A proposal to develop new, low-income housing in downtown Burlington is getting some pushback from one city councilperson, who is concerned that the proposal might not be a good fit for the downtown community.
A Des Moines based company is looking to develop 75 apartments, ranging from studios to 3 bedroom units, in the building on the southeast corner of 4th and Valley streets downtown–the same building occupied by Mister Moto’s Cafe.
TJ Jacobs, a partner at Blackbird Investments–the group behind the project–spoke at a Monday Night City Council work session. The company is not asking the council for financial assistance, but they are asking the council to pass a resolution declaring their support for the project.
But Mayor Pro-Temp Becky Anderson isn’t willing to do that right now. As it stands, Blackbird proposes that the complex will be 100% low-income housing.
“I just don’t think that’s a good fit for our downtown,” said Anderson, who owns property downtown, “I have a lot of people that call me wanting market rate [apartments]. Now you’re saying that nobody over $30,000 can rent those apartments, and with the development of the downtown I think we need people living there who can afford to use our downtown.”
Other council members did not necessarily agree with Anderson. Councilman Tim Scott said that the potential tenants of the building, which will target young professionals, will still have adequate spending money to utilize downtown.
No action could be taken at the work session, but the matter will be discussed at future council meetings.
