Public Hearing Held for Billings South 40 Apartments Low Income Housing Project

The Yellowstone County Commissioner Meeting held on January 31, 2023, focused on two significant public hearings regarding local development projects. The meeting commenced with a public hearing for the proposed construction of low-income rental housing, specifically the South 40 Apartments in Billings, Montana.

Cassie from the law firm Bjornson Jones Mungus introduced the project, explaining that the development team is seeking federal tax credit financing and a property tax exemption. The project aims to acquire and rehabilitate an existing affordable senior housing facility located at 769 Fallow Lane, which was originally built in 1987 and last rehabilitated in 2008. Brian Maloney, a senior associate at Lincoln Avenue Capital, detailed plans for a $4.2 million rehabilitation investment, which will ensure the property remains affordable for the next 50 years. The public hearing was opened for comments, but no attendees expressed support or opposition, leading to its closure.

The second public hearing addressed a land use issue concerning the Metropark lower parking lot. Nicole presented the case, noting that while the reconstruction of the parking area is permissible, it will not include landscaping due to maintenance considerations. Similar to the previous hearing, no public comments were made, and the hearing was subsequently closed without the need for a commission vote or action.

The meeting concluded without any further public comments or discussions on regular consent items, indicating a smooth session focused primarily on the two public hearings.