City moves forward with housing initiatives

At its March 21 meeting, Jackson City Council approved proposals to provide more housing and homeless resources.

The City Council approved a plan from the Affordable Housing Development Board to use $3.3 million in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds for new home construction and rehabilitations.

$500,000 will be used to expand the Homeowner Rehabilitation Assistance Program, which helps residents with critical repairs. $2.5 million has been earmarked to construct up to 100 new homes on vacant City lots and create a program to make homes affordable.

The City Council also gave initial approval to a proposal from private developer Allen Edwin Homes to build up to 136 single-family homes on vacant City lots. The first step was providing a tax incentive for the developer, with property sales under consideration at a future meeting. These houses will be income-controlled rentals.

The City Council approved the sales of 10 vacant City-owned homes. The tax-foreclosed properties were sold for as low as $8,000 to account for the substantial investment it will take to get the houses into livable conditions.

The City Council also approved the use of $150,000 in ARP funds to acquire the vacant T.A. Wilson Academy facility from Jackson Public Schools, and plan on using it for a homeless shelter and temporary housing. Since last Dec., the City has been using ARP funds to get homeless individuals and families off the streets and into safer living conditions.

 “Housing efforts of this caliber are a first for the City of Jackson. I am proud of our elected officials and staff for launching this monumental work,” City Manager Jonathan Greene said. “As the City continues to take a leadership role in providing more housing, we will need residents and local organizations working with us to make sure everyone has safe and affordable places to live.”

New home construction is expected to start this summer.




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