Public Input Sought For Change Of Use Designation On 6th Street Properties In Ames

Press release from the City of Ames:

January 29, 2021

The public is encouraged to provide input to the City of Ames regarding its proposed change of use designation to City-owned properties at 519, 525 and 601 Sixth Street. These properties were purchased with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds as part of the City’s 2014-15 Acquisition/Reuse for Affordable Housing Program to provide for additional affordable housing for low-and-moderate income households. The 30-day public comment period will end on Monday, March 1, 2021.

The proposed change would no longer designate these properties for use for affordable housing for low- and moderate-income households. The removal of the affordable housing designation on the properties would allow the City to sell the properties at market value and return the funds to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The funds would then be reallocated back to the City of Ames for infrastructure improvements to create an affordable housing subdivision at 321 State Avenue (the former Ames Middle School site). For additional information, go to www.CityOfAmes.org/Housing

Due to the national, state, and local emergencies concerning COVID-19 restrictions on personal interactions, public comments can be sent be via email to Vanessa Baker-Latimer, Housing Coordinator at vanessa.bakerlatimer@cityofames.org or can be mailed to City of Ames, Planning & Housing Department, Housing Coordinator, PO Box 811, Ames, IA 50010-0811. Those who need special accommodations for a disability or language translation should contact Baker-Latimer, at the Department Planning & Housing Department, at 515.239.5400 or the TDD at 515.239.5133.

The Ames City Council will conduct a public hearing to receive comments on the change of use designation beginning at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 9. It will be an electronic meeting. Those who want to comment on the proposed change can also state their views at this public hearing or contact City Clerk Diane Voss by e-mail at: diane.voss@cityofames.org

This press release was produced by the City of Ames. The views expressed here are the author’s own.