The developer is asking for Council support for the project as it will provide much needed rental housing targeted to low income families, those with disabilities, and those with fixed incomes, including retired citizens and single-parent families.

The proposed Jackson Court Housing project would add 38 units of affordable housing in the southwest corridor on an undeveloped 3.63 acre property located at 510 Jackson Street, between State Avenue and King Avenue East. The property is currently used for agricultural purposes and storage of vehicles, soil, and gravel. The property and is adjoined on the west, north and east by single-family residential uses and on the south by an industrial/commercial including a shop and storage buildings. An irrigation ditch and the undeveloped Mitchell Street right-of-way separate the property from the parcels to the south. A pedestrian/bike path following the ditch and linking Jackson Street with Optimist Park is illustrated on area master plans.

The site was selected as an ideal candidate for mid-density multi-family residential in the southwest corridor as it is unencumbered, is available for purchase, is surrounded by residential uses, and has utilities and that city storm, sanitary, and water services in the adjoining rights-of-way. The site is close to employers in the growing commercial district on King Avenue East and South Billings Boulevard.

The project would be developed as a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) project by limited partnership between GL Development and Anderson Consulting services—groups dedicated to developing affordable housing projects helping Montana communities provide a wider range of housing opportunities to Montanans. The project will be funded through a combination of the sale of tax credits, grants, loans and private investments.

Jackson Court is one of seven Montana projects identified by the Montana Board of Housing  (MBOH) as an ideal candidate to be awarded tax credits as it will meet state-wide and City of Billings goals for providing clean, safe, modern, energy-effcient and accessible housing.  Tenants will undergo a rigorous application and review process to determine eligibility.

The Montana Board Of Housing (MBOH) will be awarding tax credits at their October 19, 2020 meeting. The application for Jackson Court was submitted to the MBOH on August 3, 2020. The project is currently in the preliminary conceptual development phase. Work to date on the project has included investigation into how the units would be best designed to fit onto the site; outreach to neighbors and community organizations, city departments, and the South Billings Boulevard Urban Renewal District (SBBURD); and investigations into establishing design criteria and requirements.

The intent of the development and design team in the coming months is to inform Council and these groups with details about the project as they are developed and envisioned. A Preliminary Architectural Report  (PAR) is being prepared. A copy will be provided to the Council and all interested parties after September 15, 2020. 

As outlined.

If the project is not supported and does not come to fruition, Billings southwest corridor will continue to lack affordable housing for its residents and its tax base will remain untouched.

The sum total of investment in the southwest corridor as a result of the project is estimated to be $6,000,000. The project will add to the southwest corridor tax base. The design team consists of Billings-based architectural and engineering firms. It is intended that the project be bid to Billings-based general contractors and trades. If awarded credits in October the construction would start in Spring 2021.