Council raises questions about $298,750 rehab at Heritage site amid concerns over private-developer partnership

Council members at the May 14 workshop sought greater detail and documentation before moving forward with a rehabilitation contract of up to $298,750 for interior and exterior work at a Heritage community site that will host a satellite library and technology programming.

The director of Community Development told the council the work is part of a previously approved $1 million grant and that an MOU exists among the library, the housing authority and the property developer. Several council members pushed back, asking whether the property is city-owned or privately owned, how much square footage would be renovated, whether an MOU and lease terms were in place, and whether public grant funds should be used at a private-developer facility.

Councilman Colleague and others said the item should be discussed in public with supporting documents; Councilman Jackson requested the MOU and a full budget outline before the council votes. The director described planned improvements: a 20-computer lab, an AV/TV studio, mixed-use programming space, telemedicine computers and a small outdoor programming area in front of the building. The director said the building currently hosts community groups and that the grant-funded improvements are intended to create a satellite library branch and technology programming for residents.

Council moved the agenda item to regular status so members could review the MOU, scope of work and budget. Council members asked the administration to circulate the MOU and the project budget before the next meeting; the council did not authorize the contract during the May 14 workshop.