Council hears controversy over plan to sell former DMV site for 100 attainable rental units; vote scheduled for Jan. 26

City economic development staff and a developer pitched a plan to sell the city‑owned former DMV parcel at Gateway and Godwin Boulevard to Good Housing for $3 million, with the developer proposing to build 100 attainable rental units targeted to households at roughly 40–70% of area median income.

What was proposed: Economic Development Director Patrick Small described the site's master‑planned status for residential use and noted the property had been withheld from a larger master plan to enable a conversation about housing. Good Housing's Kim Hart presented conceptual plans for a four‑story U‑shaped building with roughly 100 one‑ and two‑bedroom units, about 150 parking spaces (roughly 1.5 spaces/unit), a community amenity room, on‑site resident services, professional management and an estimated $37M total development cost. Hart said the project would rely on low‑income housing tax credits, loans and an estimated city contribution (in the form of land discount and possible loan) in the roughly $5–7M range; he estimated the project could leverage about $5 of outside funding for every $1 of city support.

Public comment and concerns: Dozens of residents from the Landing at Cannon Branch and nearby neighborhoods urged the council to delay or reject the conveyance, citing: perceived lack of transparency and changing messaging about whether units would accept Section 8 vouchers; worries about traffic, parking adequacy, lack of transit and walkability at the site; and neighborhood promises not fulfilled by prior developers. Several speakers representing education and social services supported the concept of workforce housing and highlighted needs for teachers, first responders and service workers. Some residents asked for direct meetings with the developer and more detailed impact studies (traffic, emergency services, utilities).

Council action: Following extended community comment, council voted to close the public hearing and schedule the item for a full vote at the January 26, 2026 council meeting (motion carried; Councilwoman Ellis recorded a 'No' vote). At that meeting the council will consider a contract subject to final financial structuring and budget approvals.

What remains open: The purchase contract is contingent on the developer assembling financing (tax credits, loans) and on further budget conversations about the city's contribution. Residents requested additional specificity on parking, transit planning, emergency services impacts and neighborhood amenities; staff and the developer said they would continue community outreach ahead of the January vote.