In 2019, Mutz pushed for the city to set aside $250,000 for affordable housing initiatives in fiscal year 2020 with a promise to create 500 units. If $750,000 is approved for fiscal year 2022, the city's support will have tripled over three years.
Developer Green Mills Group purchased the 1.8-acre site from Lakeland Community Redevelopment Group for $324,000 in November 2019. Green Mills also received a $162,000 loan with 0% interest and two-year grace period before the 15-year repayment period starts, for a total of 17 years.
Commissioner Chad McLeod expressed concerns about ensuring that future affordable housing projects make good use of the taxpayers' money.
"I think the initiatives we have pursued as a city and the partnerships that we've seen have been innovative and a good use of those dollars," McLeod said. "I want to see that continue."