A Kansas-City based Community Non-Profit Corporation seeking to build an affordable housing project in Gering will hold an informal open house on their proposal this week.
Oikos Development Corporation received a positive Planning Commission recommendation last month to change zoning for two parcels of land east and northeast of McClellan Park from Residential Medium to Residential High density for the project.
Company President Michael Snodgrass tells KNEB News the plan for the approximately 30 acres would be phased development of duplexes and quadplexes with garages and patios, which would provide workforce housing at a lower price point than single-family residential.
Snodgrass says the 501(c)3 does not plan on building apartments on the properties, which according to public records, were purchased in December last year from Western Nebraska Housing Opportunities for $225,000.
According to the re-zoning application, which comes up for approval during the March 25 City Council meeting, the change for the site in the East Gering Neighborhood District would be consistent with the city’s Comprehensive plan.
Snodgrass says the timeline for the project would depend on funding sources, and the corporation never wants to build more units than can be absorbed by the housing market.
According to the ODC website, the company is heavily involved in affordable home ownership and rental preservation, real estate development and multi-family housing projects across the country, and currently has a similar project in Garden City, Kansas.
Snodgrass says he will be on hand to take questions and provide answers during the open house, which starts at 6 p.m. Tuesday evening at the Gering Civic Center.
