By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
The next step in the long detailed process to establish a new Rural Housing Incentive District (RHID) in Hays is on the Thursday agenda for the city commission.
Atchison developer Justin Pregont of St. Joseph’s Apartments, LLC, is asking for economic incentives from the city of Hays to renovate the former St. Joseph School, 210 W. 13th Street, into 12 apartments.
An RHID in Kansas is based on a housing needs survey.
The most recent Hays housing analysis was conducted by the Fort Hays State University Docking Institute in 2017. The analysis assumes a 1.0% annual population growth rate.
Among other findings, Hays would require 55 new renter-occupied units per year from 2018 to 2022, and 58 new renter-occupied units per year from 2023 to 2027.
The housing market has not kept up with those needs, City Manager Toby Dougherty told the commission last week. An updated study is currently underway by the Docking Institute.
This multi-family development would target moderate income tenants.
The three-story limestone building is in the National Register of Historic Places.
If commissioners adopt the RHID resolution Thursday, certain housing needs findings and determinations would advance the statutory process for RHID creation financing.
Following publication, the RHID resolution would be sent to the Kansas Secretary of Commerce for approval to move forward with the creation process and further commission action.
Pregont is requesting RHID financing on a pay-as-you-go basis, estimated at approximately $450,000 of revenue over the requested 20-year term.
The developer is also requesting the city support an application for a $360,000 Moderate Income Housing Grant (MIHG), which are funded by the state and administered by the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC).
Commissioners will also consider approval of this resolution.
Total cost of the project is estimated at $2.18 million.
Other agenda items for the Sept. 23 meeting include:
* Informational presentation from Jonathan Marburge, JEO Consulting, regarding the bridge replacement at Interstate 70 Exit 157, as part of the Ellis County Northwest Business Corridor.
* A progress update of work and projects in city departments
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.
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