Public Hearing and Regular Meeting of Administration, Finance, Law and Public Services Committee - September 3, 2025
Public Hearing and Regular Meeting of Administration, Finance, Law and Public Services Committee - September 3, 2025
The Committee on Administration, Finance and Law and Public Services held a public hearing and regular meeting on September 3, 2025, at 6:31 PM in Council Chambers, City Hall. The primary agenda item was a tax modification agreement for 125 Columbus Boulevard, a proposed 100% affordable housing development. After a presentation by Director Jack Benjamin and discussion among council members, the committee voted to refer the item to the full council with a favorable recommendation.
Discussion Items
- Tax Modification Agreement for 125 Columbus Boulevard (Item 36914): Director Jack Benjamin presented the proposal. The project, Columbus Commons Phase II, is a partnership between Heritage Housing (affordable housing expertise) and RMS Companies (construction). It will consist of 64 units (mix of one- and two-bedrooms) with rents restricted to households earning between 30% and 80% of Area Median Income (AMI). The proposed 18-year tax modification requires the developer to pay 10% of annual shelter rents in lieu of taxes. Benjamin explained that the tax modification is essential to secure Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and other state/federal financing, and that without it the project would not be financially viable. He showed a chart comparing tax revenue: vacant land (minimal), modified (10% of rents), and full taxation (unattainable without subsidy).
- Council members asked questions about the income mix. Alderman Santiago and Alderwoman Scott pressed for a higher percentage of units at 30% AMI. Alderwoman Bulav-Savedra noted she served on the selection panel and stressed council's desire for more deeply affordable units. David McCarthy of Heritage Housing explained the LIHTC requirement: the project's overall average must be below 60% AMI, resulting in 8 units at 30% AMI, 26 at 50%, 22 at 60%, and 8 at 80% AMI. He noted that adding more 30% units would require adding more 80% units to maintain the average. Alderman Simpson expressed support, noting that even the 80% units still serve lower-income households compared to market averages. Alderwoman Scott and Alderman McNamara also voiced support, with McNamara calling the system unfair but necessary.
- A technical amendment was offered by the chair to add correct ordinance sections (after the second-to-last whereas, referencing sections 2-9 and 2-10). The amendment passed by voice vote.
Key Outcomes
- The committee voted unanimously (voice vote) to refer the resolution for the tax modification agreement to the full Common Council with a favorable recommendation.
- The meeting adjourned at 7:02 PM.
- The resolution as amended will go before the full council for final approval.
Meeting Transcript
I call to order the September 3rd, 2025 public hearing and regular meeting of the Committee of Administration, Finance, and Law and Public Services. The time is now 631 PM. Miss Clerk, will you please call the roll? Alderman Connors. Alderman Barbosa. Alderman McNamara. Here. Alderman Santiago. Alderman Simpson. Here. Alderman Gibson. Alderman Pabone. Alderman Smedley. Alderman Woman Bob Beline Savedia. Alderwood and McAdam. Alderman Russell. Just note that Alderwoman McAdam is a voting member in place of Alderwoman Barbosa. And Alderman Russell is a voting member in place of Alderman Smedley. You have a quorum. Thank you. I just like to note that Alderwoman Scott. Did you get her? It's present. Thank you. Miss Clerk, will you please read into the record the notice of public hearing unless someone wants to offer a motion? I'll make a motion to waive the reading of the notice. Motion made, second. Second. Seconded by Alderman McNamara. Motion to wave the reading made by Alderman Santiago, second by Alderman McMahon. All in favor say aye. All opposed, nay. Motion carries. Reading is waived. Having been noticed properly, we will begin the public hearing. Please remember to state your name and address for the record and limit your speaking time to three minutes. The item for public hearing is item number three six nine one four tax modification agreement for one twenty-five Columbus Boulevard. Are there any speakers for this item? Are there any speakers for this item? Are there any speakers for this item? Is there anyone online to speak for this item? Not very popular item. No, I'm just kidding. Uh seeing those speakers, we will close the public hearing and move on to the regular meeting. The time is now 6 32 p.m. The item on the agenda is 36914 tax modification agreement for 125 Columbus Boulevard. May I have a motion? Mr. Chair. I'd like to make a motion that we refer this back to the council with a favorable recommendation.
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