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During Tuesday morning’s meeting, the Brownwood City Council approved a resolution to support Brownwood Pioneer Crossing, LLC’s application to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs for a tax credit Senior Living housing development. A presentation was made to the Council on Feb. 16 regarding a proposed tax credit Senior Living housing development. The resolution required City Council support through the form of a resolution to complete the application to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.

Housing Lab by BETCO has identified a location in Brownwood for a proposed Senior Living Affordable Housing Development utilizing housing tax credits.

The project would cover over 9 acres at 2508 Stephen F. Austin Dr. and feature 49 units – 45 for those ages 55 and up. There would be 25 two-bedroom and 24 one-bedroom units with rates between $400 – $900 depending on unit size and resident qualifications

Similar developments exist in Mineral Wells, Lufkin, Sulphur Springs, Burkburnett, Vernon, and Livingston.

“It will be a tax credit property which means it will be income-based, however, I believe based on the Council’s discussion they were in favor of the project because it did provide more safe, affordable housing for our senior population in Brownwood,” said Brownwood City Manager Emily Crawford. “The rent still average between $400 and $900 a month, so it is not a HUD property. The project is still in its application period for we do not know for sure if Brownwood will be awarded the development but we should find that out within the next couple of months.”

Council members Ed McMillian, Walker Willey, and Melody Nowowiejski each spoke in favor of additional affordable housing for the seniors, and the vote was unanimous.

Following an executive session, the City Council approved the sale of City owned property located at 4406 and 4500 George M. Shelton Drive, to the Brownwood Industrial Foundation, an independent foundation, for the sale and development of the property to Bravo 5-2, LLC as a medical supply distribution facility.

Brownwood Municipal Development District Executive Director said, “I can’t comment on the business itself because we’re still going to be negotiating with them, but it’s going to be a medical supply company that’s going to be looking to relocate to our area. We’re looking at working a deal with the them at the City-owned industrial park.”

The City Council also ratified BMDD Board action to approve a Building Improvement Incentive Program (BIIP) grant in the amount of $25,000 to Brownwood Fitness Center, LLC for a building located at 104 Center Avenue. Brownwood Fitness Center, located at 104 Center Avenue, is planning a façade improvement to their building. They plan to remove existing façade, replace soffits and facia, rebuilding the face of the building, new paint, repair leaky windows and replace exterior lighting. Total estimated costs of this project is $55,000.

The City Council authorized the purchase of a new automatic tarping machine for the Landfill. The Landfill’s current automatic tarping machine was purchased in 2006 and is in need of replacement. The automatic tarping machine is used for covering the trash at the end of the day instead of utilizing dirt which decreases space in the Landfill. The Landfill has budgeted $110,000 for a new ATM, a request for purchase was solicited and the City received two bids.

The City Council also passed a one reading ordinance canceling the May 6 General Election. The filing period for the General Election ended Feb. 17. Three incumbents – Ed McMillian of Ward 2; Melody Nowowiejski of Ward 3; and Walker Willey of Ward 5 – have filed for the four-year term. The last day to file as a write-in candidate was Feb. 21 and no one filed.

City Council members also received a tour of the Brownwood Fire Department’s new fire engine, which was parked in front of City Hall, prior to convening into executive session.