The Pella City Council will consider a development agreement for an expansive project to bring workforce housing to the community at their meeting this week.

A public hearing will be held this Tuesday at 7 p.m. in a virtual meeting for the Prairie Ridge Housing Development.

During a Policy and Planning session following a regular session last week, City Administrator Mike Nardini gave a presentation about the project, which if approved, would bring 93 single family housing units priced at approximately $250,000 each and 25 townhomes priced between $180,000 to $220,000.

The total infrastructure cost will be approximately $5.6 million, which includes electric and street projects completed by the developer and a water connection from south of Washington Street to the new development for the City of Pella. Marion County has agreed to reimburse $4.5 million for public infrastructure as houses are built and the City issues certificates of occupancy, which will be reviewed to meet the standards outlined by the City of Pella and is subject to completion of a minimum of 75 housing units for the full amount. Water infrastructure will be handled by the Marion County Rural Water District.

Additionally, a committee made up of Marion County, the City of Pella, the project developer, and GENLINK will come together to ensure the housing units are built up to standards outlined in the development agreement, as they will issue building permits after a full review, and the group will also work to make sure the home prices remain affordable for a median family income in Marion County.

The Pella City Council will review the agreement further at their upcoming meeting on Tuesday, May 19th. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this meeting will be available electronically at 7 p.m. Tuesday:
1. To access screensharing and audio, visit https://join.me/CityofPella
2. To listen to audio only, call 720.650.5050 and enter access code 962-389-622 #