Housing and Redevelopment Authority Meeting Date: October 20, 2026
To: Members of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority
From: Scott Wopata, Community Development Director
Emery John, Interim Program Coordinator
Title
Discussion about proposal by Habitat for Humanity related to HRA Owned Linden/Cherry St. Property.
Body
Action Requested:
Information/discussion
Summary Report:
Staff will present some history and updates related to the HRA owned property at Linden and Cherry Street. Staff are looking for direction and feedback from HRA members related to a conceptual proposal from Habitat for Humanity. The proposal is conceptual and is balancing competing priorities. With support from the HRA, staff will work with Habitat for Humanity on a more detailed and reviewed proposal to be considered at a future HRA meeting.
315 Linden St. and 308 Cherry St. are adjacent parcels (about 1 acre when combined) that the HRA owns and has acquired in the past three years to develop into affordable housing.
The HRA purchased 315 Linden St. N (“Linden”) in 2023 for $130,000. The house on the lot was then demolished for approximately $20,000. The lot is approximately .49 acres.
The HRA then purchased 308 Cherry St. N (“Cherry”) in 2024 for $350,000; the lot consists of a 1 story, 1963 home that sits on .52 acres of land. The HRA has incurred approximately $50,000 in holding costs for the Cherry house, including a survey, required tree removal, weatherization, and an asbestos survey.
The HRA and staff had previously contemplated demolishing the Cherry house in 2025. During the acquisition of the Cherry St house, part of the rationale was to combine with the Linden property to develop with more density and greater access between Cherry and Linden.
Habitat for Humanity has proposed a development on the two parcels after many conversations with various city staff over several years. Their proposal consists of splitting the Cherry lot so that an additional home ca...
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