News Summary
The City of Brainerd has approved a 79-unit affordable housing project for older adults, located next to Greater Tucker Missionary Baptist Church. Spearheaded by the Community Development Corporation, the initiative aims to address the urgent need for affordable housing in the area. The city council has allocated over $100,000 in funds for future housing projects, including support for Habitat for Humanity. Proposal submissions for housing projects are due by January 24, with selections to be made on February 3.
Brainerd Approves Construction of 79-Unit Affordable Housing Project for Older Adults
The City of Brainerd has approved plans for the construction of a new affordable housing project consisting of up to 79 units specifically designed for older adults. This development will be located adjacent to the Greater Tucker Missionary Baptist Church on North Moore Road.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Community Development Corporation of Greater Tucker Baptist Missionary Church, initially faced challenges when its proposal was submitted in 2022, as the group was unable to secure the necessary tax credits for development. However, the recent approval marks a significant step forward for affordable housing in the Brainerd area.
At their recent meeting on December 16, the Brainerd City Council authorized the advertising of available funds for future housing projects. Currently, the council has over $100,000 allocated for affordable housing initiatives, which includes $96,242 received from the 2024 Statewide Affordable Housing Aid funds.
Status of Housing Funds
In December 2023, Brainerd allocated $96,242 in affordable housing funds. Moreover, in August 2023, the city council allocated $88,000 to Habitat for Humanity specifically to support the construction of single-family homes in the community. After these allocations, a remaining balance of $8,242 is available from 2023, along with the additional 2024 funds to be distributed for housing projects.
The city has outlined a clear process for proposals seeking these funds. Requests must originate from entities within the Brainerd city limits and can encompass a range of housing assistance projects. The deadline for submitting proposals is January 24, with a selection of award recipients anticipated at the City Council meeting scheduled for February 3. Submissions can be sent electronically or delivered in person at City Hall to Community Development Director James Kramvik.
Additional City Council Updates
In other business, the City Council ratified the appointment of Kayla Huether as a recreation specialist and promoted Toni Gage to the position of administrative assistant. The council also approved the hiring of paid on-call firefighters and established a shared service agreement with the Economic Development Authority. Furthermore, the council has awarded a bid for the removal of ash trees in south and southeast Brainerd and has supported grant applications for various community projects.
Future Housing Developments
An ongoing proposal for a land swap with Brainerd Public Schools could lead to the creation of additional affordable housing units, while also increasing park land in the surrounding area. This initiative aligns with the city’s commitment to enhancing community welfare through the development of accessible and affordable living options.
The establishment of these 79 affordable housing units near Greater Tucker Missionary Baptist Church not only presents a crucial development for the city’s older adult population but also highlights Brainerd’s commitment to addressing the pressing need for affordable housing across the region.
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Church Wins OK for 79 Affordable Older Adult Housing
- Wikipedia: Affordable housing
- Brainerd Dispatch: More Affordable Housing Funds Available in Brainerd
- Google Search: affordable housing Brainerd
- Times Free Press: Church in Brainerd Area Again Proposing Senior Housing
- Google Scholar: Brainerd affordable housing
- Chattanooga Pulse: CARTA Gets Funding for Brainerd Road/Lee Highway Corridor Plan
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Affordable Housing
- Brainerd Dispatch: Affordable Housing Proposed Near Buffalo Hills Park
- Google News: Brainerd housing news
