The Houston City Council approved a resolution Tuesday supporting a proposed housing development at North Industrial and Holder drives.
Miller O’Reilly Real Estate Developers, a development firm from Springfield, is seeking Missouri Housing Development Commission credits, that would make the project possible on property owned by Jack and Susan Warkentin. The company specializes in student, senior and affordable housing. Principals are Matt Miller and Pat O’Reilly, who have completed projects in and around the Springfield area. Other housing projects have been proposed for different tracts in the Houston area, but have never gained approval from the Missouri Housing Development Commission for the tax benefits.
City Administrator Larry Sutton said eight quad-plexes and seven homes are proposed, and are not rental-subsided housing. One of the 39 would be used as an office. Sutton said the commission is expected to rule in early December.
In other matters, members:
—Approved bids for electrical transformers that will be used for stock and planned projects. The low bid was $32,492.
—Will proceed with demolition of homes previously identified. The city had sought a grant to help, but it was denied. Homeowners will now pick up the tab.
—Approved plans to vacate a Second Street alleyway near Highway F. Steve Drake, who purchased property there, made the request.
—Learned city officials and parties working on transportation improvements, including biking trails, sidewalks and other projects, were to meet Wednesday to update progress.
—Authorized construction of a 30 x 112 foot building west of the city’s West Highway 17 maintenance shed. It will be used to store equipment due to a lack of space elsewhere, Sutton said. The cost is $16,500 for materials. A city construction crew will perform the work.
—Will seek just-released funding for additional transportation projects in the city, including sidewalks and widening some streets for designated walking trails. So of the areas have already been through an engineering process, and it is hoped that might give the city an advantage in the competition, Sutton said.