The City of Sidney is currently accepting proposals from private developers or housing agencies for the use of up to $500,000 of Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust funds from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development as a partnership to develop average median income work force housing. The City of Sidney was awarded $1 million in 2008 through the Nebraska Affordable Housing Program Grant, and is in the process of closing out the Phase 1 portion of the project by the end of 2012, which was also awarded $500,000 to enhance work force housing.
The project can target home ownership or new rentals, with a focus on additional housing added to the community’s housing inventory with a neighborhood improvement approach. Rehabilitation of substandard housing on a large scale may be considered if it produces additional housing for residents.
On home ownership proposals, the Sidney project should benefit households with incomes at or below the 100 percent level of the Average Median Income household of Cheyenne County. These income levels are: $46,600 for 1 person; $53,300 for 2 people; $59,900 for 3 people, $66,600 for 4 people and $71,900 for a five person family.
On rental housing proposals, the Sidney project must benefit households with incomes at or below the 80 percent level of the Average Median Income household of Cheyenne County. These income levels are: $37,280 for 1 person; $42,640 for 2 people; $47,920 for 3 people, $53,280 for 4 people and $57,520 for a five person family.
The Sidney City Council will recommend final determination of the project award, subject to the approval of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. Project proposals will be judged based on criteria of 1) community impact, 2) number of proposed new units to be accomplished by the developer, 3) leverage of developer funds committed to the project, 4) proposed location and 5) proposed use of the funds within the project.
The proposals are due by no later than July 1, 2012 and should be submitted to City Manager, City of Sidney, P.O. Box 79, Sidney, NE 69162.