Frische calls foul on Findlay housing plans

FINDLAY — Findlay Councilwoman Holly Frische, R-1, is calling foul on plans to build a proposed new multi-family development on Findlay's east side. Council already voted 10-0 at its regular meeting on July 15 in favor of issuing a letter of support at the request of Sullivan Development, Carmel, Indiana. The letter is meant to assist the developer in pursuing financing for the project. A representative of Sullivan addressed council in July, and Frische asked if the plan is for low-income housing. The representative said the income level would be moderate, but that planning was still in the early stages. Frische now feels misled. At the Aug. 19 meeting of council, she said 1st Ward has enough low-income housing. Councilman Dan DeArment, R-4, agreed that the representative's comments on income level were misleading. The letter of support, addressed to the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA), was signed by Council President John Harrington and Mayor Christina Muryn. It says the development would directly address a "critical local need and reflects our commitment to sustaining a vibrant and economically competitive community." "The proposed development's location is ideally situated in close proximity to a major business park, an area that continues to attract private enterprise and create employment opportunities from across the country and around the world." The letter goes on to state that "providing housing options near major employment centers is vital to sustaining economic growth, reducing commute times and enhancing overall quality of life for our residents." Plans include 116 "rent-restricted" apartments at 0 Sheridan Avenue. The development will include one, two and three-bedroom units. Sullivan plans to pursue financing through a combination of Ohio low-income housing tax credits, federal low-income housing tax credits, Ohio housing trust funds, a housing development loan, and both taxable and tax-exempt bonds. Council does have an opportunity to submit comments to the Ohio Housing Finance Agency, but objections must be signed by a majority of voting members. In a notice to council, dated Aug. 12, Sullivan Development said the agency will take comments regarding the proposed project's impact on the community within 30 days of the mailing date of the notice. The notice lists Timberline Villas GP, LLC, Columbus, as the general partner, and Ruscilli Construction Co., LCC, Dublin, as the contractor. The property manager is listed as the RLJ Management Company, Columbus. The Buckeye Community Hope Foundation, Columbus, a non-profit developer, is also listed as part of the development team. OHFA works to support affordable housing opportunities. The agency provides financing for the acquisition, construction, and rehabilitation of owner-occupied, single-family homes and multifamily rental housing projects. Its programs serve low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers, renters, senior citizens and other populations with special needs who might otherwise struggle to afford quality housing. It offers programs to help first-time homebuyers, renters, senior citizens, and others find quality affordable housing. OHFA offers mortgage loan options, down payment assistance, mortgage tax credits and grants. It also provides financial resources and tax incentives for developers of low- to moderate-income housing, and helps property managers and owners of OHFA-financed rental properties remain compliant with state and federal housing regulations. Funding comes primarily through the issuance, private sale, and repayment of mortgage revenue bonds. The agency also receives federal funds from sources like the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under the HOME Investment Partnership Program. Additionally, some programs are funded by the Ohio Housing Trust Fund. In a letter to council, dated July 11, Matt Cordonnier, director of Hancock Regional Planning Commission, said that if the developer secures funds from the state of Ohio, the project must still move through the city's permit process.