Vacant lot donated for potential housing project

Recognizing the need for more affordable housing, Fulton County Commissioners have decided to donate a vacant lot for a potential housing project.

The county owned lot at the southwest corner of Seventh and Monroe streets is to be donated to the Fulton County Housing Authority, now doing business as Lighted Pathways. The idea came from Commissioner President Bryan Lewis, who serves on its board.

Lewis notes Lighted Pathways is now certified as a Community Housing Development Organization, or CHDO, and eligible for additional grant funding through the state to create affordable housing for low-income households. Having property in its stock for potential housing projects helps in securing those funds, he said.

“With the CHDO, there’s a guaranteed pot of money, we just have to fill everything out right and have a piece of ground to try to get a little project going,” Lewis said. "I think it would be nice to let them have first rights on it. We'd retain it until they get a grant and then turn it over at that time." 

Pat Brown, executive director of the housing authority, says up to $1.5 million could be awarded, along with application and process fees covered.

“They can’t really go after the grant money without ground,” Lewis said. “This one here is pretty reasonable. Infrastructure is all there and it wouldn’t take much.”

The county’s contribution adds to those being considered by the city of Rochester, which has lots available for multiple interested developers competing for a federal tax credit administered by the state to create affordable rental housing. Most recently, Fort Wayne-based Keller Development has proposed constructing an affordable apartment community for those 55 and older at 1329 College Avenue.

Lewis envisions senior living or workforce housing for the county’s available lot. Not included will be the sheriff’s office old impound lot between the Fulton County Probation Department and Quick Clean Laundry.

Fulton County Area Plan Director Heather Redinger has informed commissioners that a special exception would still need to be approved for any housing development on the lot.