On Tuesday, Milledgeville City Council heard the first presentation for an Equity Fund Application and Workforce Housing Initiative proposal for the $2.5 million grant and approved several resolutions and appointments.
The grant focuses on home ownership and homes of at least two bedrooms, and not to be sold for more than $290,000 each. Randy Rich of Rich Custom Homes proposed building 60 units of 10 clusters for Phase 1 of development at 129 Wrights Dr., Milledgeville, on approximately 55 acres total. Each cluster will host six attached townhomes with all units having one-car garages and driveways.
“The two-bedroom units are estimated to be priced at $250,000 and the three-bedroom units are estimated to be priced at $275,000,” said Rich. “This Phase 1 project is $18,250,000 (counting the grant funds) and that number in some way or form will make its numbers to the tax rolls of the city of Milledgeville.”
Rich explained the goal is to make the purchase price of each unit lower than the Georgia Department of Community Affairs-mandated ceiling price of $290,000 in “the spirit of creating more affordable housing units for our citizens.” All of the attached townhomes will be owned, not rented.
“They will be staggered, offset townhomes to give each one a unique look,” said Rich.
“Each cluster will have its own unique color design and material make-up on the facades.”
The two-bedroom units will be approximately 1,100 square feet on a single level. They will include a master bedroom and bathroom suite and another bedroom on the opposite side separated by a living space. The three-bedroom unit has two levels, with the first hosting the master bedroom suite and bathroom and the second level with two additional bedrooms that share a bathroom.
“Amenities will not be included in phase one of development,” Rich informed the council upon being asked. In addition, he informed the council that there will be handicap units, though he is still researching to determine the exact number.
The next developer’s proposal will be presented at the July 23 meeting.
Moving into action items the council approved:
• An ordinance amendng Chapter 6 of the Code of Ordinances to provide for a limit on the issuance of new licenses for retail sales of distilled spirits, packaged to go within city limits.
• Ar esolution to renew the current telecommunications contract with Windstream.
This allows the city to lock in prices for three years. In addition, City Manager Hank Griffeth stated the approval is the first step to transition to a voice-over IP system for the city’s phone system.
“Windstream has shared with us that our current system may not be supported within the next 24 months, so we will be making that move,” said Griffeth.
“There seems to be some simplicity with the one provided through Windstream, as we would not have to have our numbers ported to another carrier.
We expect it to not cost any more and possibly a little less than what we are paying now.”
• A resolution to authorize restructuring the Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund Low Interest Loan, as awarded by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, to 111 N. Wayne St., LLC.
• The approval of Willie Mae Wright to the Historic Preservation Commission and Matthew Forrest to the Allied Arts board.