By Helen Wilbers
The developers of a soon-to-be-built housing community are seeking Fulton Public Schools’ support.
During tonight’s FPS Board of Education meeting at 7 p.m. at Fulton High School, the board will decide whether to prepare a letter of support for Zimmerman Properties.
James McDonald, vice president of development at Zimmerman, said the company hopes to qualify for the low-income housing tax credit program, and he thinks a letter will help.
“The Administration is neutral on the apartment development but concerned about the effect of tax credits on Missouri’s ability to fully fund the School Foundation Formula,” the meeting’s board packet states.
Zimmerman Properties plans to build and manage Maple Pointe Apartments on the northeast corner of Rice Road and Business 54. The apartments are envisioned as a 48-unit housing community, with 24 two-bedroom apartments and 24 three-bedroom apartments, plus a community clubhouse.
“All of the units will be for families who qualify at or below 60 percent of the area medium income,” McDonald said in a letter to Superintendent Jacque Cowherd.
Zimmerman Properties also developed, constructed and currently manages the 96-unit Callaway Village Apartments complex.
Rents for two-bedroom apartments is planned at $415-$490, or $485-$575 for three-bedroom units.
Total construction costs are estimated at $7.4 million, and McDonald hopes the company can partially finance that sum with low-income housing tax credits from the Missouri Housing Development Commission. MHDC credits helped fund construction of Callaway Village Apartments, McDonald added.
Application for the tax credits are due Friday.
“Superintendent Cowherd, the low-income housing tax credit program is a highly competitive arena and a letter of support from your office would be of great assistance,” McDonald said.
Other business
Board members will also review a number of other items during tonight’s meeting.
The full board packet may be viewed at bit.ly/2DsfODC.
Board members will discuss the need for a replacement bus for the 2018-19 school year.
At least one, but preferably two, 77-passenger buses are needed, according to the board packet. Previously purchased buses were off-lease units that cost $75,000-$80,000, up to $15,000 less than the cost of a new bus. Board members will decide whether to authorize the purchase of no more than two off-lease buses.
Additionally, Fulton High School student Brooke Whyte will present to the board about why she believes Fulton should offer girls golf. She claims 15 female students expressed interest in response to a survey, which gathered a total of 61 responses.