Affordable housing project pitched for Commerce Way

Options for affordable housing in Libby could soon expand.

Gerald Fritts of American Covenant Senior Housing Foundation announced plans for erecting 24 units of affordable housing to the Libby City Council on July 6. The project, in cooperation with the Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana, could be completed by March 2023.

“This would be safe, affordable and maintainable for the individual who resides there and then we’d also have something that would happen in perpetuity,” said Cassidy Kipp of the Community Action Partnership. “That’s the vision for low income housing.”

The announcement caught city councilors by surprise. They were expecting Fritts to discuss American Covenant’s plans for an assisted living facility on U.S. Highway 2 and Education Way. The council voted several weeks prior to annex that property into city limits in anticipation of development.

Instead, they got a rough sketch of potential affordable housing units on 4.1-acres located on Commerce Way and owned by Community Action Partnership. At least one member of council, City Councilor Kristin Smith, expressed quick support for the concept despite the mix-up.

“I am super excited that you guys are pursuing this project,” she said. “There is a huge need [for affordable housing] in this community.”

The plans call for 10 two-bedroom units and 14 one-bedroom units housed in 12 duplex buildings. Each unit will boast a patio and feature off-street parking. The project includes office space for Community Action Partnerships employees and a community room.

Potential residents would need to qualify before being accepted, Kipp told city councilors. They would need to make between 40 and 50 percent of the area median income, for example. Rent for the apartments will run from $450 to $669, Fritts said.

On top of affordable housing, Kipp said Community Action Partnership would offer services to incoming residents. The focus will be on helping inhabitants build up assets, Kipp said.

“We’re primarily serving people who are taxpayers and contributing members of the community,” she said. “What we like to do is provide opportunities to connect them with resources and training. We do a lot of homebuyer education. The asset building is a real focal point for us.”

Fritts and Kipp were before city council as part of a process to secure low-income housing tax credits, making the property tax exempt. Each year, the Montana Board of Housing allocates tax credits in a competitive process. Fritts and Kipp should know by early October if the project, known as Cabinet Affordable Housing, received the state Board of Housing’s blessing.

Pressed by City Councilor Rob Dufficy on the need for tax relief, Fritts said the status lessens overhead costs.

“It’s part of the total effort in reducing the cost of operation to make the units affordable,” Fritts said. “So the state is kicking in funds, the federal government — through federal low income housing tax credits — is kicking in funds and the result should be 24 units that are very affordable.”

Dufficy also asked whether future tenants would be required to maintain the property around their units. Fritts said that professionally maintaining the area worked best.

Fritts described the buildings housing the units as single story, meant to match the community’s aesthetic.

“What we’re trying to do is fit in with the community,” Fritts said.

In a letter submitted to city council, the units are described as featuring solar panels to lessen energy costs, LED lighting, vinyl plank flooring, hardi-board siding and water efficient landscaping. According to the document, the property will be designated non-smoking and tobacco cessation services will be made available to residents.

Additionally, Fritts told city councilors the units would include air conditioning as well as washer and dryer hookups.

The letter also highlights the project’s location, which it says “provides close access to local services, including grocery shopping and medical facilities.”

“All services and employment opportunities are within a one-and-a-half miles [of the] proposed location,” it reads.

Smith said the timing of the project was impeccable.

“The demand for housing is increasing,” she said. “[Housing is] going up all over, but we definitely need places for working class folks to afford that are safe and habitable. Thank you and good luck.”

A public hearing on the project is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., July 19.