatherford.

The attorney goes onto say that city staff initially recommended supporting the housing developments without gathering an adequate amount of information about the projects.

"To be fair to all parties involved and to assure the process is properly followed, staff is recommending that Council repeal both the Vintage and Zimmerman resolutions and give them both fresh consideration," he said.

On August 23, the council will consider whether the developments are in line with the city's comprehensive plan, meet identified housing needs and city zoning requirements including whether they can be served by the public infrastructure.

The council will also look at whether there are any errors or inconsistencies in the applications for development and the financing behind the housing plans.

Weatherford noted that whatever Council decides, the resolutions submitted to OHFA will only be a recommendation. OHFA is expected to make decisions on project funding in September.

"At the end of this process, the final decision rests with OHFA," he said.