CLEMSON, S.C. (WSPA) — Clemson City Council is paying way to build more than 100 workforce and affordable housing units.
City council unanimously approved the first reading of the Workforce and Affordable Housing TIF Ordinance, which would allow the city to use property tax revenue to build new housing.
“The funding is generated by the incremental tax revenue that happens through assessment as property values increase over time,” Andy Blondeau, Clemson’s city administrator, said. “That money is set aside and used to serve debt that is used to build affordable housing.”
The City of Clemson is partnering with Clemson University, Pickens County and the Pickens County School District on the 20-year project. They plan to build between 100 to 125 single family homes and apartments on a property owned by Clemson University on city’s east side. The housing units will be available to rent or own.
“We’re shooting for anywhere between $165,000 and $200,000 to own and rent between $700 to $900,” Blondeau said.
Each partner will be allocated a percentage of the housing units based on their contributions:
- City of Clemson will take 26 percent of the total housing development
- School District of Pickens County will take 22 percent
- Clemson University will take 26 percent
- Pickens County will take 22 percent
Each partner can set criteria that applicants would need to meet qualify to buy or rent a property. According to the TIF ordinance, the city of Clemson plans to allocate its housing units for workforce housing for municipal employees, the school district will use its units for educational staff and frontline workers, Clemson University will allow university employees to use its units and Pickens County will use its units for county employees.
“I think it’s going to be huge to have an affordable place to live for the people who serve the community,” Blondeau said.
The project is estimated to cost about $20 million, according to Blondeau. He said if there is any funding remaining after the housing is built, it will be used to repair homes and projects in the designated redevelopment area.
People who attended Monday’s city council meeting had mixed reactions about the project.
“I think this is the only way that we’re going to keep affordable housing anywhere in some of these communities, one person said.
“It’s open for fraud,” another person said. “There’s a potential for fraud.”
Blondeau said Pickens County and the school district have 45 days to object to the proposal. If they do not reject it, city council will hold a public hearing and vote on a second reading of the ordinance. If the ordinance is adopted, Blondeau said construction would begin in about two to three years.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
Local News
