PZ - Applicant's Response to Staff Report 1-6
December 30, 2021
Joseph Dodson
Current Associate Planner
City of Meridian Community Development
33 E Broadway Ave., Meridian Idaho 83642
RE: Staff Report for 1160 W Ustick Zoning and Annexation Application, Meridian, ID
This letter provides comments to the staff report for the zoning and annexation of 3.8 acres in Meridian, Idaho.
We understand there is a desire to memorialize the affordability restrictions for the proposed project.
The staff report suggests having affordability restrictions in the Development Agreement with the City and having
the City Added as a third party beneficiary to the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Regulatory Agreement. The Idaho
Housing and Finance Association has never added a municipality to the tax credit regulatory agreement before,
and if it is addressed in the Development Agreement, there is no need for the City to be a party to the tax credit
regulatory agreement.
Further, the specifics as to the rent structuring are to be determined, but the tax credit program allows for Income
Averaging, which means there is the potential to serve households with incomes up to 80% of the area median
income, so long as the average income/rent limit in the project remains at 60% or less of AMI. The staff report
currently suggests that all units be at 60% AMI or lower. We ask that this be left open to final determination based
on the final regulatory agreement and Development Agreement.
Finally, staff is recommending a gravel pathway along the north boundary. In checking with the Parks and
Recreation Department we were told that the internal sidewalk configuration shown on our site plan is sufficient.
This path will be very close to our buildings on the north side of the property. Furthermore, as this is an affordable
housing project with a very tight budget, the project cannot spare additional expenses for this path.
Thank you for the opportunity to work together to bring quality housing to Meridian. Please contact me with any
questions.
Sincerely,
Erin Anderson
The Housing Company
PO Box 6943
Boise, Idaho 83707
Office 208-943-1636