By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Hays city commissioners will hear a proposal Thursday from Overland Property Group, LLC, Kansas City, for planned construction of an affordable multi-family residential complex north of Interstate 70.
The $9 million Pioneer Run project would be built west of the Hilton Garden Inn at the termination of West 45th Street, along with parking and internal improvements.
The developer, which has built other properties in Hays, is asking for industrial revenue bonds (IRBs) to obtain a sales tax exemption for all purchases related to project construction.
The group is also applying for Low Income Housing Tax Credits through the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation.
Passage of a resolution of intent by city commissioners to issue the IRBs would assist the developer in the tax credit competitive application process, Jarrod Kuckelman, assistant city manager, said.
An IRB issuance does not count against the city’s debt limit, does not affect the city’s debt rating and does not require taxpayer commitment. The city acts as a conduit issuer and payments are that of the developer.
If the developer receives the low-income housing tax credits from the state, property acquisition and construction are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2027.
Overland Park Group has said without an award of the tax credits, the project is not likely to advance.
The housing resource corporation uses a competitive points-based system to make decisions on the tax credit awards. Developers can earn points if cities waive their development fees to support tax credit projects.
According to Kuckelman, four affordable housing developers have approached the city about prospective low-income projects.
The city’s 2025 Housing Needs Assessment shows a need for low-income housing.
The last tax credit award in Hays was in 2021 for Stonepost Apartments in the former Washington School on south Main Street. It is a project of Overland Property Group.
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The April 16 city commission work session begins at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.
The complete agenda is available here.