TAD Advisory Committee - Lexington Road

Minutes LEXINGTON TAX ALLOCATION DISTRICT (TAD) ADVISORY COMMITTEE Thursday, May 6, 2021 – 5:30 pm Held remotely via WebEx: https://youtu.be/DGxp5e8zwig Attendees: Dr. Cshanyse Allen, Mae Walter, Mack Duncan, Shane Dekle Absent: Rhett Butler & Brantley Colbert Staff: Ilka McConnell Guests: Commissioner Mariah Parker & Commissioner Carol Myers Approval of Agenda: Ilka McConnell Motion: Mae Walter Second: Mack Duncan Unanimously approved by committee members Approval of Minutes Motion: Mae Walter Second: Mack Duncan Unanimously approved by committee members Discussion of TAD Funding Request with Commissioners Mariah Parker and Carol Myers Mack Duncan shared the Committee's unanimous recommendation and comments to the Mayor & Commission: We, the Lexington Road TAD Committee submit the following summary of our thoughts: We are unanimously opposed to using taxpayer TAD dollars to add additional Workforce Housing to the Trinitas Project at 2400 Lexington Road. We have consensus on the following:  There are many constructive uses of the TAD dollars that will impact more ACC citizens, not just the few who might occupy the few additional units.  The proposed, subsidized, Workforce Housing rental rates are similar to, or greater than, existing available units. We base this opinion on information provided by the applicant as well as research on available local units.  2- and 3-bedroom units are more appropriate for Workforce Housing. We are not experts on this. This is just what we think.  The money can be better used to provide incentives for businesses to occupy currently vacant buildings and property within the TAD district.   The money can be used to provide job training focused on development of our TAD district.  The money can be used to augment some of the Lexington Road Corridor initiatives which may be underfunded.  Significant increased tax dollars from this project will not become available until 2024, so it seems shortsighted to commit such a large amount to a single project with impact to a limited number of people. Commissioner Parker shared her perspective on the project and her decision-making considerations regarding voting to approve this project for zoning, including GA Initiative for Community Housing process and findings, the "missing middle" of housing availability in ACC compared to other GA communities, amenity-rich student housing being developed, missing housing priced for middle-income people in ACC. The amenities included in this development -- walking trails, community garden, etc -- are usually not included in housing affordable for working people, so this project offers those income levels those amenities. Expressed appreciation of the committee members' time and input. Commissioner Myers shared that it was a tough split vote on the project, with Mayor Girtz breaking the tie on the project. She did not vote to approve the project rezone. Important to look at housing for people who live and work in Athens. Regarding the development, she had concerns about the big zoning change to accommodate the larger project for multi-family. She would have preferred for the project to be targeted to working people rather than student housing. Understands the committee's concerns that they have not had the opportunity to consider the overall needs of the TAD prior to making a recommendation regarding this TAD Funding Request. Appreciates the time and the good questions being asked by the committee members in their consideration of this TAD funding request and project. Committee member comments: Not sure that the rates of this new complex will be competitive compared to neighboring multi-family complexes. These units are smaller units compared to neighboring multifamily units, but their rates are higher, according to the developer's numbers. The numbers do not add up, and not sure the district will get the "bang for the buck" from TAD funds for this project. Believes the district's TAD funds should be used for the good and specific needs of the corridor, and affordable housing is a community-wide issue. Need workforce housing and affordable housing in Athens, but this does not seem affordable. Asking for too much money for us to be able to get the bang for the buck. Supportive of the overall project, but not committing this amount of TAD funding to it. Does not make sense. Need to slow down, take a look at the big picture of this corridor before committing the funds right out of the gate. Looking at the M & C TAD goal, it aims for 20% of total units being affordable. This project does not meet that stated goal or standard. Would like for the funds to go to job training or skills development, for people living in this district. Many people who work in ACC currently work outside the county. Looking at our current industries, young people just beginning their careers, hard for them to be able to afford rent on the amount of money they are paid. It would be helpful to look at more potential projects, to look at what is possible for the corridor. What do we want it to look like going forward? What is missing? Restaurants for families, attracting businesses, important to look at options before we spend $2.9M on this project. Initial concern was that the project would not be workforce housing, and would end up as student housing, even with the deed restriction with Athens Land Trust. Worried that it would not end up fully utilized. When we look at this TAD project, we need to make sure it is truly beneficial. Believes there are better uses for the TAD funds in the corridor. Not spending this type of money on this project when there are homeless people living down the road. Use funds to build housing for homeless people. Committee Discussion of Recommendation to Mayor & Commission: TAC Members in attendance each confirmed that they support the wording of the recommendation that Mack Duncan shared earlier in the meeting, to be submitted to the Mayor & Commission as the Committee's recommendation. Commissioner Myers suggested that one of the TAD Advisory Committee members present their recommendation to the M & C in the May 18th meeting, if they are able. Next Steps: Ilka McConnell May 18, 2021 M & C Meeting: Presentation of TAD Funding Request to M & C, including developer presentation and sharing of TAD Advisory Committee's recommendation to M & C regarding request June 1, 2021: M & C vote regarding use of TAD funds for proposed project Date for Next Meeting: Thurs, May 20th at 5:30 pm Adjourn Motion: Shane Dekle Second: Dr. Cshanyse Allen Unanimously approved by committee members