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To: Melissa Bynum, Tom Burroughs, Christian Ramirez, Citizens of Rosedale, KS

"Support Affordable Homes, Build Stronger Communities—Join Us Today!"

Support for the 24-Unit TND Project at 43rd and Mission Road – Economic Benefits Without Taxpayer Burden.

Dear Wyandotte County Commissioners and fellow community members:

I am writing to express my strong support for the 24-unit Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) project at **43rd and Mission Road**, a site that has remained vacant for over two decades. This project offers significant economic and community benefits while aligning with the county’s strategic goals for growth and revitalization. Please see a link to our community presentation by clicking here.

  • No Taxpayer Burden – Funded Through LIHTC
    • One of the key advantages of this project is that it will be financed using Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), meaning there will be no financial burden on local taxpayers. The LIHTC program allows private investment in affordable housing developments without the need for public funding, making it a fiscally responsible solution to address the county's housing shortage. No Industrial Revenue Bonds  that might short-change the county and city tax rolls.

  • Immediate and increased Property Tax Revenue
    • The revitalization of 43rd and Mission Road site will generate immediate and increased property tax revenue. For over 30 years, this property has contributed little to the county's tax base, but the new development will bring significant value, benefiting both the local government and public services. This increase in property taxes will further contribute to the county's ability to fund essential services and improvements. 

  • Boost in BPU Revenue
    • As new residents move into the development, there will be a corresponding increase in **utility usage**—particularly for water and electricity—resulting in additional revenue for the **Board of Public Utilities (BPU)**. This project not only provides housing but also contributes to the financial health of local utilities.

  • Revitalizing Long-Neglected Property
    • The corner of 43rd and Mission Road has remained an underutilized asset for far too long. By transforming this vacant lot into much-needed affordable housing, the project will breathe new life into the area, supporting the county’s broader vision of urban revitalization while efficiently utilizing existing infrastructure. The staff recommended TND zoning will allow for efficient use of the land and promote sustainability and walkability in the neighborhood. The project could also draw attentional attention to the cross-town light rail plan for the 43rd Street corridor. 

This project provides a unique opportunity to address Wyandotte County’s pressing need for affordable housing, increase property tax revenue, and boost utility revenues—all without placing any additional burden on taxpayers. I respectfully urge the Commission to approve and support this transformative development.

Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.

Sincerely,

Eliot Arnold
Beachwood Holdings, LLC

Why is this important?

Please see a link to our community presentation by clicking here.

This project is important because it addresses several critical needs in Wyandotte County, both from a social and economic perspective.

1. **Tackling Affordable Housing Shortages**: The Kansas City region, including Wyandotte County, faces a **64,000-unit gap** in affordable housing, making it increasingly difficult for low- and moderate-income families to find stable, affordable homes [oai_citation:5,MARC News](https://www.marc.org/news/economy/affordable-housing-gap-even-wider-some-households). By creating 24 affordable housing units, this project directly contributes to alleviating this significant housing shortage.

2. **Economic Revitalization**: The site at **43rd and Mission Road** has sat vacant for over 20 years, representing a missed opportunity for economic development. This project will finally put the site to productive use, generating **increased property tax revenue** and providing a long-term boost to the local tax base. Additionally, it will increase **Board of Public Utilities (BPU)** revenue through greater utility consumption.

3. **No Taxpayer Burden**: Unlike many other public infrastructure or housing initiatives, this project is financed through **Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC)**, meaning it places **no financial burden** on local taxpayers. This allows the county to gain new housing and revenue sources without the need for direct public funding

4. **Smart Use of Existing Infrastructure**: The project leverages **infill development**, a key goal of the county’s comprehensive plan, which prioritizes building in areas where infrastructure already exists. This reduces the need for new infrastructure investment, making the project not only affordable but also sustainable

In summary, this project represents a much-needed investment in affordable housing and community revitalization while offering significant economic benefits without burdening taxpayers. It addresses both short-term and long-term needs for the county, creating a more resilient, vibrant, and sustainable future.

How it will be delivered

Electronically and via website.

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Updates

2024-09-20 17:14:15 -0400

25 signatures reached

2024-09-17 18:18:38 -0400

10 signatures reached