RDA staff update: Washington School acquisition, possible blight designation and Habitat for Humanity partnership

RDA staff updated the board that the school district agreed to purchase the Washington School site and the city council approved the city's acquisition, staff said. To make the site eligible for demolition funding, staff said they may request a blight designation from the RDA; that designation would unlock use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars for demolition if the RDA and HUD processes are completed.

Staff said the action plan that allows use of CDBG funds must go through its public process beginning in June and then to HUD for final approval. Staff described a likely disposition plan in which roughly half the lots could be developed in partnership with Habitat for Humanity while the remaining lots would be prepared for private development; the city’s role would include lot acquisition and lot prep with subsequent developer agreements.

Board members asked about demolition costs and whether sufficient CDBG funding exists; staff said they have an estimated cost and believe there is sufficient allocation in the CDBG action plan but that the action plan must still complete required public and HUD review.

What happens next: Staff will continue to develop the blight analysis and required public process for CDBG action-plan approval and bring related items back to the RDA and council for further steps.