Council hears explanation of tax-abatement extension for Cathedral Park affordable housing

City staff explained an ordinance to amend the tax abatement for Cathedral Park Associates LP, a five-story, 48-unit building that staff said is 100% affordable and currently supported by a Section 8 Housing Assistance Payment renewal.

Brandy Daniel, legislative coordinator for economic and housing development, told the council the original tax abatement was scheduled to expire in 2024 but, because the developer entered a HUD Housing Assistance Payment renewal contract on Sept. 1, 2023, tenant Section 8 assistance continues through Aug. 31, 2043. Under state law, the municipality may extend the tax abatement so long as the project remains in compliance with HUD program requirements; staff recommended aligning the abatement expiration with the HUD contract.

Council members asked clarifying questions about the property’s location (confirmed as Clifton Avenue in Mount Prospect) and requested staff contact developers to address tenant complaints they said had been received by council offices. Staff agreed to reach out to the developer and schedule follow-up meetings with council offices.

The ordinance amendment was presented for review; the council did not record a final adoption vote at the pre-meeting. Staff said they would follow up with developers and provide any additional materials to council members.