R2023-19 Resolution Authorizing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds and HOME Investment Partnership Funds for the Redevelopment of Garfield School

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RESOLUTION NO. I RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA) FUNDS AND HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP FUNDS FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF GARFIELD SCHOOL WHEREAS, the City is interested in advancing the economic and community development interests of the residents of Decatur, Illinois, fostering community revitalization opportunities by redeveloping the Garfield School property(the "Site") and; WHEREAS, in furtherance of its stated purposes, the City would like to work with a Developer on this site to master plan an overall campus style redevelopment to be completed in a series of highly coordinated phases. One of the primary overall goals would include the creation of high-quality residential uses, other mixed-income housing uses intended to grow the population of the area and support nearby businesses by adding "purchase power" in the Neighborhood United neighborhood. The second overall goal will be to realign and reconfigure Garfield Park into a smaller, but attractive neighborhood pocket park that will complement the entire project site as a catalyst for change. The third overall goal will be for later phases to take on a mixed-use development style. Once there are additional roof tops at this catalyst location, the developer will seek to create new neighborhood commercial space on the site, and; WHEREAS, the proposed first phase involves the rehabilitation of Garfield School and converting it to affordable, independent senior housing for individuals 55 and older. The project will be aimed at active seniors who are able to participate in activities and the economy of the community. Significant design focus will be centered on the creation of an attractive, connected site with shared utilities, services, green spaces and amenities. The rehabilitation, along with construction of a new wing of the building, will create 63 high-quality affordable apartments. NOW, THEREFORE,be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Decatur, Illinois: SECTION ONE. The City agrees to commit $375,000 of American Rescue Plan Act funds and$300,000 of HOME Investment Partnership funds to the Garfield School Redevelopment project, contingent upon the approval of Illinois Housing Development Authority Tax Credits.