The Culver Town Council members conducted a public hearing Tuesday night concerning a resolution to deem the Sand Hill Farms property an economic target area and an economic revitalization area per state statute for purposes of residential tax abatement. The abatement would be 100 percent for 10 years.
The Sand Hill Farms property will be home to a workforce development housing project offering 24-unit apartments.
Marshall County Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Jerry Chavez gave a history of the work the Town of Culver has done to get to this point. He even commented that the town is setting a housing development precedent that could spark other communities into completing similar projects.
Culver Redevelopment Commission President Rich West presented the commission’s proposal of a tax abatement based on the number of residents living in the complex that are working in Marshall County. For example, if 75 percent of the residents living in the complex are working in Marshall County then the abatement for that year would be 75 percent. If the percentage is 45 percent the next year, then it is a 45 percent abatement. Town Attorney James Clevenger and said that may not be feasible especially with the financing formula but he would look into it.
Several other residents spoke in favor of the project stating that the housing project is needed for people to live year round in Culver.
Following the closure of the public hearing, the town council members voted unanimously to approve the resolution so the project can move forward.
