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.